Parent and Me Classes Are Here to Stay

We have concluded all 4 weeks of the parent and me trial classes at Evolution Martial Arts Academy.  These trial classes were for us to adjust our teaching style to accommodate the youngest children we have ever taught.  After receiving lots of positive feedback from parents we have decided to officially add this type of class permanently.

We have learned parents want to keep their children active.  We will do our best to keep them moving and developing better motor skills while keeping everything fun.  We will also still incorporate a little martial arts into this program.  Class format will remain relatively the same because kids at this age like similar structure and familiarity.  Each week kids will work on a new martial arts technique the “skill” of the week.  The skill will cycle over again approximately every few weeks.  This class is a much slower paced class than our other martial arts classes.   

Here is everything you will need to know if you would like to join this program. 

• All new students who have never tried these classes will receive 2 free trial classes to decide if they would like to join. 
• Ages for this program are 2.5 to 4.  If your child is 4 or close to turning 4 we suggest they take our normal Tiny Tiger program where it is just student and instructor.  This program will be too easy and not challenging for them. 
• Class will be held only on Sundays 10:30-11:15am (days and times may change in the future) starting January 5^th 2014
• The Pricing will be $99 for a 10 Class Pack.  After every class the card will be punched, when you run out you can purchase a new pack.  Classes on packs never expire and can only be used for Parent and Me classes. 
• Students will be required to purchase and wear a uniform for $40 this includes patches and name embroidery.
• Family discounts are available if you have older children interested in martial arts or if parent’s are interested something for themselves.  Please email info@evomaa.net for pricing.

Evolution Class Schedule for Christmas and New Years Holiday.

Here is just a quick reminder if you haven't had a chance to look at the big board for the special class schedule for the Christmas and New Years Holiday.

Dec 23rd - Monday - Normal Schedule
Dec 24th - Tuesday - Christmas Eve CLOSED
Dec 25th - Wednesday - Christmas Day CLOSED
Dec 26th - Thursday - Short Schedule (only classes below)

• 10am Adult Hapkido
• 11am CF
• 5pm - Tiny Tigers, CF
• 5:30pm - Tiny Tigers
• 6:00pm - JR All Ranks, CF
• 7:00pm - Kickboxing, CF

Dec 27th - Friday - Normal Schedule

Dec 28th - Saturday - Normal Schedule

Dec 30th - Monday - Short Schedule (only classes below)

• 10am Adult Kickboxing
• 11am CF
• 5pm - Tiny Tigers, JR (Orange Yellow), CF
• 5:30pm - Tiny Tigers
• 6:00pm - JR (Green +), CF
• 7:00pm - Adult Hapkido, CF

Dec 31st - Tuesday - New Years Eve CLOSED

Jan 1st - Wednesday - New Years Day CLOSED

Jan 2nd -  Thursday - Normal Schedule

We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and happy new year.  Please email info@evomaa.net if you have questions about this schedule.  Thank you.  

EVO Community, We Would Like Your Help for a Family in Need.

Our friend Jennifer Levinson of "Jen's List" has met a family that is need of help.  Below is their story and if anyone of you can offer some help that would be fantastic.  Below are some details from Jennifer 

I write this because I have been made aware of a situation at a local high school, about a 17 year old, that breaks my heart and I am reaching out to see if anyone has the resources to help.
I have been in contact with school administers and recieved this info this morning. Please take a minute to read it, count your blessings and if you know someone that can assist, email me at jen@jenslist.com.
He and his mother are living in a car and have been doing so for ten months.
He sleeps about 5-6 hours per night at most. He and his mother generally have been getting by with cold meals that they have purchased with food stamps. He has pericarditis, which he says is an inflammation of the sack around his heart. The condition causes chest pains and limits his ability to participate in any kind of physical activity. We believe this condition also accounts for times when he seems slow to respond or seems without the energy to complete his work or participate in class. He says that there is medication for it, but he is not on it right now. However he has not been to the doctor in quite some time and it is reasonable to assume that he may not be able to afford treatment. Furthermore, it"s also safe to assume that his options are fairly limited when it comes to a healthy diet, given his current situation.

It should be noted that he appears at school each day in the same clothes. He does not seem to have any real winter clothing for the nights. He tells us his day consists of going to school, then going to the library to do some work and get on the computer. He then goes to sleep and starts the day over again.
He and his mother would accept help. His words were "I"ve been living like this for ten months."
After the meeting, the boy immediately asked, "Is there a way to get into a bed or a place by Christmas?". The boy is doing well in school, great behavior, hard working and never asks for a thing.
At this point, connections with shelters and/or a place to stay, and perhaps a cardiologist pediatric or otherwise who would be willing to perform some pro bono work would be wonderful.

