Hello my friends and family,

As some of you know, I currently practice kyudo. Kyudo is the way of the bow, as in bow and arrow. Some of you also know that for many years I practiced karate and one of the weapons you learn as a black belt in Seido karate is the bo or long staff.

This year I will be participating in Thousand Waves' annual fundraiser, Spirit Challenge. The event I am undertaking is 1000 bo techniques. I haven't picked up the bo in a while so this will truly be a challenge.

Why does Thousand Waves  need an annual Spirit Challenge? It is now the main fundraising opportunity to make sure that Thousand Waves can fulfill its mission. Thousand Waves is a not-for-profit center dedicated to fostering 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.

Thousand Waves is not just a karate school with amazing teachers & staff (I work there).  It is also a vital community organization that provides self-defense, empowerment, stress reduction, and violence prevention courses and workshops. The funds raised help to 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 and Violence Prevention Programs.

My goal is to raise at least $500.

Any amount you give would be much appreciated.

My Personal Fundraising Page Link:  https://secure.qgiv.com/event/account/359534/

I'm looking forward to picking up the bo again.