Everything Under The Sun: Hope Comes In Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Exercise is an important part of preparing for MMA.

They come from the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Hyde Park in Boston. While living in these neighborhoods they have been exposed to violence, poverty, and absence of links to education. It would be easy for these youth, ages 14 to 21 to lose hope.

But through LEVEL GROUND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS, they are being exposed to mixed martial arts - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. No Gi, and striking classes. These martial arts also expose youth to the tenacity, resilience, and discipline that are part of those arts. In addition, the programming provides daily life skills training, academic and career support, and individual mentorship. The youth program is available through two middle schools and one high school, and there is also an evening program at the Roxbury location.

The program has been in existence since 2013, started by Alexandra (Ali) Fuller, who has an MBA from Simmons School of Management, with undergraduate degrees in International Politics and International Affairs from Penn State. She has participated in mixed martial arts and ever since, dreamed of establishing the type of program that she turned into a reality. Her hope has always been for her students to "overcome incredible barriers they face that compromise the realization of their potential and dreams."

Level Ground is always looking for individuals to help out. You can volunteer as an instructor, mentor, tutor or host. Those who would like to donate can do so once or on a monthly basis. If you chose the sponsorship route, you would donate a larger lump sum to provide services for one athlete of a particular weight class. Corporations can hire the staff to provide classes at their site for a fee. The types of classes include MMA conditioning and training, MMA-inspired conditioning, and/or women's self-defense conditioning and training. Sixty percent of the revenue from the three corporate programs go back to Level Ground for their youth programming.

How has this program impacted the lives of the youthful participants? According to one 17-year-old, "Since joining Level Ground, I've been out of trouble - like running the streets. It really helped me build good friendships, and motivated me to work harder and do better." An 11-year-old middle school participant responded, "Level Ground taught me the main ideas of discipline and respect, and now I'm much more focused. I'm a totally new person because of all the love and care from everyone." And a 23-year-old youth added, "Level Ground has made me a more humble person, and showed me being humble comes from wisdom. It allowed me to make new friends and have a better relationship with my brother."

A group of fundraisers for Level Ground.

When a program is making such a positive impact, it is important for it to continue its valuable work. Each participant is a youngster who won't be part of a gang, who won't be committing crimes or doing drugs. It's the caring and the support that is of utmost importance; it's what makes a difference.