UPDATE

1st, I have to tell you that when I first posted about the mom and son that were living in their car, I NEVER in my wildest dreams imagined the outpour of support that has been rec’d.

As of now, I have rec’d hundreds of responses and still trying to get back to everyone.

I had the opportunity today to meet the mom. She is an educated 56 year old, with a bachelors degree and retired from law enforcement in Hawaii.  She and her son moved here for a job that unfortunately, did not pan out. She has been working part time, thru a temp. agency, but would love to get something stable.

Both mom and son are clean, NO drugs or alcohol. He is a straight A student that goes directly to the library after school and stays there until closing before going to the car they sleep in.

A Pediatric Cardiologist in Encino has offered to take care of the boy and his medical needs surrounding his Pericarditis.

The high school got the boy a prepaid cell phone, so that he can reach his mom, if needed.

At this time, they could really use gift cards to get themselves some warm clothing and hot meals.

Some suggestions were Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Ralphs or Vons. Someone has offered to help mom with her resume and I will gladly post it once completed to see if anyone can help her with a permanent job.

Mom was very gracious and appreciated the community support.

If you are interested in helping, gift cards can be mailed to(and remember, NO amount is too little):

Calabasas High School

Attn: Ryan Emery 

22855 West Mulholland Hwy.

Calabasas, CA 91302

His email is remery@lvusd.org

Ryan will make sure that all donations reach the family.

Lastly, we are working with the Anza hotel, in hopes that they will deeply discount their nightly rate, to at least give them a place to stay over winter break and have a warm bed to sleep in for the holidays. Details are in the works now to make this happen. If you would like to assist with housing, a visa/mc gift card can be sent. Please include a note to Ryan that the funds are specially to be used for housing and he will make sure that they are.

The past 2 days have been extraordinarily humbling to me and just another learning lesson for my children. While most of us think something like this will never happen to them, trust me when I tell you that this mom and son never thought it would.

Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help others in need.

Love,

Jen

If you can help donate anything please mail to the address above or drop off at EVO and we will take care of it.  Lets try to help by this weekend before Christmas!  Thank you everyone. 

2nd Annual Holiday Pot Luck Dec-22 12-2pm

We would love for you to join us for our 2nd Annual Holiday Pot Luck (who could forget last years chocolate covered bacon).  The pot luck will be at Evolution Martial Arts Academy on Sunday December 22nd from 12pm to 2pm.  This is always a fun way to talk and hang out with the coaches and other students and members off the mat and away from the weights.

If you would like to participate please bring enough food to serve 3-4 people.  There is a sign up sheet on the front counter.  As a reminder please bring serving utensils if your dish or food item needs it.

Lets have some fun as we close out the year.  We hope to see some of you there.

We Won the 2013 Chatsworth Best Martial Arts School.

With 2013 coming to an end we won the 2013 Chatsworth Best Martial Arts School Award from the Chatsworth Award Program.  Not too shabby for being open for 1-1/2 years.  Thank you to our students, parents, crossfitters, and everyone who comes in and supports us day in and day out.  Without all of you we wouldn't have the EVO community.  We look forward to a bigger 2014.  

Here is press release (source link at the bottom of the page):

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Evolution Martial Arts Academy Receives 2013 Best of Chatsworth Award

Chatsworth Award Program Honors the Achievement

CHATSWORTH December 3, 2013 -- Evolution Martial Arts Academy has been selected for the 2013 Best of Chatsworth Award in the Karate School category by the Chatsworth Award Program.

Each year, the Chatsworth Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Chatsworth area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Chatsworth Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Chatsworth Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Chatsworth Award Program

The Chatsworth Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Chatsworth area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Chatsworth Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Chatsworth Award Program (http://chatsworth.awardredemption.org/PressReleaseub.aspx?cc=dcqm-pbb7-tk33)

CONTACT:
Chatsworth Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardredemption.org
URL: http://www.awardredemption.org

Thanksgiving Schedule

As Thanksgiving is upon us we at Evolution Martial Arts Academy are taking some time to reflect on what we are most thankful for.  We sincerely appreciate your continued patronage and the privilege to serve you and your family for many years to come.  

We hope that you are spending Thanksgiving with those you love and we wish the best to you and yours.  From the EVO family to your family Happy Thanksgiving! Below is our Thanksgiving Schedule. Nov 28th - Thanksgiving - Closed No Classes Nov 29th - Black Friday -  CrossFit 10am Nov 30th - Closed No Classes

Mini Cubs is a New Mommy/Daddy and Me Program We Are Trying in the Month of December.

