As many of you know I have been studying martial arts for nearly 20 years. However, for the past 6 years I have been training at Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense.  I have never encountered such a unique dojo (karate school) as I have in Thousand Waves.  Thousand Waves was conceived 30 years ago and has been a second home to me and over 400 other members. 

One of the things I really like about Thousand Waves is its Scholarship program.  This program provides financial assistance to anyone who may not be able to afford the schools monthly dues.  This means that no student is turned away regardless of their financial constraints.  For many years I was able to pay the full tuition but due to work situation I now am one of the students who needs assistance from this program, for which I am eternally grateful.  Unfortunately, the scholarship program along with other programs is funded by private donations and by this yearly fundraising effort.  It is so very important that we reach our goal of $110,000.

Another thing that makes Thousand Waves unique is its violence prevention seminars.  These seminars teach an empowerment model of self-defense, which focuses on verbal and physical skills for avoiding danger along with effective techniques if one must use physical force to defend oneself.  Again the funds raised from this years fund raiser will enable Thousand Waves teachers to take these courses to low-income communities and schools.

I believe this last program shows that Thousand Waves is not only unique but speaks volumes to Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah.  It shows that they feel that karate really has no limits.  The program I speak of is called ASK (Adaptive Seido Karate) program.  This program is near and dear to my heart.  ASK  is a program that Thousand Waves offers through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which offers karate training and self-defense skills to disabled individuals.  Most of the students have varying degrees of CP (Cerebral Palsy) so there are some who are in wheel chairs and others who are very mobile.  I am one of many teaches who volunteer every Sunday in teaching these amazing karateka (one who practices karate).

I sincerely hope you will consider making a donation to Thousand Waves.  Your gift will help me reach (and hopefully surpass) my $500 goal.  Together with the gifts of others, you will give hundreds of individuals access to life-transforming skills.

Thank you