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
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
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
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
Big Knock Down
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
Erin, Coach Jason, and Asst Coach/Fighter Jared
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.
Maryland Muay Thai Fighters Win Big In Virginia
On September 21st the Level Up fight Team would be back in action at the Revolution Fight Series in Winchester VA. Revolution combines MMA and Muay Thai fights on a card full of up and coming fighters from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Two fighters from Level Up would look to showcase all the skills they have acquired in their training, Mubashir Rana of Catansoville Maryand making his amatuer Muay Thai debut, and William Anderson of Baltimore City coming off a tough loss at CSC 37 in Richmond VA. Both were excited to represent Level Up, a new Muay Thai gym in Bowie MD.
The body kick that stopped the bout
Will “Smooth” Anderson
First up for the night was Will Anderson. Will competed a few weeks back at the Combat Sports Challenge and was determined to bring home a victory in his second competition. Will did a great job of sticking to the game plan Coach Jason Farrell worked on with him.The plan was to keep the fight at a distance that would give him the opportunity to choose the big shots he wanted to land. After a few exchanges Anderson threw a hard rear leg round kick to his opponents body that forced him immediately to one knee. Wills opponent was able answer the count, but was quickly put down again in with another big kick to the body that would stop him at 1:56 of the first round.
Mubashir was up next, he would face Johnny Quinn of Disciple MMA. The fight turned into a flurry instantly. Both fighters would exchange powerful and fast punch combinations. Not long into the first round Rana would catch Quinn in the Muay Thai Clinch and deliver strong knees to the body forcing Johnny to take a knee and standing 8 count. To Johnnys credit he would come back out swinging looking to land big kicks and crosses, but would again find himself in Mubashirs clinch trying to survive a barrage of knees to the body. Once again the young fighter would be forced to take a knee and another standing 8 count. Sensing the end of the round Mubashir attacked with one final flurry of punches looking to finish off his opponent and would find a beautiful left body shot that floored Quinn for the final time. As Johnny hit the canvas, the bell rang to signal the end of the first round, but the Ref had seen enough and waived off the fight, declaring Mubashir the owner of a Technical Knock Out at 1:59 of the first round.
Mubashir is getting good with these knees
Victorious
This was an incredible night for the young Level Up Fight Team. Two fighters, two impressive wins. We were very thankful to Jeremy Carper for matchmaking and getting the guys onto this event. Also big thanks to Jessica Sapp who runs The Revolution Fight Series for having us on the card. We look forward to returning in the future.
Frustration With Your Training
Sometimes in training we get frustrated. Whether its with hitting a plateau, or feeling like we just can’t hit a certain technique. I’ve found that most times both of these frustrating occurrences sprout from over thinking. The mind is an incredible tool. Often it is also our worst enemy. It’s my belief that the majority of our actually fighting occurs within our self. For example, in class when a technique is taught, and you feel like you can’t do it smoothly, or fast enough. Many times you’ll look around the room and see others hitting it effortlessly, this is where we sometimes allow doubt in our abilities to settle in. That doubt stems from Pride, pride has no place in Martial Arts. A Martial Artist must confident. If you allow Pride into your training you also allow yourself, a way to BEATEN by your OWN mind. Before you step onto the mat to begin your training, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of everything. Let nothing else exist outside of the task in front of you, increasing your Martial Arts Knowledge, and more importantly your confidence in your ability and self.
Confidence can be harder to come by, and is obtained through time. It’s not something you can immediately download into your system. What you can be confident in right away (if you allow yourself), is that you will hit the technique, or get to the level you want to be at in time. Allow yourself to be confident in the fact you will never stop pushing forward until you reach that goal. Also it’s important to move slowly through each step. Not because you can’t do it quickly, but to understand each piece, and each movement. Have knowledge of your technique and ability, know everything there is to know about it. Don’t allow Pride to creep in and slow your progress. In the video attached to this blog you will see that even I am guilty of allowing Pride to get in the way.