We received a phone call last week from a mom asking us if there are classes for her 2 1/2 year old daughter.  We told her unfortunately that is a bit too young for our current Tiny Tiger Program.  She then asked if we ever thought about a mommy/daddy and me class.  Our reply was yes it was an idea but we never had enough interest to start something like that.

She said myself and a group of other moms are interested in this type of program.  We created a Facebook group yesterday just to explain how the program would work to the few moms interested and before we knew we had 28 members join the group.   

So here we are, Evolution Martial Arts Academy proudly presents Mini Cubs, we will start a 4 week free trial session.  Being led by an instructor Moms and Dads step on the mat with their child and work one on one with them.  

Just like our Tiny Tiger program we work on a variety of life skills including

• Listening / Following directions
• Focusing 
• Hand eye coordination
• Mobility drills 
• Balance
• Increased attention

Remember this program is to introduce kids to martial arts while having fun in a safe family atmosphere.  Even shy children will love idea because they can work with mom and dad on the mat and not be intimidated by a new instructor.  It's also a great way to meet other children and socialize.  

Here is what you need to know regarding the program.

• Once a week class every Sunday.
• Free classes starting Sunday December 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th.
• Time: 10-10:45am
• Ages 2-4 - (An exception can be made)
• No Uniforms needed during trial period. (Uniform will be required if continuing after trial)
• Mini Cubs have same Tiny Tigers Curriculum.  
• Bring a water bottle (can fill up at our water machine)
• Before first class please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a little paper work.

What happens after December 29th?

• If enough parents feel there is value in this program and like it the Mini Cubs program will continue right into the new year.
• Pricing - A 10 Class Power Pack must be purchased for $99.  The 10 Class Power Pack gets punched every time you and your child attends a class.  A power pack never expires so if you can't make classes you just save the remaining classes for next time.  
• A comparable martial arts school has a similar program which has an ongoing $115 per month membership.   
• New parents will always receive 2 free classes to try out the program.
• Family discounts will be offered for parents who want to take adult classes or older children who want to take martial arts.   

If you know anyone who maybe interested in a mommy/daddy and me martial arts class please share this link.  Keep in mind this is going to be a fun low key martial arts program that will just bring families closer together while building the EVO community.  

As always please email info@evomaa.net or leave a comment below with any questions.  Thanks.

Morning Classes Start Dec 2nd

There have been a lot of rumors swirling regarding morning classes.  Lets put them all to rest, here is the official announcement.  Morning classes will begin on Monday December 2nd.  Lots of you have been asking for it so your wish is coming true.  We will be adding an additional 12 classes.

We know some of you like to get your workout done and over with in the morning so you can spend more time with your family in the evenings.  The morning schedule will look like this.

Monday & Wednesdays

9am - CrossFit (MIX Level)
10am - Kickboxing
10am - Open Gym (Workout on your own)
11am - CrossFit (MIX)

Tuesdays & Thursdays

9am - CrossFit (MIX)
10am - Hapkido Adults
10am - Open Gym
11am - CrossFit (MIX)

We have a special "Early Bird" membership pricing for people who can only come to morning classes.  "Early Bird" membership allows you to only come in the morning.  Our "Regular" membership will allow you to come to any classes morning or night.

If you have friends that have been hesitant to start because evening classes didn't work for their schedule morning classes is now the solution.  If you already have kids who come in at night but you can't take classes because you need to take care of them this is your chance to come in the morning.  Take advantage of our family discount pricing.

No excuses anymore, we have just solved a whole lot of issues.

Remember refer 5 friends and to get free classes for yourself, nothing is better than free.  If you have any questions please email, info@evomaa.net





     

You Parents Asked For It, Parents Night Out, Dec. 7th

Lots of parents have been asking when is the next PNO?!?  We will be offering a Holiday Parents Night Out (PNO) on December 7th, 2013, from 5pm - 10pm.  This will be the perfect time for you to finish or start any Holiday shopping, or maybe its just a good night to go hang out and catch up with friends without kids.

Knowing your kids are safe, having fun, and being looked after by the EVO team this opportunity is too good to pass up.  Just like last time we will be serving pizza for dinner and finish the night with a movie.

Pricing (per child) -

$20 for Black Belt Club Members
$25 for Evolution Students
$30 for Non-Evolution Students

Items to Bring -

Water bottle (If they forget a bottle we will charge you for a water from the fridge)
Blankets and Pillows comfortable clothing for movie viewing

You can drop your child off at 4:45pm but must return by 10pm the latest.  There will be an additional fee if you are more than 15 minutes late.  This event is for children ages 5 and up (please contact Mr. Jason for special scenarios)

We know you parents don't have many nights off, let us help lighten the load for one night.

