A Teen Program That Prepares Them For What Comes After High School - We Build Their Confidence, Turn Aimless Energy into Focus, & Develop Self-Discipline to Be A Leader.
Discover below who this is for, how our formula and programs work, and why I specifically designed this teen program for 12-17 year-olds to help them build the tools to be prepared for life after education, speak up, and lead themselves while learning self-defense that works for their age and athleticism - without you losing your mind in these teen years.
"We like the confidence it has instilled in Liam in every aspect of his life."
- Maurice & Kiersten B.
3 simple steps to get started
Step 1
APPLY
Fill out a simple (3-min) application form to help us learn more about who we are coaching, your goals, and to better understand you or your family's needs.
Step 2
SCHEDULE
After you apply, select a time slot on our calendar to schedule an information call, and we'll discuss your application and arrange a trial session for you to experience the program and meet our coaches and instructors.
Step 3
ENROLL
After you experience a session and we determine it aligns with your goals and needs, we'll discuss the program options and help get you started on this new journey of development.
If you are ready to take that first step, then click the button:
Who This is For
Below are some statements I hear from parents... maybe you are saying something similar right now. If you are, then you know you are in the right place because right after this section, I will tell you the four things I do really well.
"They just shut down when something gets hard."
You see it every time a challenge pops up—your child freezes, gets frustrated, or gives up entirely.
Whether it’s a school project, a tough social situation, or trying something new, they retreat instead of rising.
It’s not something broken—it’s a missing piece in their internal skillset.
At Level 8, we coach teens to face obstacles with confidence, bounce back from failure, handle challenges, and build mental toughness that lasts because life after high school is going to throw some heavy punches at them.
This isn’t just about martial arts. It’s about raising teens to be adults who don’t quit on themselves.
Our formula and program are specifically designed to help your child build confidence, develop a stronger self-image, and boost their self-esteem.
They build a mindset that doesn’t crumble under pressure.
“They don't stand up for themselves and let others walk all over them.”
Teach them to stand tall, speak up, and protect their self-worth.
Maybe it’s a classmate who pushes too far.
Maybe it’s a friend who always gets their way.
Whatever it is, your teen doesn’t push back—they shrink.
And that is a recipe for future disaster. I imagine you want the best for them; you want them to find success and a bright future.
At Level 8, we train more than strong bodies—we teach inner strength.
Your teen will learn when to set boundaries, how to respond with calm confidence, and that being kind doesn’t mean being a pushover.
They’ll carry themselves taller—at school, at home, and everywhere in between.
We teach them that it's not about fighting back—it's about knowing they’re worth standing up for.
The shift is powerful: they go from insecure and silent to steady, grounded, and strong.
And ... IF they have to defend themselves, they will know exactly what to do and how far to take it without getting in trouble.
“They have all the tools and all the potential, but they don’t seem to use it."
Help them unlock what you already believe about them.
You know your teen is capable of amazing things.
But when you tell them that, they shrug, shut down, or brush it off.
The confidence you see doesn’t seem to click with them yet.
That’s where we come in. Through focused training, life skill development, and real leadership coaching, we help teens recognize what it will take to reach higher. This translates into college, career, and their happiness.
At Level 8, they’ll earn it, believe it, and live it.
Confidence, focus, or discipline isn’t something you can just hand to them.
It has to be earned through action and internalized through real experience.
That’s why we build it from the inside out.
Your child will take on challenges, achieve tangible wins, and be recognized for who they are becoming.
Over time, they begin to own their potential—because they’ve lived it.
“I want them to think for themselves and do what they know is right for them.”
Give them the tools to trust their voice, not the crowd.
Peer pressure is real—and it’s powerful...especially for teenagers. With social media everywhere, they can fall for anything.
Trying to fit in comes at a cost—especially when it means shrinking to meet someone else’s approval.
For many teens, this turns into people-pleasing, indecision, and deep insecurity.
If your child’s constantly checking how others see them, it chips away at their self-image little by little.
We teach them how to filter out the noise, stay grounded in who they are, and build self-trust.
They learn how to pause, think for themselves, and stay true to their gut, even in the face of peer pressure.
