January & February Upcoming Events!

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We are starting of the New Year with a Bang! We have Multiple events and training sessions coming up! 

 

This weekend the fight will travel to Weapons 9 Muay Thai Gym in New Jersey. We are excited to cross train with such a great camp. Some of the fighters from The Institute will also be there. We will leave the gym at 9am to get up to NJ to train at 12. There will be no Womens Only Class Saturday morning (Jan 10th) Coach Erin is traveling with us to get in sparring for her upcoming fight!!

weapons 9

 

 

January 17th we are holding a Level Up “Sparathon”. From 11am til 1pm we will open our dorrs up to any Gyms that would like to come and spar here with us. We are expecting a large turn out, will over 35 people confirmed coming from multiple different gyms from all over! We will have training for all levels. We will seperate the more experienced and less experienced in to two groups, then divide both of those groups by weight. All are welcome, even if you’d like to just come and watch! 

Previous Cross Training Session Here @ Level Up

Previous Cross Training Session Here @ Level Up

 

January 24 Coach Erin Jimenez makes her return to the ring!! Erin will be fighting for Gut Check in Delaware, please come and support her! This is a big fight for her, as it will be her first fight back after ACL surgery. She is one of our hardest working Fighters, and one of the most talented as well. This is not a fight you will want to miss!!

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Erin Lands A Viscious Knee

 

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Just a couple weeks later on February 6th, Coaches Jared Tipton, and Patrick Rivera will be fighting for Glory World Series!! Glory is the premier Kickboxing show in the World. This is a huge step for both of them personally and for us as a Team. It’s extrememly important that everyone come out to support these two, not only for them and the team, but to show Glory they made the right choice by bringing the event to Virginia. Until now the majority of Glorys events have been held in major cities like New York, LA, Chicago, and internationally all over Europe and Asia. We have to show them and the world the the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area fighters are some of the best the US has to offer! So we need your help!! Tickets should be in soon! Stay tuned! 

 

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glory 19

 

 

 

On February 28 Luther Smith will compete in his first Pro Boxing event. The event details will be available soon. Luther will be fighting for Jeter Promotions, where he fought all of his amatuer boxing fights. All of us here as well Tony Jeter believe that Luther has what is takes to become one of boxing nexts stars and we are all excited to see him take his first step towards that goal. Again crowd support is huge in the fight game so mark this date down on your calenders and come support Lights Out in his Pro Debut!!

 

Luther Smith & Promoter ? Fighter Tony Jeter

Luther Smith & Promoter ? Fighter Tony Jeter

Wednesday Night Mixed Level Sparring Class

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We are adding in a new training element here at Level Up. Starting this week December 3rd 2014 we will be adding a Mixed Level Sparring Class. This class will be designed to bring the Experienced Level Team members together with the Newer Team members, which will help those hoping to compete, or just test out all the training they have been doing in a safe and controlled environment. This will be one of the Mandatory classes for the Fight Team and JV Fight Team members. You will have to have passed the Level 1 Test to attend or have been invited by the Coaching Staff based off previous experience. The practice will be run by Coach Jason, you should be warmed up, with all your gear on and ready to go at 8:30pm if you are participating. 

 

Necessary equipment is as follows. 

  • 16oz sparring gloves
  • shin pads
  • mouthpiece
  • headgear (is optional, we will be going light and technical)

 

Level Up, Towson Thai Boxing, Coalition, Ground Control Sparring @ Level Up

Level Up, Towson Thai Boxing, Coalition, Ground Control Sparring @ Level Up

 

Currently our fight team trains separately from the general population here at the gym. This is an amazing opportunity to get a first hand look at the systems that has made them so successful, and pick up new techniques to add to your game, as well as learn what specific things you need to tighten up before you compete, or just to make you a sharper Martial Artist. We will also frequently have guest training partners visiting from other gyms. This is part of what has made Level Up rise quickly, getting different training partners with different styles forces you to learn how to adapt on the fly. That is one of the most valuable tools to have in a fight. 