 

CrossFit Success Journals Coming Soon...

Some of you may have noticed the grey bookshelf in the corner of the CrossFit area.  Keeping track of your weights is the only way you can visually see improvements from month to month.  We have told everyone to keep track of their weights on the board and we see people taking photos on their phones which is great.  

We have decided to help you with the logging, we will implement a new Success Journal for you CrossFitters.  Just like we have for Hapkido students this will allow you to track all your weights, times, benchmark workouts, and other good thing.  We will eventually go to some type of online logging like beyond the white board in the future.  We feel people are more willing to log their weights quickly via pen and paper right after class than going home and logging into a website to input their weights.

If you do crossfit and hapkido you can keep everything in the same journal.  These journals will start to slowly roll out for everyone in the next couple weeks.  We feel if you use the journals after every class and monitor your weights and time you will see a performance increase.  We did the hard part, all you need to do is spend a minute to track all your weights, take advantage of this tool.  Numbers never lie.              

Halloween Reminder, Jr & Tiny Tiger Classes Cancelled on Halloween.

Quick reminder Tiny Tiger and Jr classes are cancelled on Halloween, October 31st, due to the fact that most kids will be getting ready and going out trick or treating.  Please stay safe when trick or treating and have parents examine all candy and items found in bags.  

Just like last year if you would like to you can wear your costume to class on Wednesday October 30th.  You can bring your full costume but any masks and other accessories must be put off to the side when taking class.  If you are not wearing a costume to class, normal hapkido attire required.  

Class schedule for Wednesday October 30th is normal schedule. No changes for Adult schedule on Halloween.

Free Movie Night Friday Nov 8th. Bring Your Friends and Watch Monsters University.

We are offering a free movie night at Evolution Martial Arts Academy on Friday November 8th.  Invite your friends and come watch Monsters University on our big screen.  If you missed your chance to watch it in the theaters you can come watch it here for free with your friends.

The movie will start promptly at 7:45pm we suggest you arrive around 7:30.  Please plan to feed dinner to your children before you arrive, the only thing we will be serving is fresh popped popcorn.  Have your child bring a bottle of water or their favorite drink and any other snacks they prefer.  

Also remember to have them bring your favorite pillows and blankets so can lay back and enjoy the movie.  The movie will end at 9:30pm, parents if you are not staying please come back and pick them up by 9:45.     

Fliers will available for you to pass out to invite your friends with all the details.  Hope to see some of you here.  Below is a quick summary

• 11-8-13 (7:30-9:30pm)
• Monsters University
• Fresh popcorn
• Bring preferred snacks or drinks (avoid too much sugar kids running around like monsters is not fun) 
• Bring pillows and blankets
• Parents enjoy 2 hours off
  

Reminder Evolution will be Closed October 12th for Crush Cancer 2013

Just a quick reminder that ALL Classes will be cancelled tomorrow due to the Crush Cancer Event in Culver City.

We are so happy that we raised close to $2,500 in our second year participating in this event.  All gyms combined have raised almost $223,000 that will go toward the battle against cancer.  Thank you to everyone who has helped raise money and those who donated to the cause.  This is the awesome community aspect that brings strangers all with a common interest together to fight something so terrible.  

The Crush Cancer workout event is tomorrow and is held in Culver City.  We have a couple coaches and a few athletes all doing this fun workout.  We will be closing Evolution tomorrow so we can go down and support our athletes and the cause.

The event begins at 10am and goes until about 4pm.  There will be ton of different vendors for the entire family to enjoy and an after party at the Culver Hotel from 4-7pm.  Most of the Evo athletes start around 12:15 to 1:30.  If you would like to come out for a bit and support the athletes their workouts will be held in the odd shaped parking lot across from Trader Joes.  The picture below shows the workout area.

The best address is

9290 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

There is no parking at the event but there are 3 different parking structures that you can use that are within a short walk.  The first 2 hours are free and if you get validation, you can park for 4 hours for free.  Click on the link below for a map of downtown culver city.  Hope to see some of you there!

Downtown Culver City Map

October 2013 News and Updates

We can't believe its October already.  Here is a run down of the important dates and events of the month.

Fun Fridays & Super Friends Saturday

Are your friends tired of you always talking about CrossFit?  They have no idea what all these acronyms mean, WOD, AMRAP, EMOM.  They think Tabata is some type of ethnic food.  For you CrossFitters the entire month of October is bring friend to class on Fridays and Saturdays for free.  Bring them and show them the ropes, who knows maybe they will end up as hooked as you.  Our referral program never hurts either.  

Saturday October 12th Crush Cancer 2013

Some CrossFitters will be participating at this event in Culver City on October 12th.  To participate you must have raised at least $150.  There are too many gyms that are participating in this event that unfortunately not everyone can participate.

