February Fight Schedule

It’s a busy month ahead for Level Up!! Starting off Februry 1st we have Luther Smith and Willie Lovado fighting at the next Jeter Promotions Event at Club 1 Fitness in Millersville MD. Tickets for this show will be available at Level Up. The General Admission Tickets are $35 a piece. Come out and support your Team!! Willie will be making his boxing debut, while Luther returns to the boxing ring for his second fight. Luther’s first fight ended in exciting fashion by way of first round TKO!! That fight also secured him as the Maryland State Amatuer Heavyweight Champion. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of action!

 

Jeter Promotions runs the areas best Amatuer and Pro-Am shows. All the matchs up are made evenly which creates exciting fights. If you miss out on one of the events you hear about it the next day! Be there live to see these athletes lay it all on the line!!

 

Rumble At Club 1

 

Up next on February 8th we have WKA Champion Patrick Rivera, Jared Tipton, and Mubashir Rana fighting at CSC 38! This fight takes place at the Westin in Richmond VA. Pat is the owner of 4 consecutive wins in his last 4 fights. He is looking to keep the streak alive going into 2014. Jared Tipton has also won his last 4 fights, and plans to use this fight to move hi one step closer to turning Pro later this year. Mubashir Rana is coming off a tough split decison loss. He is 1-1 in his Muay Thai/Kickboxing career, with both of those fights being within a week from each other. Mubashir was feeling under the weather in his last fight and is looking to show everyone his true potential.

 

CSC is one of the areas longest running Kickboxing/Muay Thai/ MMA shows. It has launched the careers of some great fighters and will continue to do so for some time. Now with the popularity of Glory here in the US, and the incoporation of Glory Rules at CSC. This promotion will become one of the most sought out organizations in the country to prepare for the jump to the big leagues.

 

Jurt vs romeo

Start Working On Your 2014 Fitness Goals Today!

We all have the same thought patterns every year. “Next year I’m going to get in better shape.”  During the month of December the gyms are always less packed, but come January you find yourself waiting in line to work out because everyone is thinking the same thing. Lets be honest, what starts off as a big life changing plan usually ends after a couple of months. Partially because its hard to keep yourself motivated, but also if someone isn’t keeping an eye on your results or guiding you along the way, you might not realize you are making progress. The gym routine is tough. Unless you’re paying a personal trainer, figuring out what to do on your own can be difficult. At Level Up we are here to help combat all those issues.

Take a look at what we offer:

  • Fitness Classes
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  • Kickboxing Classes
  • Strength & Conditioning Classes
  • Muay Thai Classes
  • Womens Only Kickboxing Classes
  • Kids Martial Arts Classes

The great thing about a class environment is you have built in workout buddies. It gives you a chance to make new friends with common Fitness Goals. These are the people who help you stay motivated, who text you to see where you were if you missed a class, who help push you through the workouts. On top of that, YOUR goals are your Coaches’ PRIMARY FOCUS! It is our job here to make sure you are getting the results you want. Most gyms are filled with empty promises of helping you achieve a better you. Most people don’t know that gyms are counting on you not to show up. If every member of a gym showed up to work out at once there would be no room.

 Don’t take my word for it. Put us to the test! We offer a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL that gives you access to all our Classes and Programs. Come take us for a test drive with no pressure to sign anything for a whole month. Let us show you our ability to change your life! Don’t be one of those people standing in line to get on a machine at the gym in January!! Get started now and get a jump start becoming a better you TODAY!!

CALL RIGHT NOW AND SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!!

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Training With UFC’s Matt “The Immortal” Brown

This past weekend Level Up would get an opportunity to train with one of the UFC’s rising stars, Matt “The Immortal” Brown. Matt is riding a 6 fight win streak, his last fight earned him a Knockout of the Night Bonus, and the previous fight a Fight of the Night award. Of the last 6 wins, 5 came by way of KO or TKO, with only one win by decision, which was over Stephen “Wonder Boy” Thompson. Thompson was billed as a new superstar in the making, with his flashy style and traditional martial arts background. Wonder Boy even got the thumbs up from current Welterweight King Georges St. Pierre. GSP’s head striking coach Farais Zahabi claimed that Thompson was “one of the best strikers he’d seen in any sport”. The Immortal was unfazed by the hype, and put on a striking clinic from bell to bell. Fast forward to now, we find Matt preparing for the biggest fight of his career so far. The Immortal faces Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit. Carlos has lost two of his last three fights, but those losses include the Champion St Pierre, and number one contender Johny Hendricks. A win here could put Brown next in line to fight for the Welterweight Title.

