About Evolution Martial Arts
Bringing world-class training to Winnipeg.
Evolution Martial Arts was established in 2010 by Sifu Joel Ledlow when he opened a school in Oklahoma City. The school would serve as a place for his continued growth as a martial artist and teacher, but it would also serve as a positive environment for his children to grow up surrounded by wonderful people. He opened the Winnipeg school in 2015.
Bringing years of practical experience and a wealth of knowledge, Sifu Joel specializes in teaching the modern self-defence art of Duo Ji Kung Fu and Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do (JKD), but he has additional training in Muay Thai, Savate, BJJ, Judo, Kali, Wrestling, Aikido, Aikibujitsu, Tai Jitsu, and fencing.
Students learn by using the safest training methods in a positive and fun atmosphere.
These programs focus on cultivating positive attributes through martial training that develop thoughtfulness, athleticism, and confidence. The goal is to impact and evolve a community of strong, resilient, and mindful individuals with the necessary martial skills to defend themselves more effectively and to overcome life’s challenges better.
Students who regularly train in martial arts benefit from the following:
Expanded ability to express oneself
Greater awareness
Improved focus & problem solving
Mindfulness
Stress Control
Boosted immune system
Enhanced emotional intelligence & control
Increased strength, flexibility & coordination
Positive friendships & community
These benefits transfer directly to everyday living and our ability to interact more fully with the world.
Evolution Martial Arts is currently located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Joel Ledlow - Owner/Head Instructor
Owner/Head Instructor Joel Ledlow has over 35 years of experience in movement. He is a 5th-degree Duo Ji Kung Fu black belt under Ed Monaghan. He is also a full instructor in Jeet Kune Do under Jerry Poteet, who trained with Bruce Lee in Los Angeles. These ranks award him the title of “Sifu,” meaning teacher.
Our Evolution Family
Sifu Ed Monaghan has studied martial arts for over 45 years in multiple fighting systems. He has been awarded 7 black belts/instructor's certifications, holds the rank of 8th degree black belt, and is the founder of a blend system taugth at his school, Ekata Martial Arts, and by Sifu Joel at Evolution Martial Arts.
He continues to support and guide Sifu Joel on his martial path.
Joel is a 5th degree black belt under Sifu Ed.
Sifu Ian brings a unique perspective to movement from his experience performing with Marvel Leve and Cirque du Soleil.
Ian is a black belt in Duo Ji Kung Fu and an instructor in Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Joel. He resides in Las Vegas but is still in close contact with Sifu Joel.
has been training at Evolution JKD for over a decade and brings a unique perspective to movement from his experience performing with Marvel and Cirque du Soleil.
"Movement is movement is movement."
Sensei Chadwick was instrumental in the formation of Duo Ji Kung Fu. Many of the movements come directly from him, and you will find the teachings of Sensei Chadwick in every class taught by Sifu Joel.
With an extensive background in military and sercurity work all over the world, Chadwick Minge began training in traditional Japanese battle arts This would lead him to train directly under Grand Master Shoto Tanemura in Japan. He would then open the Yamato Dojo in Studio City, California. This is where, through Ed Monaghan, Joel would begin a long relationship based on learning and growing.
Sensei Chadwick has continued to be a mentor and guide to Joel for over two decades, sharing his wisdom and insight to help guide a new generation.
Instructor
Robert Holsenbake leads up a small group in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He can be reached at [email protected] for more information on joining his classes.
Steven brings enthusiasm and dedication to his training group in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information, click HERE.