Through the next year I’m going to be living, training, and fighting in Chiang Mai, Thailand at Team Quest. I’ve decided to do a blog at the end of each month to keep everyone updated on how things are going over here. I am by no means a writer, but a Professional Mixed Martial Artist — who has been punched in the head a lot, so bare with me.

Jeremy Kennedy’s Team Quest Thailand Blog #1

After a lot of good-bye dinners and last minute arrangements, I finally found myself on the long 25-hour travel (that I had been dreading) to Thailand. Once I landed it was a bit of a culture shock. The roads were hectic and even a simple taxi ride to the gym had me nervous, but the weather was something I could easily get used to and the food was amazing.

Within a week of being here I found myself inside a MMA cage. Not to compete, but as a referee. There was a last minute mix-up and the newly CMFC (Chiang Mai Fighting Championships) needed a ref for their show. Although I was no Herb Dean, the fights were luckily two first-round submissions, so my job was pretty easy and everything went smooth. It was an experience of a life time being 2-feet away from the action and something to check off the bucket list.

After my first weekend of settling in and checking out the night life the grind was on — two-to-three practices a day with a lot of down time to rest and amazing food I knew I had found my new home. I quickly realized that without any transportation you were sort of stranded. Unless you don’t mind walking or figuring out bus routes in another language. After about two weeks I decided to buy a motor bike (more like a scooter haha). Now I could explore a little bit between training sessions. I was able to check out all the night markets, find hidden waterfalls, watch some Traditional Muay Thai fights, and most importantly I had a way to get to my Sunday hangout. The Red Rock Quarry, it is a perfect place for my rest day with clean water and big cliffs to jump off.

With my new training regiment I got in really good shape, really quick and wanted to get in the cage as soon as I could and waste no time on this opportunity. It was good timing because CMFC had just planned their next show for March 7 and I was able to line up a fight.

As for all my training that I have been doing, results on my fight, updates on any future fights, and whatever else I find myself up too, you’ll have to check back in next month for March’s blog.

For now, here is a video of what my training regiment has been like the past month.

I would like to thank MMASucka.com for letting me blog, Team Quest Thailand for the opportunity, and a huge thank you to my friends, coaches and family back home for the support.

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Follow more on Jeremy’s Team Quest Thailand Journey on his official Facebook page.