Hello friends and family!

As you may (or may not) know, I train at Thousand Waves, a Seido Karate dojo and 501(c) non-profit organization. Thousand Waves is so much more than an amazing karate school, home, and community.

I spend insane amounts of time at the dojo, and it means a lot to me. I’m asking you to support our important mission-driven work in any way you can. Some of the few programs Thousand Waves runs are:

• Our Adapted Seido Karate program, a partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, that allows children with disabilities to train in karate for free.
• Our Scholarship program ensures access to all Thousand Waves programs, from karate training to Violence Prevention workshops, regardless of ability to afford it.
• Our outreach Violence Prevention work extends our reach far beyond our Center’s walls, impacting lives all over Chicago. 

Spirit Challenge is our annual fundraiser, being held from May 1-7. Around 30% of Thousand Waves' annual revenue comes from fundraising events like this one. Without donations from people like you, the programs listed above wouldn't exist. Every little bit counts, so I hope you’ll consider donating, no matter the amount. If you know anyone who might be interested in supporting our work, please pass the message on through social media. Thousand Waves is a great organization and you’d be helping them (and me!) by spreading the word. Thank you so much for helping me reach my goal, and for supporting Thousand Waves. We couldn’t do it without you!

2016 marks my 7th year training at Thousand Waves, and this year I am testing for my Shodan, or first degree adult black belt. The dojo has shaped me as a person and I don't know who I would be without it. I need your help to keep my second home alive. 

Sincerely, Aaron Alberg