Letter from Our Executive Director

As part of a broader partnership, Thousand Waves ran a 3-hour ESD workshop for SHALVA staff, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

Dear Thousand Waves Community,

The ups and downs of the weather as Spring approaches in Chicago are as predictable as the sunrise – those who’ve been around know that our “false spring” is an annual event! Happily, many things about the great work Thousand Waves continues to do are just as predictable.

In the world of Empowerment Self-Defense, we continue to serve community groups with great programs. We’ve recently provided ESD training to

  • Windy City Women, an affinity group at Amazon, as part of its International Women’s Day celebration
  • The Young Associates Board of SHALVA
  • Staff at the Association House of Chicago, as part of its Women’s History Month celebrations
  • Customer-facing staff from small businesses in Uptown, with a focus on de-escalation.

We’re also holding a private workshop later this month arranged by a Thousand Waves member for a group of 12 – 15 year old girls; a workshop for their parents will be held concurrently. Email esd@thousandwaves.org for information about creating a program for your group.

Back in March, we held our annual kids’ tournament – about 50 young karateka showed strong art and spirit. We’re also excited to have had members participating in the spring black belt testing cycle in New York, with Senpai Michelle Koerbel earning her Nidan, and three senior members – Senpai Todd Scales, Michele Curley, and Arturo Jauregui all testing for Yondan. We’re running a black belt test here for three senior members toward the end of April – Otto Matznik, Rebecca Bishop, and Steph Maieritsch.

Finally, we’ve launched our annual Spirit Challenge fundraiser – this year’s goal is $120,000! Thanks to all for your ongoing support of our organization. At this link you can look up and support your favorite Thousand Waves fundraiser, or just make a general donation to the event.

Thank you for all you do for Thousand Waves!

With gratitude,

Sensei Ryan
Executive Director