3 ways Thousand Waves uses fundraiser donations

1) Scholarship Fund

Thousand Waves strives never to turn away a student for financial reasons. Many of my favorite teachers and training partners have come up through the ranks with scholarship assistance, and now I also recieve financial aid. The fund has given out almost $400,000 worth of tuition assistance for the past 25 years.

2) Violence Prevention and Self-Defense

Thousand Waves has a unique approach to teaching peace-making and self-defense. Stressing mental and social aproaches as much as physical techniques, Thousand Waves'  teachings are shared via workshops open to members and non members alike, often specializing for groups such as teens, women, and the LGBTQ community. Donations help the self-defense program accomplish its outreach to any group in need.

Check out this video with our former Director of Violence Prevention, Dr. Kate Webster for more details.

3) The ASK Program

Adapted Seido Karate (ASK) partners with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to bring karate, self-defense, and empowerment to children and teens with physical disabilities. This program is very dear to me, I spent almost every Sunday during high school working with these kids. Donations go towards getting the students uniforms, as well as offering financial assistance for the cost of participating in the program. Please watch this video of Sensei Rebecca Angevine, the program's head instructor to learn more.