 

If you are unsure if you are eligible, or are curious how to be invited to this practice speak to any of your Coaches to get the proper steps in order to attend. We cross train with some of the best Gyms and Fighters on the East Coast. If the thought of one day being one of the Best yourself excites you this class is for you. If you love Muay Thai, Kickboxing, or Boxing, and want to test your skills in a safe and fun environment, this class is also for you. We will be keeping the pace at a technical level, which allows you to learn from your mistakes and make the proper adjustments.  We look forward to watching everyone improve, and seeing who emerges as our next Fight Team Members. 

 

Join The Team!

Join The Team!

 

Here’s a video clip of one of our Cross Training Session with Glory World Series Fighter Francois “Bang Bang” Ambang

 

Thanksgiving Week Schedule

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Hey Level Up Family!! We will be open regular hours Monday and Tuesday. 

 

On Wednesday we will have open Mat from 8am-7:30pm. Anyone who would like to come train, or shows up to class the gym will be open. 

 

WE WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 

 

We will resume normal Schedule Monday Morning. 

 

Check here if you are unsure about class times —–>>> https://www.levelupgym.com/schedule/

 

I hope everyone has a great Holiday and eats well! 

 

For fight team Members we will be training at Rami Elite in Philadelphia Saturday at 1pm if you can make it. 

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Here is the address

7249 Rising Sun Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Turkey-with-Boxing-Glove

 

Team USA At The Unified World Championships PT 2

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Day 2 was a free day for the Team.

We started the day off on the beach training. We warmed up with a light jog. Got in a few rounds of shadowboxing, light sparring, and mittwork. The sand took a little adjustment. We were all careful not to go too fast or too hard being so close to the competition. Sand aside, you couldn’t ask for a better setting. The Mountains on one side, the Ocean on the other. After training we walked down to the water for a bit. You had to appreciate where these guys had gotten themselves. Earning their way on to this team, and drumming up the money to get themselves there. This is fighting at it’s purest, doing it soley for the love of the sport. We spent about two hours training before we headed back to the Hotel. Everyone on the team was planning to head out to explore some of Italy while we had free time.

 

 

We decided to head to Pisa. It was only a short train ride away. A bunch of the other teammates did the same. We took a cab ride over with the Hotel’s go to Cab driver Sanki. He laughed at us for going to Pisa saying it was small. At first I was confused why anyone would deter us from seeing something as famous as Pisa. After thinking about it though, I know I have personally told people who came to visit DC that the sites weren’t that great. I guess when you spend so much time around something you stop seeing it’s value. We felt there was no way we could be this close and not come see the Leaning Tower. Just as someone who traveled from far would want to see the White House or Washington Monument. When we got off the train we had a general idea of which direction to travel in. The Tower was visible from the train platform. We found the Cathedral Square and cruised around for a bit taking photos. It’s funny to see all the people getting their shot of them holding up the tower. I snapped a picture out of context to show how bizarre everyone looks outside of their personal picture. After walking around for a bit we grabbed some food. In front of the Cathedral Square there was market area filled with street vendors. They all had the Pisa keychains and t-shirts, one thing that jumped out at us was this Camera attachment we saw a few people with. It’s an extendable pole that lets you attach your cellphone too to take a selfie with. They sell a remote camera shutter also to take the shot without having to touch the phone. This thing is going to revolutionize the selfie world, we dubbed it the helpie. 

 

As the sun started to go down we decided to head back to the train station. We had a confusing time coming back as the train we got on took us a different track back then the way we came. After train hoping a couple times, and missing our stop once, we made it back in one piece. To our suprise when we walked out of the station Sanki our Cab driver was already waiting. I’m still not sure how he knew to be there. Once we got back to the hotel we all turned in to prep for the first day of competition. 

 

TO BE CONT…..

