To learn more, check out our Student Trainer Program.
Welcome to Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts
Where Grit Meets Oppportunity
At Level Ground, we value resilience, perseverance, community, and opportunity. Professional instruction in Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Women’s-only Martial Arts empower members of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle while enjoying a connection to a supportive, family-oriented community.
Training Center
1490 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02122
Call Us
617-514-3753
Book a Class
gina@levelgroundmma.org
Making Combat Sports Accessible
Our goal is to give every Bostonian the opportunity to learn martial arts without price or proximity getting in the way.
While the majority of martial art gym memberships in the city are $200+/month, our classes remain free for children and teenagers, and affordable for adults. Through the support of our generous funders and donors, we provide professional-level martial arts instruction to anyone that wants to train.
VISIT THE TRAINING CENTER
Check out our Martial Arts classes! We also have weightlifting and cardio equipment!
CORPORATE SELF-DEFENSE & WELLNESS
Our Corporate Wellness Program offers engaging and empowering workshops that promote physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork, while supporting a meaningful cause: providing free martial arts training for Boston youth.
VISIT THE TRAINING CENTER
Check out our Martial Arts classes! We also have weightlifting and cardio equipment!
CORPORATE SELF-DEFENSE & WELLNESS
Our Corporate Wellness Program offers engaging and empowering workshops that promote physical fitness, mental resilience, and teamwork, while supporting a meaningful cause: providing free martial arts training for Boston youth.
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of Level Ground is to empower urban youth through transformative athletic, academic, and employment opportunities so that they may overcome the challenges of their environment and accomplish their goals for the future
In addition to athletics, Level Ground provides academic support, workforce development training, and mentorship to Boston youth. Our young people are exposed to a disproportionately high level of poverty and crime, and live in neighborhoods that experience a greater prevalence of obesity. We strive to meet the needs of our youth in an authentic way through academic tutoring and support with college applications, training as certified personal trainers and managers at our gym, nutrition workshops, 1:1 mentorship, and more.
Your Impact in 2025
0 +
Youth and Adults
served through our athletic classes
0 h
Physical Activity
3.6 of extra weekly physical activity accomplished by regularly-attending youth
1
Student Trainers
received college access, workforce development training, and mentorship
1 h
Job Training
Job Training provided, including academic support, healthy living training, and mentorship
1 %
of College Bound
Student Trainers transitioned to a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program
1 + h
Academic Enrichment
including summer learning in ELA, math, and business, and year-round tutoring
Student Trainers Demonstrated Measurable Growth in Key
Personal and Professional skills
0 %↑
Perseverance
0 %↑
Critical Thinking
1 %↑
Peer Relationships
1 %↑
Communication
Make an Impact
Ask about volunteer opportunities with our tutoring, professional development, youth employment, and athletic programs. Level Ground is a tax-exempt nonprofit under the IRS (EIN 46-3915852) and supported by friends like you.
What Our Students Are Saying
At 13 years old, Max is our youngest Student Trainer and joined the program this school year. We typically restrict the Student Trainer program to youth 14 and older due to the rigor and high expectations of the program, but couldn’t deny Max the opportunity! He is usually the first student at the gym, and started sitting in on the personal training, carpentry, professional development, and academic sessions of the Student Trainer summer program out of his own curiosity and drive to learn. Max is exceptionally motivated, hard working, and fun to be around, and we love having him at LG!
Favorite class at LG:
“MMA! In my opinion, it’s the most technical because it’s so multifaceted. There is so much coming at you at one time, and so many types of specialists to be tested by. Like I may get to train with a great kickboxer in the first round, and a wrestler the next round. I also like how it’s realistic for self-defense.”
Vision for the future:
“I want to be an electrician. There are a lot of places in Boston being built, so there’s a lot of work opportunities. I figure that by the time I am 20, I’ll be able to capitalize on this and have a steady job.”
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OUR WORK WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS
Coming to LG has impacted my life in many ways. Now I'm more confident in who I am, outgoing, and curious. LG helped me start talking to more people, and not to be afraid to ask questions or for more help and coaching. The people at LG have taught me many skills, and broadened my mind so that in the future, I know that I have multiple career paths I can take when I finish high school. Now I'm healthier and I take better care of myself. Everyday I'm excited to come in because of all the amazing people I meet.
Queiro LG Student Trainer, age 18