My wife and I enrolled our shy and quiet 7 year old daughter in mini roller Jiu Jitsu class a month ago. We thought she might be scared and reject the idea of giving up dance class for Jiu Jitsu but she really surprised us. She loves learning different ways of protecting and defending herself. My daughter really enjoys coming to Jiu Jitsu class and we see her growth in her training and confident level. Coach Todd, coach Annie, and coach Joao are awesome teaching kids different ways of protecting and defending themselves. They are hands on with them to ensure safety and correct form. The class is very positive and respectful. My daughter will not go anywhere else but Evolve Training. We would definitely recommend this place! My daughter loves it and talks to her friends about it. read more

Evolve - Muay Thai Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

See all

Super cool group of guys. Visiting from out of town and Todd was super welcoming. Will definitely be back next time I'm here. If I was in this area this is where I'd train for sure read more

Thank you for the great training!!!! Always good vibes and can't wait to come backOyeeeee!!!

Clean, spacious, open air academy with legit coaches. We came from Maryland , and Professor Todd, my nephews' coach, graciously accepted our three kids to study while we were visiting family for a few weeks. They were warmly welcomed and taught with the same intensity with our kids as with all of his kids. He has an obvious passion for martial arts and passes that on in his teaching. My kids enjoyed learning in this academy, and if we ever moved back to Southern CA they would be happy to train here. read more

Evolve is amazing! Coach Todd is amazing! The members of the gym are amazing! Definitely worth checking out whether you have the slightest curiosity about jiu jitsu, or you're experienced and looking for a place to push you to your maximum potential in a safe and fun environment. Kids are loving it, learning a lot, and becoming the best, most confident versions of themselves. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

Professor Todd is a great BJJ coach. The jiu jitsu classes have a heavy focus on technique drilling in order to build muscle memory. He breaks down the technique thoroughly and demonstrates methodically. He has high energy and doesn't hesitate to help students who have questions. This is a great school for both the hobbyist and competitor. read more

I'm honored to be in this community of caring, supportive, badass people! Evolve is a fantastic place to be, whether you're brand new to martial arts or continuing a journey that began somewhere else. My husband has been training and competing since he was young, but I had very little exposure/knowledge before I signed up. I was terrified to be a beginner and embarrass myself, but Professor Todd really took me under his wing and has made sure that I'm comfortable and confident on (and off) the mats. He gives so much care and attention to each student and is always cognizant of other priorities in our lives. His energy and attitude inspire every student to train hard and have a great time doing it! This wonderful example of leadership and friendship has created a tight-knit community, and I'm happy to say that we've already found a lot of friends through Evolve. I can't recommend this gym enough! read more

See all

This place is an absolute blessing! I came into jujitsu on the heavier side, thinking that I wasn't ready and of course I needed to wait for the right time until I lost weight to begin my journey. But I took the leap of faith, jumped out there and realize this is exactly what I needed, not only am I learning so many valuable lessons I'm enjoying every minute of it as I learn and grow as a family man and as a professional, because many of these lessons can be applied towards every day life. Thank you to Todd and the amazing environment that you've created, this place is going to continue to flourish and I look forward to being a part of it and growing in my jujitsu journey. I cannot recommend this place enough I'm not only in the best shape of my life three months after beginning this journey but I continue to pursue, my development to climb up the rankings. Just know when class is over. You'll continue to look forward to the next class. It's simply that fun! read more

Evolve - Muay Thai Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

I had the pleasure of training with Professor Todd's crew tonight. Amazing crew, amazing training, and amazing facility. I would highly recommend checking out Professor Todd's gym! read more

My wife and I had recently moved to California and were looking for a new gym to continue training jiu jitsu. One of our major concerns was finding a gym similar to our previous one with a tight knit family environment with great technical instruction by someone that deeply cares about their students progression. After about 5 minutes of being at Evolve we knew the gym had all the important characteristics we were looking for. From everyone's welcoming demeanor, the massive mat space and most importantly, Todd's great instruction and willingness to dive deeper into the topic to ensure it's clicking for everyone, there really isn't anything else we could ask for in a gym. read more

My kids absolutely love everything about this jiu-jitsu class. Todd the owner is amazing with kids, and his team have everyone paired and engaged appropriately. read more

Just turned 39 years old, have two toddlers at home, haven't done any impact sports since 2016, never took a martial arts class in my life, and I decided to listen to my neighbors and join Evolve. I've been training Muay Thai since September of this year and love every second of it. All the coaches are superb and are in tune with each student's skill level and constantly instructing to improve technique and safety. It's never too late to join and i'll definitely be throwing my kids into the mix when they're old enough. read more

My wife and I got our 7yr old daughter a free trail, and now 3 weeks later Jiu Jitsu is what has grounded her, made her more focused, and she totally loves it. She totally looks forward to every session. I highly recommend it for anyone. Thank you Todd! read more

Evolve - Muay Thai Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Unhelpful! my son was a member here for a couple months late last year and canceled it just wasn't for him he decided to focus on a different activity. We canceled and I thought everything was ok. However a couple weeks I was charged for 2 months membership but we had not gone back. I contacted the Evolve they told me sorry we charged the wrong person and they would take care of it the next day. Great problem solved no harm no foul. That was at the end of June I have emailed them a few more times and I have gotten no response or any nothing saying they are issuing a refund. read more

Good gym for learning self defense and getting a workout with various classes that they offer.

