Hello everyone.

I'd like to upgrade the academy to help improve the member experience. Unfortunately, my budget is limited at the moment. Below is a description of what I'd like to do and why. If members and friends are willing and able to pitch in, it will go a long way toward making these upgrades a reality!

I'd rather not ask for help, but the upgrades won't happen this time around without assistance from our community. Please don't feel obligated... but, if you feel inclined to help and comfortably have the resources, it would be greatly appreciated!

Listed in order of importance.... Any budget we have will go towards the highest priority projects first:

1. FLOOR MATS: I would like these replaced. Currently, the underlayer consists of our original mats from 2009 and the upper layer is from 2015. The upper layer is still in very good condition but we would benefit from renewed padding and shock absorption. The underlayer should be replaced for the same reasons but also due to the recent water damage. I want to drop the upper layer down to the bottom and buy new mats for the top. The current underlayer would be discarded. I would also like to lay down underlayment, which will help protect in case of any future leaks. Budget needed: $3500 + $500.

2. SANITIZING: I would like to hire a company to deep clean and sanitize every inch of the academy while the mats are up and being replaced. Budget needed: $250.

3. WAITING AREA: I would like to replace the rug up front, as it has survived more than its share of spills and leaks (though I have carefully maintained and cleaned it). I would like to replace the bench pillows for your comfort. Budget needed $210 + $160.

4. PATCH & PAINT: I would like to have the interior walls patched and painted. This is more for sealing properties than it is for aesthetics (but the latter too). This is an old building and it won't hurt to have an extra layer of protection between us and what's between the walls. Budget needed: $1200.

5. MISC: I have a few other things that would be great, but are less of a priority (listed in order of importance)... an additional HEPA air filter, a new wall-mounted timer for interval and round training, new window vinyl for out front, upgraded training equipment and a few others. Any additional budget raised will go towards these items.

I carefully maintain everything to the best of my ability. I clean regularly and always have professionals clean consistently too. I have painted myself, replaced the mats, rugs, pillows, equipment etc multiple times over the years, and always put money back into the academy when possible.

I love doing what I do and am grateful to continue a life dedicated to practicing and teaching martial arts.... Thank you all for being a part of this journey!

The total budget needed for items 1 - 4 above is 6k. I will contribute 1 - 2k towards these upgrades myself.

I hope together we can make the above academy upgrades a reality!!

I will post receipts for all upgrades once completed.

Sincerely and with Gratitude,

Jacob Cho