Brown’s Coach Mark Beecher moved his camp from his home in Ohio, to Virginia Beach VA. The idea was to be away from home so that the focus could be on the fight only. Matt’s team of coaches include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Carlos Carvalho, Muay Thai Fighter Dorian Price Sitmonchai, and Kru Mark Beecher. Each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge into the fight camp. One of Virginia Beaches own, Chase Walden has been a steady sparring partner during the camp in preparation for Condit.  Condit a long lanky striker, has a style unlike many. Mark Beecher asked Chase to put a call out to gyms with guys able to spar with Matt, and when Level Up’s Head Coach Jason Farrell got the invite, he jumped at the opportunity. “I make all my fighters watch footage, I personally spend at least an hour every day studying fights myself. Even for MMA fighters I work with its pretty rare that  I tell someone to watch MMA footage for striking purposes. Matt Brown is without a doubt one of the few exceptions. Any well trained fighter or coach can watch Brown for a couple minutes and see that he is the real deal. I’ve personally been a fan of his for sometime and was extremely excited to get to work with him.”

 

Level Up has been on a the grind since opening up in August. With 10 fights and multiple training trips over the last few months there hasn’t been much down time. This young team is hungry for success, and is looking to make a lot of noise in 2014. This past weekends travel team included Head Coach Jason Farrell, our recently crowned Amatuer Heavyweight Boxing State Champion Luther Smith, 2013 165lbs WKA Kickboxing Champion Patrick Rivera, and Amatuer Kickboxer Will Anderson who is coming off a 1st round TKO victory in his last fight. The team arrived at Olympus MMA in VA Beach about 30 minutes early to get a chance to stretch their legs out after the 4 hour drive. When Browns team showed up, introductions were made, and then the warm up began. Before training started Dorian Price brought every one out to give them specific instructions of how to spar with Matt to mimic Condit. The training was excellent, under the watchful eye of Mark Beecher who has trained talented fighters such as Kevin Ross, Kat Zingano, and was Forrest Griffins striking coach. He also holds multiple titles in Muay Thai. This was a great opportunity for the fighters from Level Up. Luther Smith who plans to fight professionally next year, and Patrick Rivera who will look to fight professionally in MMA in the next couple years were able to learn a lot and grow from this experience.

After roughly 10-12 rounds, we all posed for pictures, and wrapped it up for the day. Everyone was ready to eat so we walked over to a nearby restaurant and grabbed some food. Matt graciously paid for the whole tables dinner, and thanked us for coming out to spar. We said our goodbyes and got back in the car for the long trek home. It was an honor to train with Matt, Mark and Dorian. We look forward to working with them all in the future, and wish Matt the best in his December 14th fight on Fox.

Will, Matt, Patrick & Luther

Will, Matt, Patrick & Luther

 

Will, Dorian & Luther

Will, Dorian & Luther

Kru Mark Beecher & Coach Jason Farrell

Kru Mark Beecher & Coach Jason Farrell

Matt, Dorian, Ricardo, Carlos, Mark

Matt, Dorian, Ricardo, Carlos, Mark

Dorian Price Sitmonchai & Coach Jason Farrell

Dorian Price Sitmonchai & Coach Jason Farrell

 

 

If you are interested in Mauy Thai or Boxing Classes to prepare you for the highest level of competition. Stop by Level Up today and start your 30 Day Free Trial!!

