I found Thousand Waves Martial Arts Center while walking to a therapy appointment where I was working through the grief of my father's death.  Curious about the statement I saw on the center's window, "Learn non violent forms of conflict resolution," I walked in and signed up for my first ever karate class.  What I experienced in the midst of all the kicking, punching and yelling was a deep sense of personal power and HOPE that I could face challenges effectively.  My spirit went from being deeply sad, curled up on the floor to standing up, cape flying out behind me, bad ass, FIERCE.  That was 19 years ago.  Since then, with the help of my amazing teachers and the entire community, I have become a Certified Violence Prevention Instructor and this year I tested and was promoted to four degree black belt.  I love this art, the mission of this center and the people who strive to be peacemakers in our challenging world.  Those of you visiting my page KNOW how much this special community means to me.  Thank you for contributing to this VERY important organization.