A Report on our Spirit Challenge Fundraiser from our Executive Director

6.1.2018 by Ryan Libel

Dear Kiai! Readers,

Thank you so much for making Spirit Challenge 2018, our annual fundraising effort, a huge success.  As you know, Thousand Waves relies heavily on this annual event – without your hard work and donations we could not be the far-reaching community organization that we are.  Some numbers help tell the story:

• Total amount raised: $129,441 (and counting!)
• # of households raising $400 or more: 95
• # of households raising $1,000 or more: 35

And 27 of these households raised an unbelievable $1,250 or more – they will soon be sporting special shirts we are producing as a token of our deep gratitude.

Our week of Spirit Challenge events for those raising $100 or more was also a huge success – many broke their first boards, and some enjoyed learning how to wield nunchaku, arnis canes, and the bo.  Some of us reveled in sparring until we dropped, while meditation also proved popular for kids and adults alike.

I want to be sure and take a moment in this forum to thank our sponsors – Greenlawn Landscaping, Picture Day, The Pilsen Law Center, Reese Minshew PhD, and The Two-Hearted Queen.  I truly hope you’ll consider doing business with these community-minded supporters of Thousand Waves.

Your continued support and that of your friends, colleagues, and loved ones means so much to me and to all of us who make doing the mission-driven work of Thousand Waves our livelihood.  Thank you for all the ways you enable us to continue the work.

Sincerely,

Ryan Libel
Executive Director

See more photos from the Spirit Challenge events on our Facebook album page.

In Memory of Senpai Hope Robinson

6.1.2018 by Thousand Waves

The Thousand Waves community has been mourning the loss of Senpai Hope Robinson since her passing in mid-April. Hope was a long time training member of Thousand Waves, deeply dedicated to our mission of fostering fitness, healing, empowerment and peacemaking. She acted on her commitment in many ways over the years, bringing her skills to bear in ways that touched every part of our organization. She was a volunteer instructor in our Adapted Seido Karate Program for children with disabilities, and also taught in our Self-Defense/Violence Prevention program. Hope served on our not-for-profit board of directors, and was a generous donor to our organization; she was particularly mindful of our scholarship program and our mission of affordability for all.

Hope's death has been a tremendous loss for all who knew her. Knowing how much Thousand Waves meant to her, some of her friends and colleagues have reached out to us inquiring about making contributions to Thousand Waves in her honor, so we've established this memorial to honor her legacy.

We’re hosting a memorial service at Thousand Waves, 1220 W. Belmont in Chicago, to celebrate Hope’s life on Saturday, June 2 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. All are welcome.

Empowering Women & Girls in the Martial Arts

6.1.2018 by Erin Epperson

Over the first few years of my training at Thousand Waves, I remember overhearing my senpai talking about this thing called “Camp” or “Special Training” and wondering what it was. I knew they weren’t talking about Camp Kokoro, but I was too shy to ask to hear more. All I knew was that my seniors and my teachers were excited to go – my senpai would pore over the list of announced teachers and classes and point out which ones they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss. Finally I got my first taste of it in 2014 and had a great time! Two years later, I joined the Board and am now super excited to talk about our upcoming camp: July 19th-22nd held nearby in Naperville, Illinois.

Read more about Special Training.

Special Training is an annual 4-day camp run by the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF). The NWMAF’s mission is to empower women and girls – and in fact persons of all genders that have been marginalized in the martial arts world – in the areas of martial arts, healing arts, and self-defense. Female-identified teachers from all over the country and from across the disciplines of martial arts, healing arts, and self-defense, gather to teach and take classes. This year, TW’s own Kyoshi Katherine and I will be among the teachers of the many special classes.

There are classes in Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Arnis, Kajukenbo, Capoeira, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation, and more!  There are discussion-based classes on various aspects of self-defense and there are physical skills classes of all kinds.  Most classes are open to beginners (no experience needed!), and there are 4-6 sessions in a day with up to 6 or 7 different classes to choose from in each session. On the Saturday there is a bazaar where you can buy shirts, supplies, and books from schools all over the country. There is also a demo where you can watch women and girls from all over the country (and some from all over the world!) perform their martial art. 

Better yet, there are classes for children as well as adults! We have a robust Young Martial Artists (YMA) program that provides classes for girls aged 6 on up! Classes and activities available to our YMA group include Five Formed Fist Kung Fu Animal Forms, Judo Basics, Self Defense for Kids, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, several different Games classes and more!