 

Call right now and schedule your appointment!!    240.206.8505

Star Studded Training Session

Combat Sports Center held another group training session at their Richmond facility this past Saturday November 9th. Level Up was excited to receive the invite to train again among some of the East Coasts striking standouts and up and coming fighters. Our last visit there was a large turn out of the lighter weight athletes, for whatever reason this session would be filled with the Big Boys! From the 170lbs range up to the Heavyweight range the mats were filled with talent. 165lbs Amatuer World Champion Chase Walden, Pro MMA and Muay Thai Fighter Tim Woods,  Travis Lerchen who faces Cyrus Washington on the December 13th Take On Productions Event, Road To Glory Winner Francois Ambang, and Pro Glory Kickboxer Brian Collette. Francois and Brian both fight on the upcoming November 23rd Glory World Series at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Luther Smith, fresh off a knockout victory in his boxing debut was excited to get a chance to work with high level athletes. It’s not often you find many high level Heavyweight sparring partners. Brian and Francois are where Luther plans to be, so having the ability to work with them, and gauge where his technique is at, is vital at this stage in his career. It’s also a great tool for Coach Jason Farrell to decide what to focus on in training. Brandon Davis who cross trains between Level Up and Ivey League MMA also made the trip out. Brandon has an extensive background in Tae Kwon Do, and has been training in Muay Thai for close to 5 years now. Both Luther and Brandon have been taking Kickboxing Classes in Maryland at Level Up Boxing and Fitness, and felt prepared to train with some of the best fighters here on the East Coast.

As always Kru Brian Crenshaw provided a great training environment for the athletes to sharpen their skills. Everyone that showed up got better that day, and formed that bond that only sparring can create.  The Level Up Team sends its best wishes to Francois and Brian in their upcoming fights at Glory, and once again thank Brian Crenshaw and Combat Sports Center for the opportunity.

 

Good Times

Good Times

Sparring

Sparring

Brian Collette

Brian Collette

Luther & Francois

Luther & Francois

Overhand

Overhand

Tim Woods

Tim Woods

Luther & Jared

Luther & Jared

Chase Holds Pads

Chase Holds Pads

Coach David

Coach David

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up Brings Home Their First Title

The Level Up Fight Team was back at it again this weekend. The event would see “Iron” Marc Julian make his return to the ring, and Luther Smith making his Amatuer Boxing Debut. The event, was held at Club 1 Fitness in Millersville Maryland, and run under the Jeter Promotions Banner. Jeter Promotions has a long standing reputation for putting on great Pro and Amatuer cards here in Maryland. The Amatuer shows have been a springboard for many local boxers with ambitions of fighting at a professional level. This event promised to be all action, Tony Jeter who does all the matchmaking for these events, put together 18 fights for this packed show. Each fight was a battle! There weren’t any easy wins to be had. With some of the staples of the Club 1 Events on the card, including Champion Andre Harris, Bob Breslin, and an exciting matchup between two youngers brothers up the DMV’s Rising Stars Gary Russell and Alantez Fox. Myke Fox and Gary Antuanne Russell were set to headline the event, but there would be nothing but exciting fights through out the card.

Luther Gets Wrapped

Luther Gets Wrapped

Marc Gets Wrapped

Marc Gets Wrapped

Kicking things off for Level Up for the night was Marc Julian. At 2-1 Marc appears to improve every fight. Coming off a tough decision loss that many felt he won, and then an injury that forced him out of a title fight, Marc looked forward to return to the ring. Marc would draw Cong Ngyun of Rockville for this bout. These two young fighters wasted no time. From bell to bell they would look to exchange big flurries and hard body shots. With each shot landed the crowd got louder and louder. By the end of the second round everyone was on their feet, excited to see how the fight would end. Both young warriors fought to finish the other. In the end Marc came up short on the scorecards, but we are all very proud of him. If it wasn’t the fight of the night it was tied for first. Marc always puts on an exciting display of technique and speed in the ring, we look forward to seeing him back in competition.

 

Luther Smith found out the night before his fight with Shawn Elam, that the two would be fighting for a vacant Maryland State Title. The 34 year old Smith has only been training for a little over a year, but show tremendous potential. With a work ethic adopted from his time in the Military, and a supportive family atmosphere at home and in the gym, Luther looks to do big things with his fight career. Although his start time is not the stereotypical life point that people begin, Luther has a determination that not many younger guys understand. What separates him from many other up and coming fighters is his excitement to fight. All fighters have a desire for competition, but only a few look forward to the fight the way Luther does. Knowing this about Luther, his Coach Jason Farrell thought about holding off to tell Luther about the Title until the day of the fight. “I wasn’t worried about it making him nervous, I was worried he’d be so excited he wouldn’t sleep!” said Farrell. Nevertheless the call was made and met with much excitement.

