- The Beverly Arts
- May 21, 2025
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Martial arts student Eden Savion and Gerry Blanck, owner of Gerry Blanck's Yoshukai Karate studio in the Pacific Palisades
Santa Monica, California, USA. 17th May, 2025. A powerful story of resilience and community spirit took center stage at the Phoenix Dojo Gala held on Saturday, May 17th at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites in Santa Monica, California. The fundraising event was focused on supporting the rebuild of Gerry Blanck’s renowned Yoshukai Karate studio, which was tragically destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The fire devastated the Pacific Palisades area, displacing 180 students and their families, and reducing the beloved martial arts dojo to ashes. For over four decades, the studio has served as a cornerstone of the community, offering not just martial arts training but a safe haven for youth and families.
Actor/businessman Peter Madrigal
Organized by Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Foundation, the gala commemorated the dojo’s 43-year legacy while raising critical funds for its restoration. The event also sought to expand community programming, including scholarships for martial arts students and sponsorship of local health and wellness initiatives. Titled “From Fire to Future,” the evening celebrated the achievements of the dojo’s elite athletes, who recently earned accolades at major national karate competitions. Guests enjoyed dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, awards presentations, and appearances by special guests.
Music artist Kendra Erika
Music artists Mason & Julez
The event was hosted by Peter Madrigal (Vanderpump Rules) and featured performances by Kendra Erika, a Billboard Top Ten music artist, and Mason & Julez, an Australian pop-country duo. The evening was produced by Diamond Media, with Sandra Costa Architectural Design & Build serving as associate producer, and actress Christina Fulton, CEO of Immortal Beauty Inc., chairman of the host committee. The Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) was one of the many sponsors for the event with TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, attending the event.
Gerry Blanck, owner of Yoshukai Karate studio, Sandra Costa, architectural designer, and TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA points to his name
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” said Gerry Blanck, a two-time world champion in kickboxing and karate. “This dojo has always been a safe place, a second home for many families. We’re determined to rise from the ashes—stronger, together.” All proceeds from the event are going directly toward rebuilding the studio and providing support for the affected families.
Martial art students, parents, and event organizers with Gerry Blanck (center)
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by MDSUN, XAVVI, BYC International Holdings, Cynthia Clarté, En Guangzhi Art Studio, Xiuwen Wang Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- May 13, 2025
Updated: May 22, 2025
Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI Group
Los Angeles, California, USA. 10th May, 2025. XAVVI, an AI-driven ecommerce company, hosted a groundbreaking AI+Influencer Ecommerce Expo at their U.S. headquarters offices in downtown Los Angeles, California. The event drew 100 top internet celebrities for an afternoon of networking, forums, and strategic discussions with manufacturers, trading firms, logistics providers, and other industry partners. Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI Group, stated, "As the top influencer agency of TikTok in the UK, XAVVI has successfully incubated more than 1,000 influencer accounts, including several well-known influencers with more than one million followers."
Panelists with moderator Yevgeniy Malyarchuk, COO of XAVVI (right)
XAVVI is an AI intelligent platform focusing on the field of overseas e-commerce. Through unique AI algorithms and content strategies, XAVVI helps influencers achieve efficient conversion from traffic to revenue by integrating big data analysis methods and artificial intelligence technology. They offer cross-border e-commerce sellers a solid platform for operational support and decision-making.
"The XAVVI platform aims to help manufacturers better develop overseas markets and improve business efficiency and competitiveness," said Peter Wu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XAVVI.
Attendees watch the presentations on AI and ecommerce
Yevgeniy Malyarchuk, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of XAVVI and former TikTok Southern California market specialist, stated, "As an innovative technology company, XAVVI is well aware of the complexity and challenges of the cross-border e-commerce market. The platform uses advanced AI algorithms and machine learning technologies to provide sellers with core services such as product selection, pricing strategies, and market trend analysis. By using a data-driven approach, it helps sellers make smarter business decisions. XAVVI's AI-powered decentralized ecommerce platform is an innovative business ecosystem that breaks the centralized model of traditional e-commerce platforms."
