Aggression Level System (AGL) In-Depth

A deep dive into the Aggression Level System (AGL), a key feature of MDL that ensures safe, educational, and engaging experiences for all participants.

December 28, 2024 • Reading Round Time: 5 minutes

What Are Aggression Levels (AGL System)?

The AGL System is designed to allow fighters to participate in a proper skill-based matchup alongside the essentials like “age, weight, etc”.

MDL Events Are:

  • Semi-contact educational sparring scrimmages.

  • Focused on learning, not winning.

  • Options for no head contact or light head contact (ages 12 and up).

The AGL Levels Explained

The AGL System is divided into five levels, with Levels 1–3 focusing on growth and Levels 4–5 emphasizing advanced control and experience.

Levels 1–3: Growth in Progress

AGL Level 1:

  • For beginners new to the sport.

  • Still Learning basic movements, pad holding, or sparring skills.

  • Ineligible For MDL Events:

    • Eligibility Steps: Increase training (e.g., Technical skill, sport understanding, sparring rounds, etc) and coach approval before participating in events.

AGL Level 2:

  • Observation-oriented with low action.

  • Ideal for first-time MDL participants.

  • Benefits: Lower Aggression allows for greater focus on paying attention to opponents and practicing counterattacks while building self-confidence.

Ideal for first-time MDL participants.

AGL Level 3:

  • Ambitious and sometimes overly aggressive or instinct-oriented.

    • During bouts, referees will intervene if the action becomes too intense.

Ambitious and sometimes overly aggressive or instinct-oriented.

Reminder: MDL is about growth, not injuries. There are no knockouts, no wins, and no losses. Every participant walks away with lessons instead of risks.

Levels 4–5: Advanced Control and Experience

Levels 4–5: Advanced Control and Experience

AGL Level 4:

  • Full control of intensity and technique.

  • Can spar effectively with AGL Level 2 or adapt intensity against Level 3 aggression.

  • Emphasizes proper sparring etiquette.

  • Beginning aspects of competitive spirit.

Can spar effectively with AGL Level 2 or adapt intensity against Level 3 aggression.

AGL Level 5:

  • For seasoned practitioners with advanced skills.

  • Includes coaches, experienced fighters, and those capable of teaching and leading others.

  • Difference from Level 4: Greater experience and often full-contact fight history.

Difference from Level 4: Greater experience and often full-contact fight history.

Coaching Tips for a Successful MDL Event

As a coach, your role is critical in helping fighters embrace the MDL environment. Focus on:

  • Prioritizing growth over winning.

  • Teaching fighters to adjust their intensity and match their partner’s sparring level.

  • Emphasizing learning and skill development rather than pressure to perform at full contact.

Emphasize learning and skill development rather than pressure to perform at full contact.

For Fighters: Setting the Right Expectations

When you step into an MDL event:

  • Expect a professional setup but with a focus on personal growth.

  • Pay attention to yourself, your opponent, and the lessons from each bout.

  • Adjust your mindset to embrace learning over competition.

Adjust your mindset to embrace learning over competition.

Feeling Ready to Join an MDL Event?

If you’re interested in participating, here’s what to do next:

  1. Share this information with your coach.
    Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

  2. Sign up on our website to secure your spot in an event near you.

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