 

The day of the fight, Luther came to Level Up in the afternoon. He felt that he just needed to be in the gym, not to train, but to absorb all the energy and hard work that he puts in there. The toughest part of any fight is the waiting game. After getting wrapped up, Luther began the process of waiting his turn in the ring. He was set to go right before the headlining fight. He spoke to the DJ about playing a specific song that he wrote produced and performed to walk out too. As his song boomed through the speakers the only thing louder in the arena was Luthers Family, Friends, and Teammates. Roughly 80 people showed to support him, they all let him know they were there with him with their cheers. Once in the ring, the two big men were announced, given their instructions, and ordered to their corners to await the bell. At the sound of the bell they took to the center of the ring and got right to work. Both fighters threw heavy leather back and forth, Luther would use his footwork to move around his opponent, looking to create angles and opportunities. At roughly a minute into the fight Smith landed a short, but very accurate lead hook, that sent Elam staggering backwards and eventually to the canvas. The Ref gave him somewhere close to 30 seconds to recover, which was met with protest from Luthers Coach and Fans. Once cleared to continue Smith pounced on his opponent landing a big flurry that brought the Ref back into play to waive off the fight. Luther Smith wins his Amatuer Boxing Debut, and Maryland State Championship by Ref Stoppage in the First Round. Luther was also named Outstanding Fighter Of The Night as well! His was one of only two stoppages on the card.

Luther, Tony & Jason

Luther, Tony & Jason

Coach Jason & Luther Smith

Coach Jason & Luther Smith

As always Jeter Promotions put on a non-stop, high paced, action packed fight card. Level Up looks forward to being on these events and working with Tony Jeter in the future. We would like to thank all the teammates that were able to make it out and show support, as well as all of Luther’s friends and family. Your energy was felt, and gave Luther what he needed to bring home the belt. Also a special thanks to Matt Zinder of Cutman Pro for working the corner with us, Urban Ninja for the design of the walkout shirt, and Eze of Ink Generation for printing the shirts.

 

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Team Support!

Team Support!

 

Luther Smith Wins Heavyweight Title At Club 1

 

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Give us a call and get started today!! 240.206.8505

Team Level Up At The Marine Corp Marathon

We are proud to mention that on Sunday Level Up Owner/Athlete Adam Shampaine ran the Marine Corp Marathon in D.C.. Over 30,000 people showed up to run this grueling race. 26.2 Miles is the full length that Adam would run. The mission of the MCM is to promote physical fitness, generate community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the United States Marine Corps. The MCM was established in 1976 and is currently the third largest marathon in the United States and eighth largest in the world. This years race had a celebrity on hand to start things off, Maggie Q who has starred in some big movies over the last couple years, including Die Hard 4 and the TV Show Nikita. The Race was broadcast live on Comcast Sports Net.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q

 

Adam who is the Vice President of the Homefix Corporation based in Fairfax Virginia, a Partner at Level Up, a Father and Husband, somehow still finds time to keep up a vigorous workout routine. Adam put himself into an 18 week training camp for this race, running 65 miles weekly!! He said that the best part of the race was getting to show his appreciation for the Marines, and getting to shake the hands of the Lieutenants at the end of the long run. All of us at Team Level Up are inspired by his performance, he finished the run in 3:54:50. Adam plans to run another race soon but in the meantime returns to his full life of running a successful business and being an awesome Father and Husband.

Adam & Courtney

Adam & Courtney

 

Congrats From The Team

 

 

If you have ever wanted to run a Marathon but arent sure hwo to prepare contact us today! We can get you Race Ready!!

 

240.206.8505

Level Up Survives The D.C. Zombie Outbreak

Another action packed weekend comes to a close for the Level Up Family. This weekend the Team traveled to the National Harbor for the Zombie Run. The Zombie Run is a 5K Adventure Race, what separates it from other adventure races is the fact that you have Zombies spread throughout the course trying to take you out! Unlike what you are used to seeing the movies, the zombies here aren’t as deadly, instead of sinking their teeth into you, they attempt to capture flags that hang from a belt around your waist. The set up is similar to Flag Football. You begin the race with 3 flags, if at any point you lose all three you are officially infected. Most people compete in teams of 5, as long as one member of your team makes it to the finish line with at least one flag the team wins.