The result?
A future adult who doesn’t follow the crowd—because they’ve learned how to lead themselves.
They’ll still care about others—but not at the cost of themselves.
That’s the power of inner leadership.
I don't claim my program does everything, but here are the 4 things we focus on for teen boys & girls
At the core of everything we teach are these four foundational pillars. These aren't just side benefits — they're the intentional outcomes we coach toward every single day. It’s what sets us apart, and why so many parents choose us when they want more than just kicks and punches — they want real change that shows up at home, at school, and in life.
1. We build real confidence. Not kiddie class stuff, real stuff that fits for teens.
If any of that fits with you, then let's talk about it a bit.
I bet you see something in your child that they don't seem to believe is within them. That something is their 'magic.' We have a unique way that we approach teaching confidence and building your teen's self-image.
If you want to see your child beam with the light that shines inside them, then we have the system, the program, and the process to help them uncover this invisible force.
When your teen learns who they are, finds their voice, and believes they are capable of doing anything, they become something. Something stronger, more capable of taking action toward building a future. They become more positive. They have a better attitude. They do better. And, they soar.
Getting that kind of outcome for your teen is our goal. We believe that success comes down to loving who you are, doing what you love, and following your dreams or ideas to reach your potential.
2. We teach self-defense skills that work for their age and athletic ability.
If any of this sounds like what you are looking to help your child gain, then I've got something important to share.
I'm a Marine veteran, so I take this part pretty seriously. We don't teach fluff. We don't teach skills that are only good for showing off. We teach skills that are going to work - that can hold up under pressure.
If your teenager is attacked, they better know how to fight. That is what we teach in our program. They will learn how to fight, but know when it is the right thing to do. We teach self-control and safety.
I'm not going to sugarcoat this. When it comes to dealing with violence, they need to have the skills that actually work. They need the confidence that can actually neutralize or end the situation. Or get out safely without ever having to engage. That is what your teen is going to get. They are going to believe in their skills and how to use them properly.
Our training is challenging, but that helps them build their strength inside and outside.
3. We teach focus & concentration. They learn to listen and pay attention longer.
If you've been gifted with a child who needs a bit more help focusing than others, you have a unique young warrior.
Focus isn't just a problem that showed up in the last ten years. It has been something that kids, teens, and even adults have been dealing with since forever.
So, don't let anyone tell you that your child needs to take something to focus. The art of focusing is like any other skill. Your child can learn how to focus and concentrate just like learning how to run or ride a bike.
We have the system and process in place to help your teen learn the skill of focus. They will learn how to concentrate on the things they are doing for longer. And, they will strengthen their attention span to be able to listen without allowing distractions (inside or outside) to rule their life.
It is a simple challenge for us to help your child, but it won't be easy. It takes patience and perseverance. We got that.
4. They build self-discipline. Learning to be a leader in their own life.
This can be one of the most challenging traits you have to teach anyone, let alone a teen.
But we have terminology that they learn about self-discipline. We teach your child that discipline is "Doing what you have to do, not what you want to do."
That is one of the first things they learn in our program, and it is something they continue to build throughout their time training with us.
We teach them how to have discipline, when to use it, and why it is so important to success in life. Whether that is at school or home, you'll see their self-discipline get stronger the longer they are with us.
Our structured sessions, the curriculum they learn, and our process to help them learn leadership develop your child into a champion in their own life.
They get an advantage here, at home, in school, and everywhere else.
What Sets Us Apart and Makes Our Teen Program Different
We focus on educating, not just martial arts
I can tell you that we don’t just do kicking, blocking, and punching or wrestling here. We believe confidence comes from competence. We believe in the power of concentrating on one single action to improve and grow as an individual. Concentration helps improve their grades in school. This gives them the opportunity to create a better life for themselves when they grow older.
Beginner-friendly sessions, no previous training required
Your teen doesn’t have to have previous experience. They will get a warm welcome from every student and coach. We know how intimidating it is to try something new (especially martial arts), and we do everything we can to help them fit in and belong. Our program is beginner-friendly, no matter their athletic abilities. We will build them up one step at a time. Start at level 1, aim for 8.