Team USA At The Unified World Championships PT 1

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We started our journey near home at the Dulles International Airport. Myself, Jared and Patrick got dropped off and met up with Luther and his wife Rachel inside. After a long flight we had a 4 hour layover in Frankfurt Germany. The flight from Frankfurt to Florence Italy was short, maybe just over an hour. The US Team had people coming in on different fights so we waited for a bit at the airport to we could all catch the bus to the Hotel as a group. We are staying at the Hotel Kyrton here in Tuscany. It’s like a bread and breakfast style hotel. The hotel is cozy, there is a common area with couches and cable TV. A small island bar in the center of the first floor that serves Coffee, Espresso, Wine, and other drinks. After checking in and getting our rooms assigned we had dinner here at the Hotel. There are two large dining areas, we eat in the main dining area, the food is served restaurant style at dinner and buffet style at breakfast. I slept well for the most part, outside of waking up around 3am not sure where I was for a second. haha. I got up around 7am to go down and eat and get an idea of what the days schedule was like. A lot of the fighters still had weight to cut and were up early bundled up to run outside. The Level Up Crew traveled close to their fight weight, Jared and Pat went for a run the night we got in just to be sure. Both woke up on weight and ready to go. The Bus to take us to the venue was late, they had picked up some fighters from other teams so we sent all our fighters on the first Bus to get weigh ins started while the Coaches hung back to catch the second bus. Once we arrived at the venue all the coaches went in to find their fighters. Most of them have been in weight cut mode for roughly 48 hours at this point. There wasn’t much in the way of stores nearby to pick up drinks for rehydration. I found a shop down the street with water for sale and was able to make it back in time to hand it off to the guys as they went in step onto the scale. 

After weigh ins most of the team went their separate ways looking for places to eat. There was a string of restaurants running a long the main street. We checked a few until we found one that jumped out at us. The main strip ran a long the shore line, Luther spotted a place that backed right up to the beach, we checked the menu and decided to go with that. They walked us through to the back which opened up to an outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. The food was incredible. Our waiter didn’t speak any English but we made it work, he was super hospital to us. As always, that first meal after a weight cut brings about positive mood change. I have to say this was probably the best post weigh in meal we have had as a team. As hectic as the travel has been, and just the general being out of our element all around as far as our processes go, at this point we all had to step back and enjoy the moment. We even saw a guy fly down off the mountain on a hang glider and land right on the beach behind us. (see video below) On the ride back with everything behind us and feeling like we were settling in I was really able to reflect on things. I think in America we get used to what we consider a standard, and that creates expectations. Or maybe not all of us. I expect things to be as I picture them in my head. Italy wasn’t exactly what I expected at first. I’m not really sure how to explain what I pictured in my head, and what the difference is of my initial impression. On the ride back though it hit me that what seemed different here was the simplicity of just enjoying life for what it is. For most of us in America we are constantly pushing forward to whats next, we always want more. I’m not saying that being here changes that in me. I feel like thats part of what makes Americans who we are.  It was nice to have a reminder to just enjoy the moment though. 
When we got back to the hotel we decided to go explore the town near us and locate the market to get bottled water and supplies we may need for the tournament. We got turned around a few times on the way. Jared stepped into a hotel and they gave him a map and marked off where we were and where we needed to get to. We started off in the right direction, second guessed ourselves and doubled back, then realized we were going the right way in the first place (lol) We found the market tucked away off the main strip of stores. The clerk was super helpful. We were able to pick up fruit and water. We stopped in a another small shop on our way back looking for peanut butter, no luck. In both places the guys were asked if they were athletes, and both times were greater with excitement at being fighters. Everyone we met was extremely nice. We got back just in time for dinner. After we received our Team USA fight shorts. After a brief meeting discussing the plans for the following day we were free to do what we wanted. I hooked my laptop up to the TV in the main common area. A bunch of us sat down to watch School Dance, a Level Up favorite you will hear us constantly quoting from. The movie was over around midnight. For the most part everyone turned in. I decided to stay up and write this while everything was fresh in mind. Tomorrow, we will get up and eat breakfast around 7am, go back to sleep for a bit, then head to the beach around 10am to get in some training. 

 Video Highlight 

Stay tuned! 

 

Coach Jason

 

“Lights Out” Luther Smith Featured On Inside MMA Tonight!!

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Luther Lights Out Smith on Inside MMA

Announcement

Tune in to Inside MMA on AXS TV Tonight  (October 3rd) to See Luther “Lights Out” Smith’s most recent knockout highlight!

 

 

 [rev_slider luther]

LUTHER “LIGHTS OUT” SMITH

 

2014 WKA North American Kickboxing Champion

 

Revolution Fight Series Muay Thai Heavyweight Champion

 

Jeter Promotions Maryland State Boxing Heavyweight Champion

 

Overall Record- 9-1

Height- 6’4″  Weight 209-220lbs

 

One of Level Up’s most promising fighters, Luther “Lights Out” Smith is poised to become the next big name in the striking arts. He is fresh off a devastating knock-out victory that earned him the RFS Muay Thai Heavyweight Championship. The incredible win is scheduled to be highlight on AXS TV’s Inside MMA on October 3rd.