During My trip to Thailand I was fortunate to work with Pornsonae Sitmonchai. Instead of taking my time and focusing on the movement, I rushed into the punches. In my mind I wanted to impress him with my speed and power, but allowing Pride to enter my training made me look like a common beginner. As you will see in the video Pornsonae stops, tells me to shake out my shoulders, and also repeatedly reminds me to rotate into my strikes. This is probably comical to my students as that is most likely the thing I point out to them the most! We are all guilty of letting pride creep in. Pride only creates frustration. Let go of your pride and allow yourself to learn free of your minds enemy.
Coach Jason
Maryland Fitness Training : Level Up Boxing and Fitness Explosive Training
Take a look at one of our explosive training classes run by Trainer/Owner Adam Shampaine. Adam, a long time Fitness Enthusiast, Marathon Runner and Amateur Boxer, put the guys through an intense workout focusing on explosive movements. We run these classes regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm. If you are interested in getting into the best shape of your life call today to set an appointment to get started on your 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!!
Call us at – 240.206.8505
Level Up Glory Rules Kickboxing : CSC 37
This weekend the Level Up Boxing and Fitness Fight Team would be back in action at CSC 37. CSC, short for Combat Sports Challenge, is a long running promotion out of Richmond VA. Run by the World Kickboxing Association’s President Brian Crenshaw, the event would see its 37th fight card over the weekend. We had a stacked fight card totaling 17 fights and 3 Titles on the line. CSC would not disappoint. Every match up promised action and better yet, delivered on that promise. CSC would also pave the way for “Glory Rules” contested combat. WKA recently partnered with Glory the world’s premier Kickboxing organization to sanction their events here in the states. CSC now becomes a pathway for fighters to reach the pinnacle of Kickboxing organizations. Much like it has in the past with preparing fighters to compete in the UFC, K1, and Thailand.
Two members from the Level Up Fight Team would represent their Gym and even the state of Maryland in this International event that would draw participants from some of the top gyms in the U.S. as well as Canada. First up from Level Up would be Will Anderson. Will has been training for close to a year now. What he lacks in experience he makes up for in enthusiasm. Will is a model student at the gym. He up at 4:30am to go to his job as an electrician and comes immediately to Level Up to train for 3-4 hours a day after work. Will went on to lose by technical knockout in the first round. This loss really put the emphasis on “technical” as Will would fall victim to the 3 knockdown rule established under “Glory Rules”. Although never truly hurt in the fight, Will would learn a valuable lesson in this loss that he will apply to his upcoming competitions. We as a team are extremely proud of him and look forward to getting Will back into the ring in September.
Up second for the night was Jared “The Diamond” Tipton. Jared is coming off a win in his first Boxing match 3 weeks ago and looked to apply his new found knowledge of the Sweet Science to work in his Kickboxing. Jared would face Daniel Nelson of The Richmond Combat Sports Center. Their fight was a back and forth barn burner. Jared was the aggressor with non stop hand combinations while Daniel maintained great composure and worked the clinch. These two athletes kept a furious pace that seemed impossible to last all three rounds, but to the crowds delight the action and pace continued from bell to bell. You could cut through the tension in the air with a knife as the judges score cards were read. After three incredible rounds, Tipton’s hand would be raised. Winning a hard fought split decision the two judges had Jared winning all three rounds with scores of 30-27, while the other judge had Nelson winning two rounds to 1 with a score of 29-28. Needless to say mutual respect was earned from each competitor. Daniel was gracious enough to pose along side Jared for the post fight picture.
This event would serve as an introduction of Level Up to the Kickboxing world. Although the results were mixed, the gyms reputation was well presented. We can not express enough how grateful we are to Brian Crenshaw for having our team on this card. We are excited to be back on future Combat Sports Challenge cards. Level Up would also like to thank all the friends, family, and teammates for coming out to support. We had over 30 people in attendance for the event. Some drove from as far away as Kentucky and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Your continued support means more than you can imagine to Jared, Will, and Coach Jason.
