Jon Leven

Take ten with Lethal Jon Leven.

1/How did you get started in MMA?

I have been training in Jin Wu Koon Shaolin Kung Fu for many years and decided to compete at the 2003 pankration titles. I won silver at the state title fighting at 85kg (I was only 77.2kg) then I won Gold at the Australian titles at 77kg and won a Bronze at the World Titles in Denmark. From there I was given a chance to fight on Warriors Realm 4 by Shane Balmer and I beat my Hawaiian opponent with a 20 second KO.

2/What is your weekly training regieme when preparing for a fight?

Cant tell you all the secrets but I own Customised Fitness Solutions so I have access to the best weight gear. In general I train 2-4 hours a day, 6 days a week, covering weights,cardio,striking Jui Jitsu and wrestling.

3/Who helps you prepare for a fight?

My team has some great coaches, I have Marc who is an Olympic level wrestler and Adriano a Brazillian black belt , plus my old Sifu Cheuk Fai is always there for me. I also have a number of friends who are boxers that I spar with.

4/What do you consider your strengths as a fighter?

Previously I have been known as a heavy striker. It always will be because of my history but right now I feel the combination of my striking and wrestling is becoming my strength. 

5.Favourite submission and favourite takedown?

 
Rear Naked Choke. I won 2 fightS with it.... but I also like the Kimora. Favourite takedown - I am always a fan of the big slam!

6.Who has been your biggest influence both inside and outside of the cage?

Sifu Chan Cheuk Fai will always be an inspiration to me as a martial artist. I also had the honour of training with Cyborg whilst in brazil for a month and he certainly influenced me. There is also the likes of Georges St Pierre and Anderson Silva who have great striking backgrounds and use their wrestling skills to dominate.

7.What do you think of the Australian MMA scene?

I honestly feel that Australian MMA is growing rapidly... I have been around for quite some time now and I have seen a huge interest in the last 2 years, better promotions and being shown on Fox has enabled the sport to grow and I am happy to be involved in that growth. 

8.Who do you think is an Australian fighter with real potential?

 
I think we will have a few guys fighting overseas very soon.

9.What do you like most about owning your own gym? Do you have any future plans with this busness?

What's not to like about doing something that your passionate about! I am currently looking to expand to a much larger place. The new facility will have a full sports injury clinic to complement the gym. I have already secured a full fight cage and combined with the extensive weights and cardio gear I already own, plus a larger mat area, I want to create a gym like no other in Sydney and mimic some of the elite gyms in America. My vision will see the CFS providing MMA training for kids and all abilities right up to pro level fighters. We will also have sports injury services provided by Sportslab.

10. If you were not a fighter what other sports would you have been interested in doing?

I used to race Mountain Bikes and I actually raced against Cadel Evans. It is great to get outdoors and be active.