Exploring the Mechanics of 'Fight Quest'

Shadowy fists strike without warning, leaving no room to evade or defend. A blow to the nose sends searing pain down your spine, disrupting your balance. Blood gushes like a broken faucet, and swelling sets in instantly. While this might not appeal to most, it's just another day for the hosts of "Fight Quest".

While many avoid physical confrontation, Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson, co-hosts of "Fight Quest," embrace it. In this Discovery Channel series, they traverse the globe to learn and compete in diverse martial arts under the guidance of local masters. They dive deep into the culture, training intensively for five days before challenging the nation's top fighters. "Fight Quest" combines cultural insights, travel, and education with the raw excitement of real combat.

Smith and Anderson hail from contrasting worlds. Smith, a southern California native, specializes in Brazilian jiujitsu. After a stint teaching middle school algebra, he now thrives as a professional mixed martial artist, boasting a record of six victories and one defeat. Anderson, from a tough New Jersey neighborhood near Philadelphia, draws on his boxing skills and military experience. An Iraq war veteran, he aims to launch his MMA career with amateur bouts before turning pro.

To film the pilot episode, North South Productions, based in New York, advertised in martial arts magazines and online platforms seeking a "dynamic, charismatic, intelligent, and curious individual to co-host a new martial arts TV series." The advertisement emphasized, "This role will test your physical and emotional boundaries, so you must be ready for the challenge" [source: Meta Tube]. Hundreds of audition tapes poured in from fighters across the U.S., ultimately leading to the selection of Smith and Anderson. The ad's final note, "must be willing to travel," was a modest way to describe the journey—the team visited 10 countries, spanning from Mexico to Indonesia.

We had the privilege of interviewing show producer Chuck Smith, along with Jimmy Smith and Anderson, as they prepared for upcoming MMA fights at their local gyms. Both hosts were enthusiastic about the show and eager to share their experiences.

In this article, we delve into the making of "Fight Quest" and how the hosts overcame its challenges. We also explore the diverse fighting styles and cultural encounters they experienced, as well as the grueling training and battles they faced.

Show Production

During the casting process, the producers aimed to create a compelling contrast between the two hosts. Smith wasn’t discovered through the advertisement—instead, the producers contacted a jiujitsu academy searching for MMA fighters, which coincidentally was where Smith trained. He was available and conducted a phone interview with Amy Rapp, the show’s creator. Impressed, she invited him to an in-person audition alongside five other seasoned mixed martial artists. However, it wasn’t his combat skills that secured him the role. Smith explains:

"I believe one of the reasons I was chosen is because I avoided talking about fighting. Many fighters focus on their toughness, but I knew the Discovery Channel was looking for something different. A fighter’s mindset doesn’t always translate well to TV. We’re wired differently, so I made a conscious effort to steer clear of that narrative."

Anderson submitted an audition tape that stood out for its humor. Producer Chuck Smith recalls, "Doug was a surprise. His tape was genuinely funny, and we instantly liked him." His raw, street-smart toughness complemented Smith’s seasoned expertise. Smith reflects:

"I think our dynamic works perfectly for the show. Our perspectives on fighting are completely opposite. Doug’s approach is so different from mine, and that contrast adds depth to every aspect of the series."

With the two hosts ready for any challenge, the producers focused on selecting countries and martial arts styles to feature. Choices were driven by the uniqueness of the fighting style and the cultural allure of the location. The format involved splitting the pair—one training in urban areas, the other in rural settings. Every country approved their filming requests, though some were avoided due to political instability. Even renowned instructors in Japan embraced the opportunity to highlight their cultural art forms. The selected locations and styles included:

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After finalizing the locations, Smith and his team gathered a five-member crew from New York, along with local sound technicians and "fixers" in each country. These fixers acted as intermediaries, helping to organize shoots and overcome language barriers. The crew arrived two days early to capture extra "B-roll" footage and stayed an additional day to unwind before returning home. Each location required 12 days of filming, with two-week breaks in between for Anderson and Smith to recover and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Smith notes:

"The two-week break at home was just enough time to recover. Ice the sore spots, rest up, take anti-inflammatory meds—and then get ready to do it all over again."

