Send Marshall to Phuket, Thailand

Hi, my name is Marshall Shermer. Many of you already know me but for those who don’t I’ll tell you a little bit about myself. I’m a martial artist and I’ve been training since February 2015. The martial arts have changed my life tremendously. Growing up I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.. I didn’t have any goals or ambitions. I lacked discipline and respect. I had no outlet and I struggled a ton with self control and anger management.

My older brother Rob moved me out to Virginia Beach and immediately put me into jiujitsu at Impact Martial Arts Academy. I trained there for six months before I took my first mma fight. It was really scary and I never thought I’d actually go through with something like that.. I ended up winning via triangle choke and ever since then I’ve just been chasing that feeling of victory.

Since then I’ve won some fights and lost a few. I’ve learned alot about myself and I’ll always be grateful for what the martial arts have given me. I’ve made countless sacrifices in order to continue training and fighting. I’ve went hungry, I’ve been through heartbreak, injuries, depression, and much more. Training has always been there to help me cope with life and how hard it can be.

In March of this year my brother and I opened up our own martial arts academy in our home town of Middlesex county. There’s no other gym out here for miles. Our aim was to give back to our community and give the kids and adults something to help them the same way training has helped us. The gym has been going well. We’re floating around 70 members and we’re able to pay the bills and keep the lights on. Which isn’t bad for only being open a few months.

I'm the head Muay Thai instructor here at NNK Mixed Martial Arts. Although I’m years ahead of my students as far as experience and fighting, I still am not satisfied with the amount of knowledge I have. I want to continue fighting and instructing and I want to be the best I can be.

In order for myself to be as successful as possible it’s a necessity to train in Thailand and learn from the instructors over there. They’ve built their entire lives around fighting, most without a choice. From a young age. The country is beautiful and I’ve dreamt of going there for years now. Without your help it won’t be possible. I don’t like asking people for money, it makes me uncomfortable. I do have a dream though, and I need all the help I can get to make it happen.

If you’re able, please donate anything you can. I give you my word this trip will help me continue to make the world a better place. Much love!! - Marshall