I have been training at Thousand Waves Karate and Self Defense Center along with my husband Daniel Applebaum for over ten years and in 2014 I achieved the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). Dan achieved the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) April 3rd, 2016.

Watch my Spirit Challenge Video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_z7zG2m39M&index=6&list=PLvL-hOoJzBOsrcNNRXJCIrjiMvnd89fpT

Thousand Waves has given me a way to experience my own strength of spirit, a  discipline and a community that has supported me through hard times, and a place where I can express the best of myself. 

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I continued to train in karate. The supportive environment of the Thousand Waves community and the slow trek back to physical stregth through my karate practice was crucial to both my physical and mental recovery.

Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self-Defense Center, NFP is a non-for-profit center dedicated to the fostering of "fitness, healing, empowerment and peacemaking by promoting healthy minds and bodies through violence prevention, self-defense and traditional martial arts programs for adults and children of all ages." The funds raised during the Spirit Challenge help provide scholarships to those who would otherwise be unable to pay for TW programs. Part of the money raised also supports the ASK (Adapted Seido Karate) program for kids with special needs as well as their outreach Violence Prevention Programs. 

My physical goal for Spirit Challenge is to participate in seven events.  I am taking on two of the Black Belt Kata Challenges, the Board-Breaking Challenge, 500 Rolling, Falling, and Ground Techniques Challenge, 1000 Bo (long staff) Techniques Challenge, the HIIT It Circuit Challenge and the One Hour Meditation Challenge. See this link for a complete description of the events: http://thousandwaves.org/sc16/AdultInfoFlyer.pdf 

I have set a goal of $1500 and if you could help me reach that goal by sponsoring me, I would really appreciate it! Please help me raise $1500 for this wonderful organization.