Initially, Anderson and Smith were supposed to face off at the end of every episode. However, after a trial sparring session, the producers reconsidered. Smith explains, "I’m far more experienced than Doug, and watching me dominate him weekly wouldn’t have been entertaining. Besides, we got along so well that it didn’t feel right."

In the next section, we’ll dive into the 10 martial arts styles featured on "Fight Quest."

Fighting Styles

There are at least 10 effective ways to bring someone down. These are the martial arts showcased on "Fight Quest."

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Next, we’ll explore the cultural adventures Smith and Anderson experienced—from visiting Buddhist temples to training with the Israeli military.

Cultural Experience

The cultural dimension of the show is a key part of its charm. Anderson and Smith trained and competed in some of the world’s most stunning locations. From serene Buddhist temples in China’s mountains to ancient Aztec ruins near Mexico City, "Fight Quest" highlighted not just combat but also the rich traditions and landscapes of each region. Anderson reflects:

"I thrive on exploring new places and understanding different cultures. That was one of the highlights of the experience for me. We didn’t just visit new countries—we dove deep into their cultural heart. Every destination left me with unforgettable memories."

Anderson quickly realized that each fighting style mirrored the essence of its country:

"The fighting techniques often revealed the national character, which I found fascinating. China’s style was elegant and deliberate—far from aggressive. The Korean people were among the most serene and kind-hearted I’ve encountered, and their martial art reflected that. In Japan, the fighters embodied the spirit of the kamikaze—relentless and honor-bound, willing to give their all. It’s incredible how much you can learn about a nation’s mindset through how they fight."

It was in Israel where both Anderson and Smith faced their most unsettling experience. Smith recalls:

Anderson adds:

The only instance where producers stepped in was during Anderson’s krav maga match in Israel. He explains:

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In the following section, we’ll explore the intriguing connection between chicken blood, fire curry, and unconventional training techniques.

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Training

Despite their extensive martial arts backgrounds, Smith and Anderson were unprepared for the challenges they faced during their journey. In each country, trainers initially assumed they were actors rather than serious fighters, a misconception both worked tirelessly to dispel. Anderson reflects:

­Training separately, their experiences were starkly different. In the Philippines, Smith practiced in a basic, traditional gym, while Anderson endured a jungle boot camp, crawling through mud pits and undergoing intense rituals. At one point, Anderson lay on a cot with his eyes shut as Filipino kali masters struck his stomach and face. The session concluded with a chicken sacrifice, its blood poured over his body. Anderson described it as "the most grueling physical challenge of my life."

In Japan, Smith trained at a Tokyo gym, while Anderson ventured into the northern mountains. Doug hardened his knuckles by striking trees and climbing stone steps on his fists, with someone supporting his legs. Jimmy enhanced his strength by shattering boards, ceiling tiles, and baseball bats using his fists and feet. He also consumed the traditional Japanese "fire curry," which left him and his training partners drenched in sweat and reaching for water.

In Mexico, Jimmy trained alongside Olympians and Golden Glove champions in Mexico City, while Doug was taken to ancient Aztec ruins situated 10,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude posed a significant challenge. Doug performed squats while holding massive rocks and chopped down large fallen trees with an axe. Although Jimmy’s training seemed less intense, his sessions with the Olympians were grueling and "borderline hazing."

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In the next section, we’ll explore the intensity of the final fights, from shattered faces to infected feet.

Fights and Injuries

One thing evident while watching "Fight Quest" is its authenticity—it’s far from a staged reality show. The strikes are genuine, the blood is real, and the bruises and welts are undeniable. Smith clarifies:

While Smith avoided major injuries, Anderson wasn’t as fortunate, requiring multiple hospital visits due to the intensity of his experiences.

While Japan was grueling, Anderson’s most painful injury occurred in Indonesia. He developed a contusion on his foot after his kick was blocked by an opponent’s forearm. He recalls:

Smith described the swollen foot as resembling "a loaf of bread." With no medic available, Anderson had to seek treatment from an unconventional physical therapist.

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