Evolution will be closed on the Saturday of this event, we will be in Culver City supporting the cause and the athletes.      

Juniors can be an Instructor for a Class. 

Friday October 18th, 5:30-6:30pm.

Hapkido Jrs. bring a friend to class and teach them some of the techniques you have learned.  This is your chance to be Mr. Jason or Mr. AJ for a day.

4:30 Jr classes will be cancelled for this class.  If you don't have a friend interested in coming still come to this class anyways, it will be fun.

Hapkido / Tiny Tiger Exams & Graduation

Friday October 25th
            5pm - White & Yellow Belts
            6pm - Green Belts
Saturday October 26th
            9:30-10:15am - Tiny Tigers Exam
            10:30 - 11am - Graduation

All Regular Hapkido and Tiny Tigers Classes Cancelled October 25th and 26th.

Halloween at EVO

Wednesday October 30th - Tiny Tigers and Hapkido Jrs can attend classes in their Halloween costume.  Show your costume to off to your classmates.  They can bring accessories and masks but will not be allowed to wear them while taking class.

Thursday October 31st - All Junior and Tiny Tiger classes will be cancelled due to Halloween.  Please stay safe trick or treating.

Students Projected to Test at the End of October.

Click on the link below to view a list of students currently projected to test at the end of October.  Parents please save the date, the time of the actual exam may change.  Please visit this page every couple of weeks to see if a name has been added or removed.

Same format as the last test in August.  Exams will be on Friday for Juniors, Saturday will be an exam for Tiny Tigers followed by Graduation at 10:30am.

Parents please bring juniors the following day for Graduation if you do not hear from us.  No News is Good News.  Parents if your child did not meet the requirements to pass their exam we will contact you by 9:30pm that night, via phone call and email.

34 Days and 12 Hours to practice, practice, practice

http://www.evomaa.net/exams.html

BBQ at the Park Pot Luck Postponed Due to the Heat

No one likes hanging outside if its too hot and uncomfortable.  Drinks would get warm, delicious chocolate desserts would melt, kids wouldn't be able to run around.  We have decided to move our "end of summer" bbq to a different date, not set yet.  We will make this event more of a "start of fall" BBQ.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.  We rather move it than not have anyone show up because of the heat.  Stay cool everyone.

View Student Testing List from Smartphone, Available Now.

Some of the parents who don't have any kids testing weren't sure if their child was testing or not.  As a reminder please visit our website and click on the count down timer at the top of the page regularly to view the list of students testing.

If you visit our website on your smart phone we now have a page up for you to view the list.  Click "Next Belt Exam" button to view the list from your phone.

Here is the link, http://www.evomaa.net/exams.html. Hope this helps all you parents out there.  

Important Testing Dates and Labor Day Holiday Aug 31st - Sept 2nd

It's belt testing time again, lots of new white belts trying to achieve their orange belt and a few green belts going for blue belt level 1 our highest ranking as of now.  So here are some of the details regarding testing and the holiday weekend:

Friday August 30th

5pm - White Belts Testing 

6pm - Orange, Yellow, Green Belts Testing

7pm - Adults Testing

NO Regular Hapkido or Tiny Tiger Classes

Below is the list of the students testing as of now.

JUNIORS

• Liana M. (6pm)
• Dustin L. (6pm)
• Mimi L. (6pm)
• Leah T. (6pm)
• Massi T. (6pm)
• Diego S. (6pm)
• Ryan C. (6pm)
• Armaan S. (5pm)
• Yuvraj S. (5pm)
• Rosa C. (5pm)
• Sammy A. (5pm)
• Manny A. (5pm)
• Devon W. (5pm)
• Alexis W. (5pm)
• Jailyn W. (5pm)

ADULTS

• Jay W. (7pm)
• Catherine O. (7pm)
• David S. (7pm)
• Sam M. (7pm)

Saturday August 31st

9:30-10:15am - Tiny Tigers Testing

10:30 - 11am - Belt Graduation for Tiny Tigers and Jrs

NO Regular Hapkido or Tiny Tiger Classes

Below is the list of Tiny Tigers Testing

• Aarsh S. (9:30am)
• Alessandro P. (9:30am)
• Kyndall W. (9:30am)
• Jeremiah C. (9:30am)

Monday September 2nd

CLOSED No Classes Labor Day Holiday

Starting September 2nd, Minor Schedule change to Hapkido Jrs.

We are having a minor change to our Hapkido Jr. schedule.  This new schedule should help us focus more on specific belt rankings.  Starting September 2nd these are the following changes.

