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Ron “Bruiser” Barone, 20, a Yonkers native and instructor at the Westchester Martial Arts Academy (WMAA) in Eastchester, is going to be put to the test on Saturday, Sept. 6, as he makes his MMA debut at the Platinum Gloves Tournament in St. James.
For three years, “Bruiser” has trained for this fight, since getting his start in the sport as a way to strengthen both his body and mind as he prepared for his career.
Since joining the Westchester Martial Arts Academy, the fighter said his training and skills have taken off. He currently serves as a fitness kickboxing instructor and a teacher in the children’s martial arts program. He also serves as the adult self-defense instructor.
“Ever since I started training at WMAA, I feel that my entire MMA game has really skyrocketed,” he said.”
Barone has been hard at work for months, training with WMAA owner Chuck Giangreco in a grueling set of daily workouts that include jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, weight and cardio training. He will be one of 11 featured matches that are scheduled on the card for the weekend’s tournament.
“Ron really has made tremendous growth as a fighter both in physical skill sets and the mental aspects of the fight game since we began training camp,” Giangreco said. “He’s very focused, and very coachable, which invariably separates the winners from the losers.”
Despite his inexperience in MMA fights, Giangreco truly believes that his pupil is ready to dominate in his three-round debut. He said that “Bruiser” is prepared and ready to take over when he steps into the cage.
“I’ve pushed Ron to his limits and watched him break through to the next level,” he said. “As for the fight on (Saturday), it’s already won. Ron just needs to go take his victory.”
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