For over 40 years, the NWMAF Camp has been creating a special training environment for women and girls. Over the years, we’ve often had men and boys ask to train with us too. Since 2013 NWMAF camp has opened its door to all genders with a special program called Super Saturday. People of all genders aged 6 and up are invited to join us for a special day of training Saturday July 21, 2018.

Whether you come for one day or four, food and lodging is included in the price of the camp, and scholarships are available. Or you can opt for the commuter rate and drive in! This year, the camp is nearby at North Central College in Naperville. It will never be closer.

Special Training is an amazing opportunity to meet other martial artists from all over the country and learn something new at the same time!  I hope to see you all there!

Senpai Erin Epperson is on the board of the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation. She is a 1st Degree Black Belt and staff instructor at Thousand Waves.

For Great Karate, Just “ASK”

6.1.2018 by Sam Boyer

The Adapted Seido Karate program (ASK) is in the midst of its 12th year of programming. It seems like the number twelve is very lucky for us, because this year isn’t half over and already is full of amazing firsts. I’m honored to share them with you, fine reader of this Kiai! newsletter.

First of all, check out the photo here of Maribel and Marisela Melendez. They recently became the most senior students in the ASK program, earning their Advanced Green Belts. Their progress means that we’ve entered uncharted waters as far as curriculum is concerned. The twins both use wheelchairs, so they’re learning adapted katas, intermediate self-defenses, sparring skills, and more!

Read on for more firsts in the ASK program.

Secondly, the ASK program’s surge of volunteers has created opportunities for more new students to join. Over the past four weeks, four new students have signed up to try karate through the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab’s Caring for Kids program. This uptick in recruits is the most at one time the program has seen in years, and represents new strength and health for the program.

Finally, I was recently able to bring Adapted Seido Karate classes to a new outreach population. During the month of April, I taught a four-class series of introductory karate classes to teenagers with Downs syndrome at GiGi’s Playhouse. GiGi’s is in the TW neighborhood, located at 3948 N. Lincoln in Chicago. GiGi’s provides activities, tutoring, and therapy free of charge for children with Downs syndrome and their families. This opportunity was made possible by funds from our Spirit Challenge fundraiser, and supports Thousand Waves’ mission to foster fitness, healing, empowerment and peacemaking through violence prevention, self-defense and traditional martial arts training.

The experience working at GiGi’s is being developed into a proposal for presentation as a case study at the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA) conference in Fall 2018, in association with PhD students at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

All these wonderful opportunities were ultimately made possible by the support and contributions of members like you, and of course the amazing volunteers at ASK. If you’d like more information about the program, please write to me at: sboyer@thousandwaves.org. Osu!

Senpai Sam Boyer is the program coordinator of TW’s Adapted Seido Karate program, and a 3rd Degree Black Belt.

Thousand Waves Revises Code of Ethics

6.1.2018 by Ryan Libel

One of the most impactful ways we fulfill our not-for-profit mission is by doing our best to transmit the values of Love, Respect, a Non-Quitting Spirit, Responsibility and Courage to our nearly 300 child members. The children are asked to memorize them – together they form our “Karateka Code of Ethics.”

Our Code of Ethics originated in another organization a couple of decades ago. Recently, we decided to revise some of the wording to make the Code clearer for all audiences. The new Code is the result of a collaborative process undertaken by our staff instructors and finalized by Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah.

As with all educational outcomes, we know that reinforcement at home is paramount to creating a lasting impact in a child’s life. Over the years, many parents have asked if we sell the Code of Ethics posters we’ve always had on our walls. So, in conjunction with this revision process, we’ve produced an 11 X 17 version that we’re making available for $5 at the front desk. You can also print it yourself at www.thousandwaves.org/CodeOfEthics.

Self-Defense for Gender Creative Youth

6.1.2018 by Ryan Libel

On Sunday, April 30, I had the pleasure of teaching self-defense to a support group for gender creative youth and their families.  This was the third time over the past few years that Thousand Waves has worked with the group, though it was my first time serving them.  When we purged the circle of empty chairs and pulled in close, I counted about 15 people.  As I often do in programs with young people, I asked us all to share our ages.  We ranged from 11 to just over 50!  Happily, our framework for teaching self-defense works for all ages.  “Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell” provides tools for all kinds of safety concerns.

