Level Ground: A Martial Arts Program that Changes Lives
Falling in Love with Martial Arts
Alexandra Fuller discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while studying abroad and found a community of practitioners that inspired her.
After completing an MBA in social entrepreneurship, she started teaching the martial art at the Egleston YMCA.
Fuller started her own youth martial arts program that grew into a new space in Uphams Corner.
Fuller led fundraising efforts while Hudson Henriques led the athletics programs.
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts offers free classes in mixed martial arts, striking and grappling, boxing and kickboxing for young people.
A Program that Changes Lives
Adults pay for classes on a sliding scale depending on self-reported income. So far, the Fields Corner location has served 216 youth and 284 adults.
Level Ground also offers a student trainer program, in which teens can earn certification as personal trainers and learn other skills such as carpentry.
The gym also runs a tutoring program that helps students with homework, college preparation, and workforce development.
Level Ground may need a larger space if it continues to grow.
Fuller says she’s happy with where Level Ground is now, with staff and students who enjoy working together and improving their martial arts, academic, and life skills.
Martial Arts and Youth Empowerment
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts provides Boston's young people with a safe space to learn martial arts.
The gym also offers tutoring and workforce development programs that help students succeed academically and professionally.
By empowering youth to improve their physical and mental health, Level Ground is helping to build a stronger, healthier community.
The program's success shows the power of martial arts to change lives and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.
Level Ground's approach can serve as a model for other sports and esports programs that aim to empower young people.
Deontay Wilder's Unique Two-Fight Deal
Deontay Wilder, a heavyweight boxer, offered MMA fighter Francis Ngannou a unique two-fight deal.
The deal would see them face off in the boxing ring before meeting in MMA.
Ngannou has offered a two-fight boxing deal instead.
Wilder came to a PFL event last week and met with fans in Atlanta at the first week of PFL's three-week residency.
Wilder is willing to face Ngannou in a unique two-fight deal but Ngannou is not sure if Wilder is serious about the offer.
MMA and Boxing: A Growing Trend
MMA and boxing are two of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
More and more athletes are crossing over between the two sports, bringing new fans and new opportunities for growth.
The rise of esports and other alternative sports is also changing the landscape of athletics, providing new avenues for competition and innovation.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, it will be important to embrace new ideas and approaches in order to stay relevant and competitive.
Programs like Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts are leading the way in empowering young people and creating opportunities for growth and development.
The Future of Sports and Esports
As the world of sports and esports continues to grow and evolve, it will be important to focus on empowering young people and promoting healthy competition.
Programs like Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts offer a model for how sports and esports can be used to promote personal growth and development.
By providing safe spaces for young people to learn new skills and build relationships, these programs are helping to build stronger, healthier communities.
As we look to the future of sports and esports, we must continue to prioritize the needs of young people and create opportunities for them to succeed and thrive.
By doing so, we can create a more inclusive, diverse, and exciting world of sports and esports for everyone to enjoy.
References
news@irishmirror.ie (Donagh Corby). (June 17, 2023). Francis Ngannou claims Deontay Wilder 'doesn't want the smoke' of MMA crossover. www.mirror.co.uk.
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