Monday & Wednesday:

4pm & 6pm (Green and Up)
5pm (Orange and Yellow only)


Tuesday & Thursday:

4pm & 6pm (Orange and Up)
5pm (White Belts Only)

Friday:

4:30pm (Orange and Up)

Saturday:

10am - All Ranks (White and Up)

Crush Cancer 2013 at DogTown. EVO CrossFit Athletes Let's Register and Get Family and Friends to Donate Toward this Good Cause.

Cancer kills nearly 1,600 Americans every day. That’s one person every minute. But we can change these staggering statistics if we stand up to cancer TOGETHER. On October 12, join us in downtown Culver City at Crush Cancer 2013--where the community brings together people from all over Southern California to stand up to this awful disease. Will you stand up with us?

Crush Cancer 2013 is one of the fastest-growing fundraising events and health expos in Southern California, where your fundraising will benefit Stand Up To Cancer's collaborative cancer research. The main event takes place in downtown Culver City on Saturday, October 12, and will include a workout called "Crush Cancer" with three divisions: advanced, intermediate and novice. Gyms from around the region will be participating, and individual enthusiasts are encouraged to attend as well. The health expo will feature local shops, restaurants and businesses to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Below are instructions to join our CrowdRise page for CF EVO. Everyone needs to join the team, as an individual. From there, you send out your own personal link for people to donate to you. All the monies aggregate at our team level! Let's get a good start on fundraising this year, and raise as much as we can for this great cause.

We want all CF EVO students to register and fundraise. It is ok if you cannot participate the day of the Crush Cancer event, because you can always make it up at EVO! We won't deny you that experience! Everyone has until the end of August to register, after which certain penalties will be awarded. You have been forewarned! Let's live up to image of CrossFit being about community, and help raise money for Cancer research!

Here's the link:http://www.crowdrise.com/CrossfitEvolution
1) Click on "register" (on the right side of the page)
2) Click on "Join Team" (CrossFit Evolution should auto-populate)
3) Fill out your personal information and complete the registration
4) Copy and paste your link onto your page weekly to remind people to donate. Hit up all your friends, family, and coworkers!

Remember its all about helping out and having Fun! Let's do this, EVO!!!

Please Join Us for 2 Great Martial Art Events

Attention all Evolution students we would like to invite you to please join Mr. Jason and Mr. Brandon for 2 special events, Sunday August 11th and Saturday August 17th at Team Karate Centers.

Sunday August 11th  12-2pm:

Hwa Rang Do: The Untold Story of the Formation of the Modern Korean Martial Arts

Come watch the feature documentary and hear with your own ears, the untold story from martial arts living legend and Hwa Rang Do Founder, Dr. Joo Bang Lee on the origins and development of modern Korean martial arts including Hwa Rang Do, Hapkido and Kuk Sool Won.

This is the true, yet controversial telling of the most important period in modern Korean martial arts history in the midst of the Korean War and great political turmoil, as Dr. Lee witnessed & participated in first hand.

Special Q and A with Dr. Joo Bang Lee and his eldest son and Hwa Rang Do heir, Grandmaster Taejoon Lee will follow the screening of the film, as well as opportunity for pictures and autographs for those in attendance.

• Learn about the efforts by Dr. Joo Bang Lee and martial arts legend, Ji Han Jae, to form a unified Korean martial arts system, as ordered by then Korean President, Jeong Hee Park 
• The backstory of the formation of the Kuk Sool Hwe by Dr. Joo Bang Lee and In Hyuk Suh, which lead to the founding of Kuk Sool Won 
• The true story into Dr. Joo Bang Lee's close relationship with Yong Sul Choi and Ji Han Jae, leading to the true origins of Hapkido and the dilution of one of Korea's modern martial arts systems 
• An opportunity to ask questions of them, live and in-person! 

Suggest Donation for Tickets: $25
All proceeds from this event will go towards funding martial arts training programs and scholarships for low-income individuals, at-risk youth and combat veterans via the World Hwa Rang Do Association - Non-Profit Organization.

Location

Team Karate Centers
21038-A Victory Blvd Woodland Hills, CA. 91367
on August 11th, 2013 beginning @ 12 Noon

Schedule:
12 Noon - 12:45pm - Film Screening
12:45pm - 1pm - Q and A Setup
1pm - 2pm - Q and A with Dr. Joo Bang Lee and Grandmaster Taejoon Lee

Saturday August 17th  12pm:

One of our teachers Master Steve Sexton is having an Autobiography Book Signing Celebration.  

The book recaps the 60-year span of the 8th Degree Hapkido Master's life from his childhood through his passion for martial arts, and how that passion saved his life on more than one occasion.

