Level 1.5 at LKE Dojo is a recognition of specific technical readiness — the speed, coordination, timing, and physical ability required to keep up with a faster, more demanding class. It has nothing to do with superiority and the timeline is unique for every student.
Your coaches are watching and will invite you when you’re ready.
An invitation to Level 1.5 is exactly that — an invitation. If you do not want to advance, or accept and later decide to return to Beginner or all-levels, that is perfectly fine.
Level 1.5 moves faster, goes deeper, and expects more. Here is what we are looking for before we invite you in.
Footwork: advance, retreat, left, right, pivot left, pivot right
Able to weave multiple strikes together
Able to generate power and speed through connection with the ground
Able to execute numbers 1–20
Audibly kiai
Possess solid mitt technique — proper pressure, shoulder rotation, coordination
Able to be a good friend — makes controlled, intentional contact when triggering defense. Good friends hit each other.
Able to execute Beginner Muay Thai content with ease
Able to follow and execute at an accelerated pace with more complex combinations
Consistent, on-time attendance
Able to work with less experienced students with kindness and patience
Able to work with more experienced students with calm and resilience
Possess a growth mindset (welcome corrections, honest with self, strong desire to learn and improve)
Respectful to everyone — new and old
Trust the coaches and their decisions
Mature communication
Understands that readiness is determined by the coaches, not requested by the student. Pushing for promotion is itself a sign you’re not ready.
Shows up to every class with gear clean, maintained, and ready to train
Models the culture for newer students — not by teaching, but by how you show up, treat people, behave, and communicate.
Own boxing gloves and shin guards
Hold an active 8-class or 12-class monthly membership
Attend a minimum of 2 classes per week, one of which is Level 1.5
Level 1.5 meets Monday at 7:15pm, that is your class. Your second class each week can be any Beginner class or the Saturday 11am all-levels class.
Life is real. Occasional disruptions happen. If something comes up, let your coaches know.
Can I get to Level 1.5 only attending once a week?
Absolutely. But once you enter Level 1.5 you will be expected to attend two classes per week and hold at least an 8-class membership.
I think I belong in 1.5, but you are not moving me up.
We are still watching you. Take a close look at the technical and character requirements as there is something (or many things) you can work on.
How much can I miss before it becomes a problem?
It depends less on the reason and more on the pattern. Occasional Level 1.5 misses are real life. Missing an entire month every few months, every other week, or consistently being unavailable — that is a scheduling conflict. The honest move is to take Beginner/All -Levels classes until your life has room for the commitment.
Are there levels higher than 1.5?
Level 1.5 is all we need right now as the material is unlimited and can range from low-intermediate to advanced.