Professor Todd is an amazing instructor who is truly passionate about teaching BJJ and is so hands on with all his students. He provides such a hands on approach and is always upbeat and encouraging...pushing us to be our very best. My daughter and I are so excited to be a part of such as a great academy and look forward to continuing our BJJ journey under Professor Todd and the Evolve Checkmat Family. read more

Evolve Jui Jitsu has been life-changing for our 12-year-old son, shaping his fitness, friendships, and self-confidence. Professor Todd's firm yet friendly, almost magical personality has made all the difference. We're deeply grateful for Todd and the staff's support and investment in our son! read more

Today I had my first experience at this gym. I've been looking around for a true Muay Thai gym in the area and no other gym has compared to the quality of teaching and equipment. I have taken a few Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing classes here and there, but the knowledge/teaching style of Coach Todd is unmatched. From the second I walked in, I was welcomed by a gentleman who could tell that I was new to the class. Coach Todd also made me feel very welcomed with his warm and energetic personality. Throughout the class Coach Todd took his time and worked with me to make sure I knew what I was doing and felt comfortable. No matter how many times my brain froze with the last part of the combo, Coach Todd encouraged me to try again. To the new girls out there reading this review, this is the gym to try. You will feel safe, prepared, and as an equal. I'm excited to come back and continue my training! read more

I've trained at many bjj schools over the years and Todd is one of the best instructors I have ever met. He is honest, trustworthy and understanding. He is able to acknowledge each students need and expectation. Nothing but great things to say about this gym and coach Todd. Train here! read more

My kids and husband have been a part of the gym for about 6 months now and it has been a great source of discipline, exercise and community for our family. Coach Todd creates a respectful and structured class while holding the kids to the highest standards. I've never seen a groups of kids so attentive! Can't say enough great things about this place. A family friendly establishment that doesn't see you as a dollar bill but as a member of a big family :) read more

My kids and I have been training at Evolve with Coach Todd for 4 years now. You won't find a Coach / owner that cares more about his students and helping kids and adults gain mental and physical strength. I highly recommend Evolve to anyone. read more

Took my 7 year old son here and he had such a great time. Signed him up and then decided to try it for myself. The coaching, facility, cleanliness is all top notch. If you are looking for a jiu jitsu gym this is the place to be. read more

With immense confidence, I can wholeheartedly say that joining Evolve is one of the best decisions I've made for my son. Evolve's gym not only holds amazingly talented coaches, but the quality of the actual gym itself is superior. It feels brand new and meticulously clean, has a great spacious mat layout, has an ideal ability to fully open up to fresh air, has modern equipment, and often times has good music too... if Professor Todd turns on his playlist for you! Professor Todd isn't only beholding his own extremely high levels of expertise in martial arts, but he is also gifted with an outstanding coaching style and the ability to fully lead children. Professor Todd is an ideal role model for my son, I love how he coaches him, speaks to him, and influences him. For me, Professor Todd is helping me shape my son from a boy into a confident and well respected man. It's been very rewarding watching my son emerge into the dedication of self defense, self control, self confidence, but also self realization of the fulfillment that emerges when you're training to be the best you can be. My family, as a whole, is very grateful for our continued experience at Evolve taking group and private Jiujitsu and Muay Thai classes. read more

Evolve - Muay Thai Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Todd and his team are complete professionals! I immediately felt at home and was warmly welcomed by all. You can tell by the cleanliness of the gym that they take pride in their craft and in their space. I cannot wait to be part of the Evolve Checkmat family! read more

I have trained at many martial arts schools over the last 25 years (Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai), I can say without hesitation that Evolve ranks at the top. Coach Todd's holistic and practical approach to teaching is exceptional. He is a very technical teacher, who does a great job positively motivating his students. The gym is extremely clean, organized, and a friendly environment. Evolve has high-level instructors in both Muay Thai and BJJ and is great for all levels. As a long-time practitioner and a father of two teenage girls, I highly recommend Evolve for both adults and kids, who are looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or train competitively. read more

I found this place through a friend about two years ago and had no idea how hooked I would become. This is my first martial art ever and I cannot get enough. The people at Evolve are amazing and have become family. No matter your skill level the classes are beneficial to all. There are a few instructors allowing a variety of teaching methods and all of them are good at tailoring the class to ensure everyone is growing on their jujitsu journey. read more

