Tom “Pooch” Picciano
Tom “Pooch” Picciano is a professional MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, and longtime member of the Long Island MMA fight team. Known for relentless wrestling, physical pressure, elite conditioning, and a disciplined competitive mindset, Pooch brings the intensity of a high-level wrestling room into his coaching.
Built Around Wrestling, Pressure & Durability
Pooch has been part of the Long Island MMA team for many years and is one of the longest-standing members of the fight program.
His competitive style is built around relentless wrestling, physical pressure, conditioning, and the ability to keep working when fights become difficult. As a professional MMA fighter, he is currently riding a four-fight winning streak and has competed on major stages, including a fight in Times Square.
That same mindset carries into his coaching. Pooch expects athletes to train with focus, effort, consistency, and accountability rather than simply going through the motions.
Pressure only works when you can maintain it. Technique, conditioning, discipline, and mentality all have to hold up together.
Train Like a High-Level Wrestling Room
Pooch's classes are structured, demanding, and accountable. His approach is designed to raise standards while developing the physical skill and mental toughness serious competitors need.
Bring Real Intensity
Training is purposeful and focused. Pooch expects athletes to work with urgency while maintaining technical standards.
Develop Mental Toughness
Difficult rounds, demanding conditioning, and consistent expectations help athletes become more comfortable working through fatigue and adversity.
Hold the Standard
Effort, discipline, professionalism, and accountability matter every day—not only when a competition is coming up.
Wrestling, MMA & Grappling
Pooch's strongest technical identity comes from wrestling, pressure-based grappling, and the application of those skills inside mixed martial arts.
Wrestling
Develop takedowns, positional control, pressure, balance, conditioning, and the ability to dictate where exchanges take place.
Explore Wrestling →Mixed Martial Arts
Connect wrestling, striking, grappling, conditioning, pressure, and decision-making into a complete competitive MMA game.
Explore MMA →Grappling
Build control, transitions, positional pressure, submissions, escapes, and the live problem-solving skills needed against resisting opponents.
Explore Grappling →Setting the Standard in the Room
Pooch is widely regarded as one of the captains of the Long Island MMA fight team. His role goes beyond teaching technique: he helps establish the level of preparation, effort, and professionalism expected from serious competitors.
Conditioning
Pooch is regarded as one of the best-conditioned athletes in the gym and demonstrates the consistency required to maintain a high work rate.
Accountability
He pushes teammates to meet higher standards and holds athletes accountable for their preparation, effort, and professionalism.
Leadership by Example
His consistency, mentality, and willingness to do difficult work give developing competitors a clear example of what serious preparation looks like.
A Competitive Style Built to Wear Opponents Down
Pooch combines wrestling, physical pressure, conditioning, durability, and a demanding competitive mindset into both his fighting style and his coaching.
Professional MMA Fighter
Pooch competes professionally in MMA and brings current competitive experience into the room.
Four-Fight Winning Streak
He is currently riding a four-fight professional winning streak, reflecting the durability and consistency that define his competitive style.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
Pooch combines his wrestling foundation with advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling experience.
Competed in Times Square
His professional career has included appearances on major stages, including competing in Times Square.
Raise Your Standard
Whether you're developing your wrestling, building a complete MMA game, or preparing for serious competition, train in an environment where effort, conditioning, discipline, and accountability matter.