If you would like to order a copy of the book please click on the link below.

http://stevesextonhapkido.com/steve-sexton-book.asp

You can pick up your copy on Sat, Aug 17 and have Master Steve Sexton sign it for you.

Location

Team Karate Centers
21038-A Victory Blvd Woodland Hills, CA. 91367
on August 17th, 2013 beginning @ 12 Noon 

If you are free we would love it if you can stop by. 

Important Dates and Events for the Month of August

Here is a quick rundown of all the events we have happening at EVO in the month of August.

Saturday August 3rd: California Affiliate League, Saturday Night Lights at DogTown CrossFit.  Wish our CrossFit Athletes the best of luck as this is the first competition for most of them.  If you are free and would like to watch, head down to DogTown and cheer them on!

Sunday August 4th & 11th: Evo Top Team Auditions from 9-10:30am.  For more information Click here

Saturday August 17th: Mandatory Green Belt Orientation 9:30-10am.  All Green Belts must attend along with at least 1 parent.  Quick 30min talk about what we expect and how things will go here on out for Green Belts and above.  Things are about to get serious. (9am Adult Class Cancelled)


Friday August 30th:  Hapkido Belt Exam

• 5pm: Junior White Exam
• 6pm: Junior Green, Yellow, & Orange Exam
• 7pm: Adult Exam Time

Click here to find out if you are testing. Some changes to the list can be made as Exam date draws closer.

There will be NO Regular Hapkido/Tiny Tiger classes, CrossFit classes ON.  

Saturday August 31st:

• 9:30-10:20am: Tiny Tiger Exam
• 10:30-11am: Hapkido Jr. & Tiny Tiger Graduation 

There will be NO Regular Hapkido/Tiny Tiger classes, CrossFit classes ON.

EVO Top Team Auditions August 4th & 11th.

Do you like performing in front of a crowd?  Does that type of intensity get your adrenaline pumping?  Evolution Martial Arts Academy is holding auditions to join Evo Top Team, our demonstration team. Evo Top Team will perform demonstrations at future belt graduations and other special events.  A special class on Fridays will allow these team members to work together and prepare for the next performance. 

The only requirement needed to audition is the rank of at least Hapkido Jr. Green Belt.  All students who fulfill this requirement are more than welcome to try out but NOT every student will make it.  Only 6 spots are available on this roster as of right now.  Three of the most important factors we are looking for are focus, following directions, and most importantly technical ability. 

How Auditions Work: 

• Auditions will be held on Sunday August 4^th and 11^th, starting at 9am.
• Students must make an appointment ahead of time (Sign Ups will be on the front counter).  Students can only audition one time.
• Students waiting must wait in lobby area until their turn.    
• Each student will demonstrate in 10 minutes a list of techniques in front of 2 unnamed judges.  (Students have done all these techniques before, list of techniques will not be known to student until they step on the mat) 
• Once students are done they are free to leave.
• Judges will review all notes and students who made the team will be notified a couple days later.

Parents keep in mind there is a possibly only one sibling could make it while the other(s) do not.  Students who make the team may be cut from the team at any time. Auditions will be held again in the future as we increase the number of spots on the team or have to fill available spots.      

Good luck, bring your skills.

New CrossFit Shirt on the Way!

We are releasing a new fun CrossFit shirt for the summer.  We have decided to give you athletes the same shirt Life AsRx uses on some of their shirts.  We went out and got you American Apparel's 50/50 T-Shirt.  50% cotton, 50% polyester which gives a soft, more stretchy, and a little more breathable than the 100% cotton we used on the original shirts.  The shirts are crew neck and we will have women and men cut shirts.  This red shirt is pretty self-explanatory "Harder the WOD, Sexier the BOD" in a distressed bold font.  All you CrossFitters will agree with this quote.   

We are only doing a limited run of these shirts of about 50.  We will take preorders so come in and reserve yours today.  These 50/50 shirts will be $25.  We have various size samples of the shirt now so can come in a try it on to decide the exact size that would fit you.  Try the shirts on before your workouts please :-) Keep in mind the shirts do shrink a bit and the image below is a Mock-Up.  Represent CrossFit at EVO!        

Important End of June and Early July Dates and Updated Schedules

That time of the year is coming up again.   Some of the team will be leaving for Las Vegas for the Annual Martial Arts Supershow.  Some will stay to keep EVO going, so lets make sure you know what is going on.

Testing:  Check here to see if you are testing and to get more information  (http://www.evomaa.net/exams.html)

• June 28th - Hapkido Testing (5:30-6:45pm)
• Regular Hapkido & Tiny Tiger classes CANCELLED 
• CrossFit classes ON 
• June 29th - Tiny Tiger Testing (11:30-12:45)
• Regular Tiny Tiger classes CANCELLED
• All CrossFit & Hapkido classes ON

July 1-3rd - Special Holiday Schedule,  most of you will be out of town, half of our team will be out of town.  These are the ONLY classes offered these 3 days.