 

The Team arrived at 10am to get signed in and grab their gear and wait for their turn to run. The heats would go off roughly every 20 minutes. The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was excited to be there, and you could feel it in the air. Under the tent at the registration area you could watch the Zombies having their make up applied. The transformation was fun to watch, from normal to abnormal in a matter of minutes. Some teams showed up in costume, the most notable being the Avengers. Complete with Captain America, Ironman, Black Widow, and Thor.

The Calm Before The Storm

The Calm Before The Storm

 

Team One

Team One

 

The Avengers At The Ready

The Avengers At The Ready

 

Avengers Assemble!

Avengers Assemble!

 

 

 

Level Up had two teams in the race, as well as Team Bob Zombie lead by MD State Boxing Champion Bobby Breslin, who does mittwork with Level Up’s Coach Jason Farrell. All three groups were able to run in the same heat. The race kicks off near the harbor, and takes off down along the coastline. The group has approximately 100 runners in it, so the pace begins slow as to not bump into each other and cause a domino effect of downed runners. At about a quarter mile into the race we encountered our first Zombies. From here on out it was a steady stream of attackers. Some runners stayed in groups in an attempt to stay blocked from the Zombies, others would look to outrun and outmaneuver the Flag Thirsty Attackers. This was no steady pace 5K. You had to be prepared to sprint at a moments notice. The Zombies proved to be worthy adversaries, taking out the members of the team quickly. Erin Jimenez and Yasemin Jamison would make it roughly three quarters of the way before being taken out. In the end it was young David Jamison, a student at Anne Arundel Community College and WKA National Runner Up that would make it through with one flag remaining.

 

Zombies By The Truckload

Zombies By The Truckload

 

Team Ones David JR & SR

Team Ones David JR & SR

 

Team One & Javier Of Team Two

Team One & Javier Of Team Two

Overall the race was a fun experience, and had it been possible the team would have gone right back through it again. We look forward to competing in more upcoming races this and next year. If you are active in the Adventure Race scene and would like to train with us for your next race, or have been thinking about doing one of these exciting runs but are afraid you aren’t in good enough shape, come try out our 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!! We can have you race ready in 6 weeks! Call today to schedule an appointment to take a tour of our 9000sq ft. facility!

 

240.206.8505

Maryland Boxers Train in Las Vegas

While some of the Level Up Fight Team were training in Richmond, two of our fighters were training in Fight Capital of the World, Las Vegas. Luther Smith who has his upcoming Boxing debut, and Will Anderson who returns to the ring for his third Muay Thai fight in December, took the show on the road over the weekend. Although the trip was actually a vacation for a friends birthday, you can’t keep these two out of the gym. Especially when the chance to train with new people arises. Coach Jason Farrell recommended the two check out Syndicate MMA after learning from Mark Beecher that the gym hosts Mauy Thai Champion Chaz Mulkey. The gym is also home to other stars of MMA including Forrest Griffin, Roxanne Modafari from this seasons Ultimate Fighter, Top Ten UFC Welterweight Martin Kampmann, and also Amanda Lucas,  Pro MMA Fighter, and daughter to Star Wars King George Lucas.

 

Most notably for Luther Smith, was Pro MMA Fighter Maurice Jackson. Jackson who stands 6’9, and weighs in at 263 pounds, is 2-1 in MMA, with an upcoming fight in Bellator on November 8th. For Luther who stands at 6’4 and weighs 220 pounds, its rare he finds many people his size to train with, let alone someone bigger! Luther was able to train and spar with Maurice as well as some of the other students and fighters at Syndicate. Although Luther is short on experience, he makes up for it in skill. A mutual respect and bond was immediately built between Maurice and Luther, both plan to stay in contact, and train together in the future whenever the opportunity presents itself.

 

Coach Jason Farrell would like to personally thank Syndicate for welcoming Will and Luther at the gym. We give our best wishes to Maurice in his upcoming fight. The experience was another great stepping stone in Luther’s journey towards his Boxing debut. He has come a long way in a short time, going from Boxing and Kickboxing Classes to competing regularly. We look forward to the upcoming Rumble At Club 1 in Millersville MD. Tony Jeter and Jeter Promotions always put together well matched and action packed fight cards.

