Levels at LKE Dojo are a recognition of specific technical readiness — the speed, coordination, timing, and physical ability required to keep up with a faster, more demanding class. They are not a hierarchy of worth and the timeline is unique for every student.
Your coaches are watching. They will tell you when you’re ready.
An invitation to Level 1.5 or Level 2 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 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. If it becomes a consistent pattern, your coaches will have a direct conversation with you.
This is the deep end. Level 2 builds on everything from Level 1.5 and requires testing to enter. Here is what we are looking for.
Everything required for Level 1.5, plus:
Able to perform numbers 1–20 at random
Able to perform defenses for #1–10 and defend multiple strikes
Able to hold mitts for #1–20 at random
Able to execute and hold mitts for 4-strike combinations at random
Able to execute & hold for Elbow Flow #1
Able to execute Knee Flow #1
Able to move while striking
Demonstrate understanding of control and percentage of power
Able to execute Level 1.5 content with ease
Everything required for Level 1.5, plus:
Able to effectively guide and assist new students
Able to find value in training with students of all levels & classes of all levels
Able to handle being hit in the face with calm and acceptance
Able to set ego aside
Trustworthy
Able to execute rather than overthink
Able to embrace increasing levels of discomfort
Pass the Level 2 test
Own boxing gloves, shin guards, and a mouthguard
Hold an active 8-class or 12-class monthly membership
Attend a minimum of 2 classes per week including Level 1.5 and Level 2
Level 2 students attend both Level 1.5 on Monday and Level 2 on Wednesday every week. Those are your two required classes.
Additional classes — Beginner or the Saturday 11am all-levels class — are highly encouraged, but are not a substitute for your level classes.
Life is real. Occasional disruptions happen. If something comes up, let your coaches know. If it becomes a consistent pattern, your coaches will have a direct conversation with you.
I think I belong in a higher level, but you are not moving me up.
We are still watching you. Take a close look at the technical and character requirements. There is something 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 misses are real life. Missing an entire month every few months, every other week, or consistently being unavailable — that is a scheduling conflict with a level class. The honest move is to take Beginner/All -Levels classes until your life has room for the commitment.
I have family visiting, a friend’s birthday, a going-away party, and a concert all coming up.
You sound busy. That’s fine — enjoy it. But if your calendar regularly looks like that, a level class may not be the right fit right now. Beginner and all-levels classes don’t have that requirement. Come to those when you can.