You're not required to buy anything to try
You don’t have to worry about buying anything for your child to try a class. It is as simple as filling out the easy application to help us understand your goals, pick a time to meet a coach, and have your child try a class. All they need is to wear a pair of athletic shorts (or pants) and whatever t-shirt they feel comfortable wearing. Again, we want them to feel welcomed and accepted for who they are.
Character development + Life Skills Training + Leadership
It’s really common in our school for parents to have tried other activities and sports which haven’t helped their child with confidence, focus or concentration, and self-discipline. Most other sports (and even other martial arts schools) focus solely on the physical aspects of the activity. We prepare their mind, teach them how to focus their energy, and have a complete communication, leadership, and confidence system that teaches future career success.
Girls thrive in our school
The girls in our program excel like all our young warriors. They gain the skills to defend themselves, they learn to focus, and they develop the confidence to believe in themselves to do whatever they want. Learning to be assertive and how to use their personal power is one of our goals. It may seem like this is a “boy” activity, but learning to be strong mentally and physically isn’t something reserved for only boys. This is something girls benefit from just as much as anyone else. So, they will have a warm welcome here.
Age-appropriate sessions and level progression
A 9, 10, or 11-year-old child has different character and developmental skills they are working on, as do the 12 through 17-year-old kids. So, your teen should be in the right age-specific class that fits their abilities and your needs. We built that understanding into our program and make sure each student is in the right class so they excel, grow, and have fun. We have sessions specifically for 6-8, 9-11, and 12-17 year-olds. They will be assigned to the program that fit their abilities.
It's easy to get started! Just fill out a simple application (3-mins). Click the button below:
The 3-Part Formula Behind Why Our Method Works
Simple, proven, and built to grow with your child.
Structured Sessions
Each class is structured to improve them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Developing any skill requires that there is some level of challenge associated with it. Growth happens when you are taken out of your comfort zone and placed in an environment where you have to figure out how to excel and succeed. At Level 8, we believe in making each class a level of challenge that they grow from. Each class they get the opportunity to earn their training day. Every step is small & forward.
Trained Coaches
We pride ourselves on having the BEST coaches available for your child's growth. Our school systems ensure teachers are specifically trained to work with specific ages. Therefore, the martial arts school teaching your teen should also. We have a rigorous training schedule for our coaches to learn how to coach, develop, and instruct children based on their age. This isn't just kicking and blocking sessions for teens, but an educational journey. We make sure they get the best of us.
Blueprint for Success
Again, just like our school system, there should be a path your child follows to develop the necessary proficiency for their age and 'grade' level. The martial arts school should have the same type of blueprint or map for your teen so they can develop accordingly. Here at Level 8, we have a blueprint and a specific map that starts from beginner level all the way to the advanced levels. It takes them step-by-step and provides the challenges they need. It builds them one brick at a time.
From the Mat
Parent stories—how training turned effort into real-world results.
Maurice & Kiersten B.
Parent Story
"We like the confidence it has instilled in Liam in every aspect of his life. We also liked the fostering of discipline and how it translates to sports, academics, and making responsible choices. The impact on performance in other sports is very noticeable. Liam plays baseball and basketball. His baseball coaches always mention his hand speed and quick reactions, both of which can be attributed to his work with Master Jason."
Marie W.
Parent Story
"When I first met Master Jason I was so impressed with him. Not just his background in martial arts and the Marine Corps, but his philosophy in life. He teaches you to believe in yourself, so that whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve. He teaches respect and self-confidence. Both my teens always come home talking about how much they like class, and it shows with the effort they put into their training."
Sam M.
Parent Story
"I have both my teenage daughter & son in Master Jason’s program. We were looking for something that would be both physical and mental. I wanted them to work on individual growth. One thing I have definitely noticed in my kids is that they are more focused on school and more disciplined. I have seen a great improvement in their school grades. I feel their focus and confidence have improved."
My 3-Step Process That Builds Leadership Skills
1. Coach
We have a very specific coaching process that helps your teen grow physically and mentally. We focus our efforts on encouraging and building self-motivation through the desire to have a mindset to do their best and believe in themselves always.