In less than 3 years of training, Luther has already made huge strides in Kickboxing (2-0), Muay Thai (3-1), and Boxing (4-0) with 7 of his 9 wins coming by way of knockout. facebook-like-button

In  only a few short weeks, Luther will represent the United States at the WKA World Tournament in Italy. Shortly  after his return, he will fight on the under-card of Lion Fight 19.

Luther is undoubtedly one of the most exciting heavyweight fighters to enter the scene in a long time.

Look for Luther “Lights Out” Smith and Level Up Boxing on Facebook to keep up to date with the WKA World results, and Luther’s upcoming fights.

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Click for more information about Lion Fight 19, where Luther “Lights Out” Smith is scheduled for his next US Fight in November. Tickets available at Level Up!

 

 

Coach Jason Farrell On Muay Thai Guy Podcast

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This past Sunday after a jam packed two weeks Coach Jason Farrell found some time to talk Muay Thai with Sean Fagan on the Muay Thai Guy Podcast. sean has interviewed some of the best fighters and coaches in our sport. If you havn’t had a chance to check out these interviews yet we highly recommend them! Sean picks the brains of Great Fighters like Kevin Ross, Joe Schilling, Chaz Mulkey, Joe Valtelini, and High Level Coaches like Eric Haycraft, and Mark Beecher. If you have ever wondered how the best do what they do, these Podcasts give you in inside look to the elite level of Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

 

Here’s what was discussed

  • How he took the leap from working a stable job to opening up his own gym.
  • The difficulties of owning and operating a Muay Thai gym.
  • What a normal day of training is like for his fighters and how he prepares them for fight night.
  • The importance of having his fighters best interest at heart
  • Not worrying about “Gym Hopping” and not having an ego when his fighters workout or spar at different gyms.
  • Why drilling and sparring are the main focuses during training sessions.
  • How he warms up and mentally prepares his fighters in the locker room.
  • The importance of centering his fighters in between rounds and giving simple, straight-forward advice.
  • His goals for his gym and fighters and how he wants to be one of the go-to gyms in the US.
  • And much more!

 

Coach Jason (left)

Coach Jason (left)

 

The Muay Thai Guy Podcast is an incredible learning tool, and it’s FREE!! Download and subscribe today! 

MTGlogo

Follow this link directly to the Podcast   —–>CLICK HERE<—–

 

Subscibe to the Muay Thai Guy Podcast   —–>CLICK HERE<—–

 

 

 

 

Warriors Cup 21

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The Level Up fight team found it’s way back to New Jersey competing at the vaunted Warriors Cup Muay Thai promotion.

 

Warriors Cup is one of the best shows I have ever dealt with. Chris Tran is an amazing match maker. It’s rare you will find a mismatched fight on this promotion. This type of match making provides incredible action packed fights. Chris also is very considerate of the fighters needs and is constantly checking on everyone to make sure they are good to go throughout the night. New Jersey athletic commission also has very stringent testing that must be completed before fighting. This gives all involved piece of mind that the State cares about the well being of these athletes putting their well being on the line for what they love to do.

 

Originally Level Up had two fighters on the card. Patrick Rivera was set to fight George Jeffries out of North Carolina for the 160lbs Title. Jeffries was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury a couple weeks before the event. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to find someone willing to step up and take his place.

Hardware Shot

Hardware Shot

 

Jared Tipton would be facing Joe Logan of Stay Fly Muay Thai for the 125lbs Amatuer A class Title. We expected a tough fight from Joe. Logan has been on a similar path to Jared. It was only a matter of time before these two met. Jared had a relatively easy weight cut. He stays on a healthy diet to always be ready for any opportunity they presents itself. Weigh Ins went smoothly, Jared and Joe squared off with the belt one of them would be taking home the next day.

 

 

Waiting To Weigh In

Waiting To Weigh In

 

Logan & Tipton

Logan & Tipton

 

The fight played as we expected. Back and forth action. Joe set his sights on Jareds lead leg. Jared worked his hand combinations, caught Joes kicks and was able to sweep him throughout the round. Midway through round one, Jared caught Logan in the clinch and delivered a hard knee to the face, at the time it appeared not to have done much damage. The two tied up again moments later where Jared was able to deliver another knee that landed flush on Logans nose which clearly broke it. Round one ended in favor of Jared. Logans coach Justin Greskiewicz was able to straighten the nose out and get Joe back in the fight. Rounds two and three went the same, Jared mixing up his hands, elbows and knees, looking to sweep Logan whenever possible, Joe continued hunting for Jareds leg. Going into round four I felt we had done enough to win the first three rounds.

 

 

In rounds four and five the low kicks appeared to take a toll on Jared. For anyone that knows him or has seen him fight, Jared never slows down. His relentless pace and pressure are what has won him all his previous fights. These last two rounds though he slowed down tremendously giving Logan the opportunity to turn it up and win the final rounds. Although mathematically I feel we won the fight three rounds to two, I also feel that the final two rounds are the championship rounds, and to be a champion those are the two rounds that count the most. I’m proud of Jared for his performance. He mixed up all his weapons very well and displayed that he can make use of everything available in Muay Thai. Obviously we want to win every fight, but if we lose we learn. So even though it stings, it’s an important part of the process headed towards a Professional career. We will make the necessary adjustments and come back stronger than ever.

 

agony

The Agony of Defeat

 

We would like to again thank Chris Tran for giving us a shot at the belt on such a great show. Thank you to Dan Eric and Chastity Cortijo for their awesome photos of the action. Thank you to Ink Generation for always keeping us looking sharp. Thanks to all the Team, Family and Friends for coming out to support Jared. If you would like to see the fight head over to GFL.tv to purchase the full event which is filled top to bottom with exciting fights.

 

team

The Team w/ Larry Legend

 

6:30 AM Classes Have Arrived!

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Starting September 16th we will be running 6:30am Kickboxing classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings! 

 

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Now that we have showers here at Level Up it’s time to put them to good use. The class will run from 6:30am to 7:30am. We will focus on Kickboxing for now, as the class grows we will add more days, as well as different class options based off our members fitness needs. Our kickboxing classes are designed to get you in great shape, while also learning real techniques that are battle tested and proven. 

 

What to expect

 

  1. Warm up – Jogging/Active Stretching
  2. Shadowboxing – Continue to get your blood flowing and prepping your body for class
  3. Technique – The Coach will demonstrate the techniques for class
  4. Work – How we use the techniques will vary, Bag work, Padwork, Partner work. 
  5. Cool down – We will finish with abwork

 

Why workout in the morning?

 

  • Kickstart your brain for the day
  • Boost your metabolism
  • Starting your day off with a positive activity helps you tackle the rest of the day
  • Helps regulate your sleeping schedule

 

BREAK THE CYCLE! INSTEAD OF THIS!

 

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DO THIS!!

 

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Lion Fight 18 Viewing Party At RFD In Washington DC!

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You don’t want to miss this show!!

 

This Friday September 5th  at RFD located right in the heart of China Town in Washington DC we will be watching the next amazing event from Lion Fight Promotions! RFD has an incredible menu and over 300 different beers from around the world! One block away from Verizon Center Metro stop, and parking just 2 blocks away. If you are driving, stay on New York Ave until you hit I St. make a left there and you will find a large parking lot that is walking distance to RFD. 

 

rfd flyer

 

This fight card is nothing short of extraordinaire! Two title fights, including  Yodsanklai Fairtex, one of the greatest fighter in Muay Thai. Superstar Jason Andrada and tough as nails Eddie Abasalo from CSA, will be fighting as well as some of the sports fast rising stars!

 

yod

 

 

Besides an awesome night of fights, we will also be holding multiple raffles! A $20 raffle ticket can win you either of these amazing prizes!!

Jason Andrada Walk Out T

Jason Andrada Walk Out T

American Muay Thai T Blue

American Muay Thai T Blue

American Muay Thai T Red

American Muay Thai T Red

 

 

Two Tickets To The Next East Coast Lion Fight Event In November!!

Two Tickets To The Next East Coast Lion Fight Event In November!!

 

 

All proceeds go towards sending the guys from Level Up to WKA Worlds this October in Italy! It’ll be a great night for a great cause! Come have fun with the team and the Muay Thai Community!