Karate for Adults

Thousand Waves teaches martial arts as a holistic fitness program to help you build strength, stamina, and spirit. Immediate benefits include increased flexibility, balance, and muscle tone. Workouts are vigorous and challenging for adults of all ages, physical abilities, and fitness levels.

Training also offers the benefits of stress relief, self-empowerment, and the capacity to build a non-quitting spirit to face life’s challenges and win. As students grow in body, mind, and spirit, they can make positive changes in their lives and significant contributions at home, work, school, and in their communities.

Seido Karate

The core program at Thousand Waves is Seido Karate, a Japanese martial art founded in 1976 by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, a martial artist and teacher of international stature. Our founder, Shuseki Shihan Nancy Lanoue, 7th dan, and our other head instructor emeritus, Sei Shihan Sarah Ludden, 6th dan, are prominent leaders within the Seido organization as well as the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) and the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI).

Thousand Waves is a licensed branch school of the World Seido Karate Organization (WSKO), and our members are also members of the WSKO. Members may train at any WSKO school worldwide.

Seido means “sincere way.” We have organized the syllabus into natural and manageable skill-building units. The relationship between junior and senior students is respectful and characterized by a spirit of giving and receiving support. We honor your progress through the Seido ranks at periodic tests. Over 160 people have trained for the 5+ years required to earn an adult black belt. 

We have a corps of professional, trained instructors teaching the 45 Seido Karate classes per week.

Beginner Program

Free Trial Class

To set up your free trial class, call us at 773-472-7663 or select a class in the calendar below. You will be in a small group with other visitors, our newest members, and an instructor. We will take you through the basics and answer any questions about our center and its programs.

Our special Beginners Program allows you to ease into training slowly and safely. You don’t need to have any previous karate experience or to be in good physical condition. You’re encouraged to progress at your own pace, consistent with your ability and fitness level, guided by our staff to make your classes right for you.

Our beginner classes are inter­changeable, so you can train at the school without locking yourself into a fixed schedule. Classes are one hour in duration.

Schedule Your Class

Select a day & time for your trial class, then complete the form below.

If trial class time is not available and it is the only time you can attend, please call 773-472-7663.