Evolve - Morning class is such a great way to start my day - Muay Thai Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Having trained at BJJ and MMA gyms in UK and across California, when I moved to South OC I was looking for a gym to call home that had world class instruction and a great atmosphere. Evolve Checkmat in RMV ticks all the boxes and is an amazing gym to learn BJJ and Muay Thai. The instructors, Coach Todd Aimer and Captain Marcelo Capociama set very high standards and have a great attention to detail and the fellow students train hard and are very welcoming. I cannot recommend this gym highly enough and I will be signing up my youngest daughter for the kids program. Oss read more

Coach Todd donated his time, space, and expertise to our group of teenage girls in National Charity League, Monarch Chapter. His determination and passion to teach these girls self-defense moves that they did not know when they walked in were evident! The girls took it seriously under his leadership and direction. He had high expectations for this group of 26, AND he made it FUN! They all learned AND laughed! Thank you, Coach Todd, for giving these skills and confidence to the youth in our community! read more

Evolve Checkmat is awesome! I am a middle aged beginner who has always wanted to get into martial arts, but never pulled the trigger until now. Coach Todd and everyone at the gym made me feel very welcome and put my nerves at ease. It is an awesome workout with your choice of Jiu jitsu or Muay Thai-or both! If you are like me and kept putting it off, come try a workout at Evolve-you will be hooked! read more

Our 5-year-old daughter just joined and absolutely loves it! Master Todd has a gift for teaching kids and adults. He is kind and really cares to know each of his students. He strikes a nice balance of strictness and kindness with his students. We highly recommend this business. read more

Took my son for his very first Ju Jitsu class. He was super nervous but Coach Todd and the whole staff made him feel so welcomed. And the class was amazing! My son jumped right in with Todd's encouragement. Highly recommend! read more

This has honestly been one of the best things we ever did for our twin 5yr old boys, especially during a crazy year like 2020. Coach Annie, Coach João, and Coach Todd are phenomenal. My boys are fast learners, super competitive and full of boundless energy so they are chomping at the bit for each and every class. In just a couple months we've seen a huge improvement in their strength, coordination, and confidence. Both my wife and I love to watch the practices and my 3yr old boy is dying to join when he's old enough. As a family, we are hooked and the boys can't wait for their first tournament! Highly recommend! read more

Brought my 6 year old son in for his first class tonight and honestly couldn't be more impressed with the way coach Todd encouraged, instructed, and provided an safe class for everyone. Highly recommend! read more

WOW-my teenage daughter's first class exceeded our expectations. Todd is able to teach critically important self-defense techniques while still making the time very enjoyable with laughter. The time flew by! What an asset Evolve is to our community. read more

This program. Is great! The instructors are simply excellent, they have the perfect blend of: Education, they know their stuff High energy, which was perfect for my 5 year old Got that heart rate up and worked them Fun! My little man always went away happy I highly recommend this program. read more

I cannot begin to tell you how completely satisfied I am with this Academy. Todd is unbelievable. My son has been in jujitsu now for five years and in the last four months since we transferred from our old dojo my son has at least doubled his skill set. I would pay twice what I pay for him to be able to go here. They don't get better than this. Absolutely A plus across-the-board read more

Coach Todd and the other coaches at this gym are true professionals. They teach you skills while motivating you to do your best. Whether you are a trained fighter or a novice, you will have fun and make friends here! Very friendly and supportive environment! Highly Recommended! read more

There's a reason that every class at #EvolveCheckmatOC is filled with students eager to learn and train in BJJ and Muay Thai martial arts...Coach Todd. Coach Todd, the owner, is probably one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. Not too many people can truly say they love what they do, but Coach Todd exemplifies this concept - His passion for what he does literally pours itself out into every class and is contagious for the students. It's still amazing to me with back to back packed classes, he still knows everyone by name and remains positive and so much energy as if that was his only class all day. In addition, he teaches invaluable principles of hard work, dedication to learn, striving for personal growth while maintaining integrity, honor and loyalty within the martial arts heritage. There are a lot of martial arts studios out there, but you owe it to yourself or your kids to at least come check out a free introductory class and experience the difference! read more

I was looking for a legit but friendly Muay Thai school, and I found it. The school has excellent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well if you want to round out your MMA training. There are plenty of classes to work with my schedule, which means I can train 2 to 3 times per week. Coach Todd will ride you a bit, but all in the spirit of improvement. I highly recommend this school! read more

I'm a 67 year old martial artist. I was looking for classes that would allow me to learn Jiu Jits and Muy Thai for the health benefits and from a martial arts perspective some solid training. I found that with from Professor Todd. He keeps a very well run place. And, as an instructor he is an expert and a professional instructor. And in every class I have attended, I have seen him identify individual needs of his student and provide them with the personal assistance to excel on every occassion. As far as the atomosphere. The training groups are really a connected group of people to train with of all ages. For me, it is great to train with the older students like myself, as well as be able to test the technique aspect of martial arts on the younger guys who also provide a good challenge and know how to be good training partners. No doubt from Professor Todd's great attitude! read more