Over the winter of 2008-09 Mong was asked to provide basic “grappling” and “ground work” to instructors and upper-belts of the USA-IFKK. Kyokushin Karate has a strong background in stand-up striking, but is not strong with the basics of fighting on the ground. Dojo owners wanted to learn basic techniques to pass on to their students that would allow for “self-defense” and “exposure” to fighting on the ground.
I personally attended and participated in all of the classes Mong provided to the USA-IFKK. I would like to strongly profess that Mong is a qualified, knowledgeable, and empathetic instructor. I witnessed him work with classes of twenty students or more and classes as small as four students. He has the ability to quickly read the class and modify his lesson on the fly to meet the needs of his students. For each class Mong arrived with a set of objectives and a general plan. His general plan allowed for beginner and advanced students. Each class was made of students with varied levels of ability, yet each class ended with new skills and insight for everyone.
All classes had one common theme, safety. Mong passed along years of experience in several lessons. He demonstrated each technique, showed the dangers of not doing a technique right, and shared stories of what could go wrong when teaching techniques to students.
Mong is a valuable resource to the USA-IFKK and is willing to continue to assist as needed. We are very lucky to know and train with Mong.
Coach Mong:
On behalf of my Finger Lakes Community College Judo class, I extend our most sincere thanks to you for serving as a guest lecturer at our November 4, 2008 class at the Canandaigua campus. As always, your wonderful presentations and great insight relating to the entire spectrum of martial arts training were a big hit with the students. They were especially pleased to have had access to an outstanding Judo Instructor and an authentic Mixed Martial Arts Coach. This year marks the 3rd year of your service to FLCC students as a guest lecturer. Thanks once again for your interest and commitment to our students and for your commitment to excellence in martial arts. We look forward to seeing you in our Spring Semester at FLCC.
Kindest regards,
Bob Montemorano
Adjunct Faculty Instructor Judo PE 103-90
Department of Physical Education and Integrated Healthcare
Finger Lakes Community College
If I can find a few words to describe Mong, I would say he is very passionate about what he does. He can express easily what’s on his mind in a simple and direct way especially when we’re talking about techniques. He’s always hungry for new ideas and like a sponge that can easily absorbed new things.
I will not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who is serious about learning mixed martial arts.
In my 35 years of experience as a fighter and a teacher I came into a conclusion that there are only very few good fighters and a teacher at the same time. A good fighter may not be a good teacher but, Mong is definitely one of the best teachers there is.
Fred Garcia
Former Philippine Kickboxing Champion 1975- 1982
Founder, Sibukan Combatives.
Yawyan Martial Arts Expert and Filipino Martial Arts
Director, Universal Mixed Martial Arts
I was looking for a while for a good martial arts school to join. When I came to find Fusion Mixed Martial Arts which I am glad I have chosen this school. Within a couple of month, I lost over 15 pounds. Also, Mong is very lay back instructor that cares greatly for his students, which is cool also. If you should join martial arts you should join Fusion Mixed Martial Arts. I am glad that I did.
Josh LaRue
I’ve been training with Mong now for about 3 months. Out of the 5 years mixed martial training I have many coaches. Mong is hands down the top coach and trainer around. Since I’ve been in the sport I’ve got to “taste” different styles of MMA training and coaching method through the years and found Mong has the most practical techniques and up to date fighting for MMA and obviously the street. Oh yeah he has one killer conditioning program too! I plan to continue to train with Mong through the years to come.
Marc Balistreri
Jason Pond
(link to competition video – coming soon)I’ve been attending Fusion Mixed Martial arts for about 10 weeks with my instructor, Mong Phu. I’ve learned some self defense techniques, as well as a lot of grappling, take down, and striking techniques also. I’ve had a lot of fun in the class and look forward to training more in the future.
I thank you for helping me train and getting me involved in upcoming tournament i have already learned so much from coming to your class and look forward to keep coming and learning and growing mentally. I am truly grateful to be training with you. Kevin started training with us in June 2007 and is looking forward to competing in full contact karate, and mixed martial arts.
Kevin B.
I’ve previously trained in a few different martial arts, and other sports that are considered fundamental element of mixed martial arts. During these times I have been blessed with meeting multiple instructors, who have helped me in so many aspects of my life. Out of all of them Mong Phu has most likely been the most influential. Mong has shown me how to open the gates to the mental side of training. Since then I’ve grown in leaps and bounds, not only as a fighter but a person of morals. He is an extremely humble and wise person, and I’m unbelievably grateful to have met him.
Sincerely,
Matt McConnell
Thanks to Mong Phu and his MMA class at Fusion MMA I have shed nearly 25 lbs, improved my overall physical conditioning, and vastly improved my character as a person. Mong Phu not only teaches practical and real techniques; but the theories and ideologies behind them. Fusion MMA is not only building strong fighters; it’s building strong people in all aspects of life.
Colin R. Wilson
Anthony have been training with us for almost 2 years. He drives all the way from Monroe County, New York to train with us.
Anthony P.
Camden is one of our junior students. He has successfully competed in several full contact karate tournaments, and a grappling tournament in New York State.
Camden R.
Julianna been training with us for about 5 months. And has competed in 1 full contact Karate tournament.
Julianna L.
Testimonies from Western New York Mixed Martial Arts Academys’ students.
Class is every Friday 8:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Lockport, New York
215 Walnut Street, Lockport, New York
Phone: (716) 433-8683
Mahnsea Boley (aka Monster)
Ba Bu
Mong is awesome and I’ll definitely be doing Muay Thai with him every Friday if I can! His style is uniquely adapted to work specifically for MMA.
WNYGuy
Mong is definately awesome!! He is a brilliant stand up coach and caters everything he teaches specifically for MMA fighting. Not like you shouldn’t already be in for the takedowns class, but this gives you one more thing (and likely the best for your game) to do on a Friday night.
Its a real honor to have Mong and all his stand up expertise available at the academy.