It is hard to believe that I have been training at Thousand Waves for just over three years now. It has been a challenging and wonderful experience. I've welcomed the day while meditating on a beach at sunset and performed kata in the lake. I've broken boards. I've taken intensive self defense and taught what I learned to others, I've stood in front of my teachers five times to experience the exhileration and humility of receiving a new belt. I've learned what it means to always be a beginner. I've learned that in karate (and often in life) it is technique over strength and SPIRIT over technique. And that brings us to Spirit Challenge.
So maybe you're wondering why does a martial arts school need to fundraise?
It is not for me and, frankly, not all of them do, but Thousand Waves is non-profit and to keep doing what we do best we need a little extra help.
And what do we do?
Offer karate (and a wonderful supportive community) to ANYONE and we mean ANYONE regardless of ability - financial or physical.
Present practical self defense courses on site, to the community and to a variety of organizations (think Girl Scouts, high schools, senior centers) . Many of those programs are offered on a sliding scale or at really reasonable rates.
Provide the ASK (Adapative Seido Karate) to kids of all abilities and skills through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. These students receive their training at no cost thanks to fundraising and the dedication of volunteers.