2. Develop
Being in the right environment with other teens their age helps them while we cultivate your child through the process where they get to excel at building confidence, learning focus and concentration, and gaining self-defense skills.
3. Empower
With a structured environment, like a building block system, we lay a foundation of character skills, put up a framework for success, and finish it with a roof that won't let their house collapse over time. Students thrive and build the qualities of a leader. It starts with our process.
It's easy to get started! Just fill out a simple application (3-mins). Click the button below:
4 Main Styles Your Teen Learns
When it comes to learning self-defense (or fighting), getting real skills matters. There isn’t one “style” of martial arts you need to know. You need to know how to fight standing or on the ground. You need to know how to defend from someone who is trying to slam you on the floor, and you need to have the mental toughness to endure the rigors of this unpleasant experience. That is why we take a true 4 style mixed martial arts approach. Here’s what your teen learns and why.
Boxing
Boxers have some of the BEST hand-fighting skills.
Their agility, footwork, and movement are the number one reason we use this style to teach stand-up skills - it's the foundation.
The majority of people who face a self-defense situation will start on their feet: someone trying to punch you in the face or grab you.
Your child learns how to defend against something like this and how to launch their own attack to neutralize the situation.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing has some of the most superior kicking skills and footwork to match when it comes to striking with your feet or legs.
Much of the kicking that comes to Kickboxing comes from styles like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kungfu, and others. We use a modern Kickboxing approach.
There really isn’t much else out there that allows a child to develop speed, power, and movement with kicking at the same time.
Your teen’s ability to defend against kicks is vital in self-defense.
People don’t just try to punch us in the nose; they fight dirty and also try to kick us low.
Muay Thai
Here’s where your teen gets to learn how to bring boxing, kicking, knees, and elbows together to learn The Art of Eight Limbs.
We use Muay Thai to teach your child power with grace.
They learn one of the most important ranges of self-defense, the clinch range.
Don’t worry, though, our sessions are safety-focused, so your teen will get to learn real skills in a controlled environment.
We have a progressive system that helps them learn at Level 1 and move to Level 8 at their own pace.
Pankration (MMA)
Pankration is an ancient art that focused on all ranges of fighting.
You had to know how to stand and fight, and it was required that you know how to fight on the ground…as well as to get back up to your feet.
This is the reality of self-defense; fights can go to the ground, but you'd better know how to get up because you can only fight one person down there.
We focus on teaching take-down, grappling, and standing back-up skills.
This is where the mixed martial arts aspect comes in for them. They learn to handle all ranges of fighting, which gives them the confidence to be humble.
Where to find us:
1801 W 7000 S West Jordan, UT 84084
Class Times for Teens 12-17 Year Olds
FAQs
If there are other questions that aren't answered, please contact us.
Do students wear uniforms?
For our youth classes (6-11) they wear a simple Level 8 uniform of shorts and a t-shirt with a belt ranking. Our teen and adult classes are NOT required to wear uniforms - appropriate athletic gear.
Do students earn belts or rank?
Yes, all our classes have a ranking system to them which each student earns a level. To earn a "black belt" level, each student will have to meet the testing requirements.
Are sessions female-friendly?
Yes, all our programs are gender friendly. Every student is treated fairly and respected. Each student is given the opportunity to learn at their own level and move at their own pace. And every student gets to learn how to be a warrior.
How safe is it to train?
We make safety a priority here at Level 8. We want students to learn and feel comfortable training in martial arts. We understand how intimidating it is to do this activity, so we take everyone through a process to develop their skills while remaining safe. There is no tough-guy attitudes allowed in the training zone. No one is the king of the gym, and no one is allowed full-contact sparring. If students want to fight, that is left for the ring.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
It all depends on the student and their dedication. However, it generally takes 3-4 years to get to this level.
If I enroll, do I have to sign up for a long-term contract?
No. We do not require you to sign up for a long-term contract.
What ages do you teach?
We have age-appropriate classes that are separate for 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old, 12-17 years old (teens), and then 18+ (adult classes).
Area Serviced
West Jordan
South Jordan
Taylorsville
Midvale
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