I began training at Thousand Waves in December of 2013, and it’s been one of the best decisions I could have ever made.  Before I started training as a martial artist, I attended Thousand Waves’ weekend  self-defense intensive course and was blown away by the professionalism, knowledge, and courtesy extended to all of us in the class.  I left the class feeling empowered by the knowledge I had gained over the weekend, and I knew I wanted to return to try their martial arts classes.  When I did return, I was greeted warmly and felt completely comfortable with the environment, which says a lot for a Southern girl still trying to find her way in a big city at the time.  Since then, my time training there has been nothing but enjoyable, and I have been fortunate to train with some amazing people – the best of Chicago is what I like to call them!

Over my year and a half at Thousand Waves, I have begun to get more involved in some of their community programs.  Last fall, I started to volunteer with the ASK (Adapted Seido Karate) program.  This is a program designed for kids with disabilities where we teach them our Seido karate curriculum and, in return, we get the great privilege of watching them grow as young martial artists.  Part of the Seido teachings is that we “strive with patience,” that we don’t say “can’t,” that we only try and try our best.  It’s been life-changing for me to interact with the kids and watch them learn and thrive as young martial artists.  I can tell you, without a doubt, that I learn way more from the kids and the other ASK teachers than I could ever bring to the table.  Your contribution can help sponsor one of our ASK kids for a full year.  Check out the short video about the ASK program on my fundraising page to see how your contribution can help these awesome kids!

This year, I have become involved with the program that originally changed my life:  the               self-defense/violence prevention program.  I am currently assisting in the violence prevention classes, and with every meeting I attend and class I assist in, I am amazed at the amount of time and thought my colleagues put in to make the program better for those in the community who come to participate.  In a lot of ways, I still have a lot to learn as a teaching assistant, but thus far, it’s been an awesome experience to learn from those who originally had a hand in my first weekend intensive course back in 2013.  And I can also attest that the self-defense training I received from the time I took the weekend intensive course to all of the training I’ve received since then has had such a positive impact in my life because I am able to approach negative situations with more clarity, and I am able to have confidence in my decisions without feeling guilty.  Self-defense is more than just defending yourself physically; it’s also about setting boundaries and communicating them as well as having the confidence to stand behind that.  That’s something I think all of us can relate to, and this is something Thousand Waves teaches.

Please help me reach my goal so my awesome dojo can continue to thrive!!  Thanks so much!