Friday, September 27, 2013

Jeremy Merrick: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

This week's featured fighter is JEREMY MERRICK!


Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature
September 27, 2013
by Cara Nassar


Jeremy makes me laugh. I think that one of his outstanding qualities is his humor. What's even funnier to me is that he tries to be mean, but I just can't ever really take him seriously because he is such a nice guy. Don't be fooled though. He is still witty and as sarcastic as ever.



I decided to feature Jeremy this week because he has his first fight just around the corner (literally, it's tomorrow!). I wanted to catch him right before the moment of truth. I can't say for sure but I somehow feel that you will never really be the same after your first fight.



I had the pleasure of getting to sit down with him this week and do a brief interview for Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!




How did you get into the sport?

I got into it about two years ago. I started watching UFC fights at a friends apartment and from there I started BJJ with my friends. I went to a couple trial classes at a couple other gyms and then I found you guys and I fell in love.


What is your favorite strike/submission?

Arm triangle.


Who is your biggest inspiration?

A couple guys who I started with. We really pushed and motivated each other.


Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to the ground?

This guy, i'd rather stand with this one [laughs].


What does it mean to you to be a fighter?

Lots of hard work. Even when things aren't stacked in your favor you just gotta keep on trucking. I never worked so hard for anything in my life and this all has been a good learning experience.


What holes do you see in Andy Valentine's game?

I know what advantages I have on him. My reach and stamina is better than his and I think i'm definitely going to be quicker.


What separates you from other fighters?

My reach. Coach Todd and Coach Corey have pointed it out, but back in the day my friend Mike used to call me “the reach”.





What do you want to be remembered for?

I don't know. It's not really that I am doing this to be remembered. It's more of a personal goal. I didn't know I could do itI just wanted to fight.


What made you want to fight?

Back in the day I took tae kwon do - basically a glorified dance class [laughs] - and as a guy I think I just think we all have a deep desire to hulk smash things [laughs]. 


What is something about you that people don't know?

I lived in China for a year and Australia for four months. 


What was your favorite thing about China?

The food! Real Chinese food! People here have no idea what real Chinese food is.


How do you feel about your first fight that's coming up?

Excited and nervous. I just hope I remember what I learned go in and beat him up! [laughs] 


What are you nervous about?

That i'm not going to do what I need to do or that I might drop the ball, but really I just want to go in there and be the best.


Through your preparation what is some advice that you would give to others preparing for their first fight?

Just take it one day at a time. If I thought about it more than one day at a time I would just go crazy.


" Jeremy has grown as a fighter a lot and now is overcoming a lot of obstacles he faced because of his height and skinny build. He is starting to believe in himself and it has elevated his game a lot. He has always been a mental tactician but now he is starting to be able to do the things his mind asks of him because of his hard work." - Coach Josh Yox

"Jeremy is one of the hardest workers in the gym. The dedication he shows sets him apart as a leader and is an inspiration to everyone. He is definitely a great role model for the up and comers." – Coach Corey "the story" Webster

"I've known Jeremy a long time and I can honestly say that this gym has changed his life for the better. It helped him overcome obstacles in life by developing a passion." - Michelle Iak

"Jeremy is the perfect student.  I would love to have 100 Jeremy's at the gym.  He works hard, does what he's asked, shows respect, and is a team player.  I expect big things from him in the future.  Keep your eye on this guy!" - Coach Mike "Dub" Dauenhauer

Jeremy was born and raised in Buffalo, grew up in Tonawanda and went to Kenmore East School District. He will be fighting at 175 pounds tomorrow evening.

Come out and support him in his ring debut as "Barbaric" Jeremy Merrick tomorrow, Saturday September 28th, 6pm at the Sportsplex in North Tonawanda! 




Hope you enjoyed this weeks Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!

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