Jeter Promotions

Jeter Promotions

The Level Up Fight Team Trains At CSC Richmond

As always the Level Up Fight Team is on the grind. Since the gyms opening there has rarely been a break in the training or competition schedule. Head Coach Jason Farrell and his students wouldn’t have it any other way. Right now the focus is on Boxing as two Level Up fighters will be competing at the November 2nd Rumble At Club 1 event in Millersville Maryland, but when the President of the WKA calls and asks you to bring fighters out to crosstrain at his gym, you make it happen! Brian Crenshaw, owner of Combat Sports Center, and face of the North American World Kickboxing Association has been a long time supporter of Muay Thai, and Kickboxing here on the East Coast. His gym produces countless world Champions, and is preparing Francois Ambang for his official Glory World Series Kickboxing debut on November 23rd in New York.

 

Coach Jason took a handful of students out to CSC, including Jared Tipton who will be making his Pro Kickboxing debut in the near future, Marc Julian an amatuer boxer who will be fighting November 2nd, as well as Nick Rossman and Ryan Weaver who will get their first taste of competition experience December 7th in the Level Up Boxing and Kickboxing Sparring Event. The crew took off early Saturday morning to make it just in time for padwork. The practice was run by Brian Crenshaw himself as well as Instructor Brandon Mickens. The students would work specific combos on the pads, and then gear up to trade “Dutch Style” combinations back and forth. After a few rounds of trading combos the fighters took a quick water break and got ready to spar.

 

The group was divided into two groups. 165lbs and above went to one group, 165lbs and below made the second group. There was a large turnout for the day so each group would take turns sparring. The technical skill on display was impressive. The excitement in the air was electric! Being able to train with new people is always a great way to improve, you’re forced to find new ways to adapt. The respect level was on full display as well, everyone was able to get in plently of rounds with no injuries. The sparring stayed more on the technical side as the fighters didn’t throw strikes at 100%, but there was just enough competitiveness to keep everyone on their toes and sharp without it carrying over into an all out scrap. Without question everyone who showed up got better, and new relationships were born that can only be made by trading punches and kicks.

 

“We had a great time training at CSC. I and my Team are extremely thankful to Kru Brian for giving us this opportunity to train at his gym. We look forward to coming back in the future. We’d also like to give our best wishes to the US National Team leaving next week to compete at the WKA Worlds Tournament, and also to Francois at Glory 12 in new York”


Coach Jason Farrell

 

Francois Ambang Road To Glory

Marylands Most Active Muay Thai Gym

The Level Up Fight Team was back at it again this past weekend at the Thai Championship Boxing and Operation Octagon Double Header event. TCB has been putting on quality Mauy Thai Kickboxing events for the past few years now. This event promised to be another great night of fights bringing fighters from all over the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia area. The Mauy Thai portion of the event began at 3:30pm and would be immediately followed by the Operation Octagon MMA show. Level Up would bring 4 fighters to compete in Muay Thai, Mubashir Rana, fresh off his 1st round TKO victory from the previous weekends Revolution Fight Series. Kristan Childress who would be making her competition debut. Luther Smith would be making his official amatuer debut, and Erin Jimenez who returned to the ring after nearly a year off from fighting.

 

First up for the night was Mubashir Rana. Mubashir who finished his fight quickly the previous week would look to get a second win to add to his record. Mubashirs fight was action packed as expected. He and his opponent traded big punches and kicks. When available Rana would lock up the clinch to work his knees which have become the most dangerous part of his game. After 3 tough rounds a split decision was declared in favor of Mubashirs opponent. The fight was razor close, and could have gone either way, as the judges clearly agreed. Mubashir’s heart is immeasurable, not many fighters would be willing to compete two weeks in a row, and even more, not many fighters could perform the way he did. We are very proud of this young man and look forward to his next fight.

