“The study of Japanese characters gave me some clue to the meaning of ‘kiai.’ The first character, for ‘Ki,’ is the symbol for spirit, mind, energy, force. The second character, for ‘ai,’ is the symbol for meeting, or coming together. ‘The coming together of mind’ – what could this mean?”  –  from C.W. Nicol’s Moving Zen

(Kiai Kanji)

We sometimes translate Kiai! – the name of Thousand Waves’ bi-monthly electronic newsletter – as “yell of spirit.” In Seido Karate, we often forcefully exhale with just such a yell at key moments in our practice to gather our energy, ward off opponents, or simply express a non-quitting spirit.  In some traditional Japanese understandings of the kiai concept, the audible utterance itself is entirely secondary – Kiai simply refers to a strong convergence of energy.  We know that staying in touch with our community is a powerful tool for creating a more peaceful world; we think our newsletter’s name accurately captures its purpose!

Kiai! readers vary.  Many are Thousand Waves members and friends, others are self-defenders, martial artists and instructors, colleagues and people interested in our organization.  Subscribers learn about Thousand Waves’ work in Chicago and the martial arts world, upcoming events, community outreach and opportunities for involvement.

If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to Kiai! Subscribing is free and will keep you informed about Thousand Waves’ work in support of our important mission.

Kiai! Archives

Enjoy articles from these previous issues of Kiai!

December 2024 A Surprise Visit
September 2024 Beach Training
June 2024 Teaching the Teacher Conference
March 2024 Why Do You ASK?
December 2023 Etiquette
September 2023 Mejishi Alliance Camp
June 2023 Senior Black Belt Promotions
March 2023 Modern Arnis
December 2022 World Seido Tournament
September 2022 Turning Our Attention Toward Thriving
June 2022 Some Thoughts on Fear
April 2022 Special Meditations
December 2021 Returning to Tradition
September 2021 TW Peacemaker Award
September 2020 Teen Leaders Present Quarantine Challenge
February 2020 Impacting Communities in New Ways
November 2019 Tournaments & Training
August 2019 Beach Training is Coming!
December 2018 Transition
August 2018 TW Peacemaker Award
June 2018 In Memory of Hope Robinson
February 2018 Training Nonviolence for King Day
December 2017 Karate Meditiation in New York City
September 2017 Violence is Contagious
June 2017 Spirit Challenge
March 2017 One Chance
November 2016 The Year We Thought About Love
August 2016 Camp Kokoro Gets the “Likes”
June 2016 Training at Home
March 2016 Self-Defense at Work
December 2015 The Path to Junior Black Belt
October 2015 Celebrating Thirty Years of Art with Heart
July 2015 We Break to Strengthen
May 2015 ASK Volunteer Wins Award
February 2015 30th Anniversary
December 2014 Anniversaries
October 2014 Thoughts on Camp Kokoro
July 2014 Reflections from the Father of a New Junior Black Belt
April 2014 Teaching the Youngest
February 2014 State of the Organization
December 2013 Parents Who Study Karate with Their Kids
October 2013 Punching and Kicking and…Social Emotional Education?
August 2013 Addressing Mis-Perceptions About Self-Defense and Feminism
May 2013 Erin Epperson Given Peacemaker Award for Self-Defense Work in India
February 2013 Lessons Learned from the Little Kicks
September 2012 The Art and Craft of Teaching: Nurturing a Growth Mindset
July 2012 Teens Lead the Way at Thousand Waves
April 2012 Teaching Children the Value of Perseverance
February 2012 Profile of a Thousand Waves Leader: Senpai Katherine Nichols
December 2011 The Road to Jr. Black Belt: One Family's Journey
September 2011 Seido Family: the Bhutan, Nepal, Omaha, Chicago Connection
July 2011 10th Anniversary of our Meditations on Activism Program
April 2011 TW Teen Creates ASK Workshop in her School
February 2011 Is Karate for Self-Defense?
December 2010 Celebration to Honor – and Roast! – Marie O’Brien
November 2010 Sparring for Kids: What’s It All About?
September 2010 Happy 25th Anniversary to Thousand Waves!
June 2010 LGBTQ College Students and Allies in Hastings, Nebraska Find Their Voice
April 2010 Rising to the Challenge
February 2010 Thousand Waves’ 25th Anniversary Celebration
December 2009 Special New Years Workout and Annual Membership Meeting
October 2009 TW Developing New Public Resources, Sneak Peek at Harassment Handout
September 2009 Special Training 2009 – Two Roots Revealed
July 2009 Building Leaders and Transmitting Core Values at Camp Kokoro 2009
June 2009 Self-Defense Course Teaches Life Skills for Teens and College Students
April 2009 Spirit Challenges: Planned or Not, How we Meet Them Defines Us
March 2009 Traditional Martial Arts in Today’s World