From Ghana to Afghanistan to DC to LA, my love of martial arts has given me a language to connect with some amazing people around the globe. This love all started in 2001 at Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self Defense Center. As I have just moved back to Chicago I am delighted to re-root myself in this wonderful community and to do my bit to help support the great work they do for communities in Chicago and beyond.

Help me raise $365, a dollar-a-day in public radio-speak, to support the work this awesome non-profit does--from adaptive karate for children with physical disabilities, to self-defense workshops for community groups, to scholarships that ensure that financial barriers don’t get in the way of students learning the joys of karate.

At a time when so much news in this country and world is negative and polarizing, Thousand Waves has created a welcoming space for community members committed to violence prevention and peacebuilding. It's a place where folks who care about social justice can meditate on connections between mind, body, and society at large--and find a bit of peace, restoration, and inspiration. For this year’s Spirit Challenge week, I will be punching, kicking, sparring, breaking …and trying to remember my kata curriculum. Help me achieve my goal as we all do our bit, taking guidance from the motto behind the group’s name—one wave sets thousands in motion. Osu!