Mubashir loves to compete

Mubashir loves to compete

 

Second on the card was Kristan Childress. Kristan began her fight camp at close to 180lbs, with the goal of making 145lbs at weigh ins. With two months to do it, and the will and determination to get it done Kristan accomplished her goal, which in itself was a victory. She would face Kalyn Lee who was coming off a loss at the last TCB event. Kristan got off to a slow start but as each round progressed began to find her rhythm. After 3 tough rounds Kristan would fall short on the judges score cards and lose by decision. Although a loss is a tough thing to deal with, Kristan gains experience and has a new respect for her abilities and her training. This was a giant leap getting into the ring, not something that many have the courage to do. This is not the last you will see of her for sure.

Hands Up Chin Down

Hands Up Chin Down

 

Although off to a rocky start Luther Smith was determined to turn things around. Moments before he left the warm up area to head to the ring, he looked at his coach Jason Farrell and said “I got us”. This statement proved to be true apothekefurmanner.de. Luther a North Carolina native, is exactly what you expect of a southerner. Polite, friendly, and extremely respectful, but in the ring, he has only one thought, seek and destroy.  Due to the fact that we couldn’t find a Heavyweight match up for Smith, Luther would drop to 205lbs for this fight. We expected Luther to be the larger man in this match up, but quickly found out that his opponent Andre Villanueva was no small 205er. Although 2 inches shorter than Luther who stand 6’4, Andre was not someone to take lightly in the way of his size, and proved that he had skill to back it up. The two big men would exchange punches and kicks, with Luther finding advantages with his boxing, and threw a push kick that almost knocked Villanueva out of the ring! The first round was exciting as expected, and clearly won by Luther. Early in the second round Villanueva’s coaches called for an outside leg kick, Luther reacted with the speed of a lightweight and countered the kick with a big cross that spun Andre around and sent him face first to the canvas. Although he was able to get back to his feet he was unable to lift his arms for the ref, and was waived off to signal the end of the fight. This was a good call by the Ref as Villanueva would stumble into the ropes moments after the fight was called. This was a beautiful display of skill and speed by Smith. Luther is a hard worker and one of the great motivators at Level Up. We are excited for his career as a fighter and look forward to his Amatuer Boxing debut at Club 1 Fitness under the Jeter Promotions banner November 2nd in Millersville Maryland.

Calm Before The Storm

Calm Before The Storm

Big Knock Down

Big Knock Down

Winner

Winner

 

Last but not least was Erin “Big Ern” Jimenez. Erin who has been training with Coach Jason Farrell for the last 3 years has been one of the most active fighters Jason has trained. She is one of the hardest workers in the gym balancing her studies and experiments as a student/scientist/PHD candidate at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. Erin has competed in many smokers earning a reputation as an exciting and aggressive fighter. Her record as an amatuer in no way reflects her skill, at 1-3 before this fight, Erin dropped two spilt decision losses that should have been hers. After a bit of a hiatus with the focus on skill development Erin was ready for her return, and determined to win without question. She didn’t disappoint. Erin came out swinging the second the bell rang with a big Jab, Cross, round kick, as expected her opponent rushed her but was quickly clinched and tossed to the canvas. Erin would go on to win the round with perfectly placed, punches, round kicks, push kicks and knees. Each round was a true display of Muay Thai. Erin used all the weapons in her arsenal and kept a relentless pace from bell to bell. The highlight of the fight being erins hard clinch knees delivered to the body of her opponent. Her opponent Mary Irey proved to be a tough competitor and fought back each round, but in the end it was clear who the winner was. Erin picked up a unanimous decision in her first fight back in almost a year. The team can’t express how happy we are for her. She worked hard for this win and deserved it in every way. To say she was impressive was an understatement, she earned praise from fans, other fighters and even the promoters of TCB and Operation Octagon personally congratulated her.

Erins Vicious Knees In Action

Erins Vicious Knees In Action

Erin, Coach Jason, and Asst Coach/Fighter Jared

Erin, Coach Jason, and Asst Coach/Fighter Jared

Winner

Winner

 

Also on the MMA portion of the card was Cory Pazcoquin of Evolve Fight Academy and Darnell Murphy of Bowie MMA who spent some time at Level Up working on their striking. Cory pulled off a beautiful Gogoplata submission early in the first round, and Darnell used his boxing to set up his takedowns and spent all three rounds pounding his opponent with big punches and elbows. Both fighters looked impressive, we are honored to have been a part of their camp.