4:30 - Tiny Tigers

5:00 - Hapkido Jrs. (White / Orange Belts)

6:00 - Hapkido Jrs. (Yellow / Green Belts)

7:00 - Hapkido Adults 

CrossFit (Normal Times)

July 4-7th -  Closed.  We are taking a few days off, recharging for the 2nd half of the year.

Modified Class Schedule Change. (STARTING NOW) 

6pm Monday & Wednesday Advance class will change to an All Ranks Class.  All other classes will remain in its current state.  New Schedules will be made and downloadable soon.  We know that will make some of you parents happy.    

Any questions please email info@evomaa.net.  Thanks

New Class Schedule Start June 17th

This is exciting, we haven't had a major class schedule change like this in a long time.  Here is an overview of what will be new, moving, or changing.  New schedule print outs will be made and of course our website will be updated.

New - CrossFit Class Monday-Thursday 8-9pm (Starts a week early June 10th)
New - Tiny Tiger Class Tuesday & Thursday 5pm
New - Hapkido Jr. Beginners Class (White, Orange, Yellow) Monday & Wednesdays 5pm
Moving - Hapkido Jr. ON-Ramp Tuesday & Thursday moving from 5pm to 5:30pm
Change - Hapkido Jr. (All Ranks) 4pm & 6pm, Monday & Wednesday changing to Advance Belts only (Green+)
Change - Hapkido Adults 7pm Tuesday & Thursday changing to Kickboxing Fitness

Hopefully this schedule change is beneficial to you as we would like to provide you as much as we can.  With the academy growing we try to accommodate everyone the best we possibly can.  As we continue to grow we will continue to change the schedule as needed.  This schedule change will be effective starting June 17th, the 8pm CrossFit class will begin June 10th.

Thanks for all your support.



  

Quick Reminder we will be Closed Monday for Memorial Day

Just in case you missed this on the Big Board we will be Closed Monday for Memorial day.  We know you CrossFitters are thinking awww no Hero WOD.  Don't worry we will have a good Hero WOD ready for you Tuesday.

Be sure to pay respect to all those who put their lives on the line everyday to give us the freedom we are privileged enough to have.

Who's Testing at the Next Belt Promotion?

In our constant effort to stay in 100% communication with our parents our belt testing page is now live on our website.  If you click on the Belt Testing Countdown Timer you will be directed to a page with frequently asked questions regarding testing and a list of potential students testing.  The list may change as we get closer to testing date.  Parents check the list if you are unsure so you can plan to keep this date open.

A mobile version will be coming soon for those of you glued to your smart phones.


http://www.evomaa.net/exams.html

This Friday 3:30 Tiny Tigers & 5:30 Adult Hapkido Classes Cancelled

This Friday May 3rd, 3:30pm Tiny Tigers Class will be cancelled due to Tiny Tiger Testing.  Adult Hapkido 5:30pm class will also be cancelled due to an adult testing.  Below is a summary of classes for Friday May 3rd.

3:30 Tiny Tigers Class Cancelled

4:00 Tiny Tigers Class ON
4:30 Junior Hapkido Class ON
5:00 CrossFit Class ON
5:30 Adult Hapkido Class Cancelled
6:00 CrossFit Class ON 

Our 1 Year Anniversary Announcements

Just in case some of you folks couldn't make it last Sunday these were the announcements you missed and an announcement we forgot to mention.

1.  Anyone who signed up for our Pre-Grand Opening Special from last year knew that after their first year the introductory rate would go up.  As a thank you to all those loyal members and students who stuck with us since the beginning we have decided not to raise your rate.  Your Pre-Grand Opening rate will be grandfathered to you as long as you continue to be a member.  Thanks for all the support since the beginning.

2.  All memberships are now inclusive, no extra charge for other programs.  You can do whatever program we offer.  Why go somewhere and just do CrossFit when you can do Martial Arts and CrossFit for the same price?

Adults getting fit and learning some self defense?  Kids working hard doing martial arts and getting fit all at the same time? CrossFit Kids is on our Road Map.  Yup, this all sounds pretty good and valuable to us.

3.  We forgot to mention we have 1 Year Anniversary patches for martial art student uniforms.  It will look similar to the image below colors may vary.  Students who signed up before April 14th 2013 will receive a patch that we will sew onto their uniforms.  Only these students will receive the patch, new students will have to wait for the 5 Year Anniversary patch.