Face-to-face communication with influencers and vendors
By integrating cross-border e-commerce with AI technology, the platform enables direct connections between merchants, influencers, and consumers, reducing transaction costs and enhancing operational efficiency. This platform offers brand merchants expanded market opportunities while providing influencer creators with additional monetization channels. The key advantage of this decentralized platform is its robust AI technology support. Using intelligent algorithms, the platform can precisely match merchant products with suitable influencer promoters and offer entrepreneurs intelligent operational tools and decision-making support. This innovative model not only boosts the efficiency of cross-border e-commerce but also presents new development opportunities for the entire industry.
Juan Vargas, COO of XAVVI, talks to influencers
The company is dedicated to developing independent personal brand websites for American influencers who have millions of followers. These websites significantly minimize the effects of trade challenges for manufacturers and establish influencer branding for Chinese products entering international markets.
An influencer visits one of the vendor's product displays
XAVVI aims to become a leader in AI technology and cross-border e-commerce solutions. Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, XAVVI has remained committed to leveraging technology to enhance industry efficiency, while generating new job opportunities. XAVVI's international team comprises seasoned entrepreneurs with expertise in domains such as social ecommerce, marketing, training, film and TV production, data analytics, and the investment sector. With over two decades of experience in ecommerce, XAVVI's team has expertise in training vendors, launching platforms, and creating applications to enhance global success. By promoting economic, cultural, and technological progress, XAVVI aspires to create a more dynamic future for the influencer economy.
Lingling Wu, co-founder of XAVVI, guest, TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), Peter Wu, CEO of XAVVI, Alexander Liu, co-founder of XAVVI, and Kana Ando, partner of LABA
Website: www.xavvi.com
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by MDSUN, Cynthia Clarté, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
- The Beverly Arts
- Apr 30, 2025
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Artist Hongyi Wang
Artist Hongyi Wang, also known as Lan Wang, has joined the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) Biennial International Art Festival. Wang is a contemporary calligrapher and painter who has achieved a significant level of international influence. She has developed a unique style, excelling in calligraphy, oil painting, and ink painting, thanks to her early family education. Her works are esteemed by notable figures such as the First Vice Chairman of Thailand, Alongkorn Ponlapo, Thailand's richest man, Dr. Qiu Shuqing, and various entrepreneurs and directors worldwide, including Guo Baochang, and other dignitaries.
"Spring Day" by Hongyi Wang
Artist Hongyi Wang
Wang was the sole Asian female artist to participate in a Mercedes-Benz charity event in Newport Beach, Los Angeles. She is deeply committed to social welfare, serving as an art consultant for numerous community organizations. She holds the positions of Honorary President of the Irvine Education and Training Institute and Vice President of the Red College of Los Angeles. One of her proudest achievements is inscribing "Icebreaker Journey" in gold dust for the Nixon Museum's "Icebreaker Journey" Foundation, a piece now part of the museum's collection. Wang is the only Chinese artist featured in the Nixon Museum's collection, an honor reported by major media outlets in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States.
"Lotus Charm" by Hongyi Wang
Artist Hongyi Wang
Her contributions have significantly promoted Chinese cultural and artistic exchanges and positively impacted Sino-US relations. Wang also completed a 65-meter gold dust masterpiece. As Vice President and Artistic Advisor of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Outstanding Women, Wang currently serves as the Vice President of the Los Angeles Red Academy, and as an art advisor to the US-China Entrepreneurs Chamber of Commerce, the American Flying Tigers, and the American Women Entrepreneurs Association.
"Lotus Leaves Scented" by Hongyi Wang
"Dancing Lotus" by Hongyi Wang
"Lotus Charm" by Hongyi Wang
"Golden Bamboo" by Hongyi Wang
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Cynthia Clarté, MDSUN, Youben Hu Art Studio, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation