10 Questions With Thomas Kenney (3/7/2010)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Thomas Kenney (by Darrick Patrick)

Thomas Kenney is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King Of The Cage, Long Beach Fight Night, Gladiator Challenge, Western Canada's Toughest, Kage Kombat, Western Freestyle Championships, and Extreme Shoot. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is against Scott Merrit in the main event of King Of The Cage at KOTC: Upper Cut on March 13th, 2010.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Thomas: My old wrestling coach approached me in class one day after he overheard me telling stories of an altercation I had over the weekend. He came up to me and asked me if I thought I was tough. My response as a typical eighteen-year-old was, "Hell yeah, I'm bad ass." So, he offered me a fight right then and there and I had my first professional fight about two weeks later. I've been hooked ever since.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Thomas: A couple of the guys I respect in the sport are Georges St-Pierre and Jake Shields. Both guys are well-spoken and they don't have to talk trash to get the job done. They let their fighting do the talking for them. Plus they continue to evolve as fighters.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Thomas: Shop around at the different schools in your area and see what school best suits your needs. Don't just sign up at the school closest to your house. Make sure you do your research on the instructors because you dont want to get involved with shady instructors who will put you into any fight to get his school name out there.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Scott Merrit on March 13th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Thomas: This is a huge fight for me. This is my first fight back with King of the Cage. I haven't had a fight for them since 2007 and Scott is a tough, tough opponent. I know that he's going to come in and try to beat me up, so I have been training extremely hard so that doesn't happen.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Thomas: Being able to instruct someone, helping them improve and do something that they never thought was possible is extremely fulfilling to me. I used to think that fighting in front of a huge crowd was awesome, but passing on the knowledge that has been given to me is ten times better than any win I've ever had in the ring or cage.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Thomas: I have a ton of people that have influenced me, but there are three people that really stand out. My mom, dad, and instructor John De La O. All three of these people have helped me out in so many ways I can't even explain. My parents instilled in me values that helped make me the man I am today, not to mention the love and support they give me even though they don't like what I do. My instructor John De La O has turned a hobby of mine into a profession and given me a career. He continues to help me make the right decisions in this business and is always there to punch me in the face and get me on the right path when I go astray.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Thomas: I like to go and chill at the beach, go snowboarding, or hang out with friends. I'm a pretty mellow person but I'm usually game to do anything when I'm not training for a fight.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Thomas: I almost got arrested in high school for going water ballooning. There was a guy on the corner dressed up like Gumby for LA Fitness, so my friends and I rode by on bikes and hit him with water balloons. Long story short, the police came to my house and I was able to talk my way out of it - but I had to dress up like Gumby for a day and dance on the corner.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Thomas: My oldest memory is probably my first fight. I didn't know what to expect. I was eighteen years old and my opponent was like twenty-eight. I ended up winning the fight by decision with no training at all, just wrestling. I knew from that point on that this is what I wanted to do. That was way back in 1997.

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what three items would you take in with you besides food and water?

Thomas: Damn, I have no clue. Probably a woman so that there was always some kind of drama. Ear plugs so I wouldn't have to listen to that woman when she started to complain. Finally, some sleeping pills for her so that I could have peace and quiet. (Laughs)

Before I go, I'd like to thank a couple of people and sponsors who have helped me out a ton since day one. First, I'd like to thank my family - mom, dad, my brother, Nikki, John, and my sister. They continue to support me in everything that I do and I love all of them for that. My instructor John for everything and helping me get ready for all of my fights. All of the men and women at De La O Jiu-Jitsu and Bravado Muay Thai. These guys beat me up and help prepare me for my fights and I can't thank them enough for all the beatings they give me.

Thanks a lot to Sullen Clothing, Vitaminwater, Topping Events, DSO Eyewear, Toe2Toe, D'FUZED Clothing, Cloud 9 Sports Bar, and Zipfizz. These companies continue to support me and believe in me. I don't think they understand how grateful I am for all of their help. If they're reading this, I just want to say thank you. You guys mean the world to me.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Thomas Kenney in the following places:

Official Thomas Kenney MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/tkotom2000

Official Thomas Kenney Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/thomasmkenney

De La O Jiu-Jitsu:

http://www.delaojiujitsu.com

Thomas Kenney on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Thomas-Kenney-3110

Thomas Kenney Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/3110