Spirit Challenge is a week of karate-related athletic events for which a strong spirit is needed to meet the challenges, and which is led up to by the most difficult challenge: The Fundraising Challenge. This provides an occasion for me to tell you about the work of Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self-Defense Center, NFP in hopes that you will want to help me with that challenge.

Thousand Waves has helped me in many ways over my two-plus decades there. I have gained the confidence that comes from knowing how to defend myself. I have learned to resolve conflicts peacefully. I have gained leadership ability to teach karate and self-defense to others. I have learned to appreciate the life I have while constantly being challenged to improve myself. Thousand Waves has been a source of empowerment in my life, as it has been for many others.

Unfortunately, many people can’t afford karate tuition or self-defense classes. Even so, all Thousand Waves programs are open to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. One of the main uses for funds raised during Spirit Challenge is the TW Scholarship Fund. Last year the TW Scholarship Fund provided over $42,000 in tuition assistance to kids and adults of all ages who otherwise would not benefit from karate or self-defense training. The Scholarship Fund also enables TW staff and volunteers to bring the tools of violence prevention and personal empowerment to schools, girl scout troops, other non-profits, businesses and government agencies in diverse communities throughout the Chicago area.

A special program run by Thousand Waves is the Adapted Seido Karate program for children with disabilities. Disabled kids are more likely than others to be targeted for violence and abuse, so karate training and verbal self-defense is especially important for them.  The ASK kids love karate, and their non-quitting spirit is so inspiring! All of them train in karate for free, thanks to the TW Scholarship Fund.

Please join me in meeting this Fundraising Challenge, and give as generously as you are able.