Jackson Parish resident and First Responder, Kerry Mullins, recently made local history when he became the first Jackson Parish resident to ever referee and judge a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight.
In the event that was televised by Combat Sports Coverage, Mullins refereed two bouts and judged 14 others at the Ragin’ Fighting Championship that was held in Lake Charles, LA. To date, Mullins has refereed 17 fights and judged 14 bouts.
To be eligible for the honored positions in the “octagon,” Mullins had to complete a 3-day American Boxing Commission training course for Bare Knuckle, MMA, and Muay Thai Kickboxing.
“I have been in Martial Arts for over 30 years, so it makes for a natural eye being the referee,” said Mullins when asked about what led him to achieving has been a goal of his. “Several shoulder surgeries prevent me from competing today, but I wanted to give back to martial arts for all it has given me.”
Mullins went on to explain how Martial Arts have been a part of his life since early childhood.
“When I was 5 years old, I joined a Karate school in Bluffton, South Carolina. I spent all my time at training or going to tournaments, and when I was 18 when I got my first Black Belt,” recalled Mullin. “During my teen years, I would also practice Ju-jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing.”
As a young adult, Mullin continued to pursue his love of martial arts.
“I joined the Army in 2007 and was deployed to South Korea. After being assigned to assist a Lieutenant Colonel, I was given the opportunity to try out for the 2ID Taekwondo Team,” reflected Mullins. “The team consisted of United States and Korean army soldiers to aid with relations between the U.S. and Korean Nationals, and we did numerous demos and competed in multiple country tournaments. It was there that I received 2 more ranks of black belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido.
After leaving the Army, Mullin moved to Louisiana at the end of 2012 to start a new civilian life.
“I started by opening a small martial arts class before getting into law enforcement, where I am now a deputy with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. I participated in Battle of the Badge events and assisted in training some for the same,” said Mullins. “I am proud to be a member of the Louisiana Athletics Commission and provide fighters fairness and solid judgment on the matches I work.