From a pre-survey we distribute in advance of our programs for groups, I knew that confrontations in restrooms were a shared concern.  They also had concerns about bullying and about street safety in the city.  We practiced using our voices for ourselves – “I’m in the correct bathroom.”  “I like my hair the way it is.”  We practiced using our voices for others, “Stop bothering him!” “Do you need some help here?”  And we practiced defending ourselves physically.  I’m happy to report that their knee kicks could get the job done!

At the end of the afternoon as I was packing up to leave, one of the parents came up to thank me.  She told me of the fears she has for her trans daughter – it’s certainly not news to her that trans populations are amongst the most vulnerable to violence in our society.  She looked me dead in the eye and said, “You guys are saving lives.”  I told her that I was thinking the exact same thing about their support group.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Karateka

6.1.2018 by Carla Riggs

In April of this year, I had the honor of presenting for rank advancement at Honbu, testing for fourth degree black belt. Senior black belt testing for Seido students is conducted by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, founder and Chairman of the World Seido Karate Organization, and Nidaime Akira Nakamura, Vice-Chairman of the organization. Seido branch chiefs from around the world send students to Honbu, the headquarters school in New York for testing. Every opportunity to test in our art of Seido Karate, at any level, is an honor and requires commitment and focused preparation. This is especially clear in the black belt ranks, where we are responsible to be leaders in the dojo and to be ready to teach and pass on the art. Because of this, the invitation to black belt testing prompts a season of focused training and preparation. For me, that season began in late December of last year, just after the Christmas holiday.

Read more about Sensei Carla’s testing experience.

When Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah met with students to discuss 2018 black belt testing, they spoke about the level of readiness of each student and the effort necessary to prepare for the spring and fall tests at Honbu. It was clear at that time that I was not yet ready to test, but the Shihans indicated I could be if this was the right time for me to commit to the preparation. After some days of consideration, I asked the Shihans if I might approach the month of January as a Sandan immersion, to train as much as possible and dig into parts of the curriculum that were a struggle for me. I felt that by the end of January it would be clear either that I was on track for the spring test or that I needed another year at my current rank. Either way, I hoped to gain a much deeper grasp of the material and be able to practice in a more productive and peaceful way.

I knew that in order to do this I needed one-on-one training with partners outside of class. I reached out immediately to several senior students, asking for practice sessions. The coordination of my schedule with training partners’ schedules and available training space required persistent effort. Throughout my training as a third-degree black belt, I had struggled with memory and grasp of the curriculum in a way that caused me often to consider giving up my training. I felt my memory had reached a point of saturation and overload and that in spite of my consistent practice in class I could not retain the material. The Seido curriculum is vast and builds as we progress in our training, and I feared I had progressed as far as I could. In training, and in my life in general, my brain felt foggy and slow, and my focus was off, like my brain was on overload. I examined my life, in search of things that might be affecting my cognitive function, and I was not sure of the cause. I went into January hopeful that immersion in classes, one-on-one training, and as much independent training as I could manage might help me through that fog.

I am deeply grateful to the senior students who devoted time and attention to repetitive practice with me throughout January, February, and March. Their patience and teaching were essential in helping me turn the corner in my practice. In these sessions outside of class, we delved into portions of the curriculum, breaking things down and doing repetitive practice. With this focused, patient practice, I began to feel less anxious about the curriculum and began to hope that I might grasp the material in a way that could allow for productive and joyful practice. I felt hope that I might possibly get ready for the spring test.

I am deeply grateful, always, to Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah for their skill and care as teachers. Their commitment to guide and support students toward challenges that are positive and appropriate for each student is such a gift. Over my twenty years of training, I have learned to trust them and to rely on their guidance. For many years, I resisted every opportunity to test, arguing that I could not possibly be ready. This time, I knew I needed great effort to prepare, but I trusted the Shihans’ guidance, as I proceeded on the path, and I trusted the senior students who encouraged and supported me with their time, focus, and patient effort. I worked hard and made my best effort, and I was carried and supported by the commitment and care of others.

The test experience in New York was terrific. Kyoshi Katherine Nichols and Senpai Arturo Jauregui tested that week as well. Kyoshi Katherine tested for fifth degree black belt, and Senpai Arturo for second degree. It was an honor to prepare with them and to travel to Honbu and represent Thousand Waves together. We were at Honbu for five days, where we trained in classes; supported adult Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, and Junior Black Belt testing; and tested with our respective groups. The test for fourth, fifth, and sixth degree black belt began Saturday late afternoon and ran through the night, ending early Sunday morning. Thirty-seven students from around the world participated in that test. Some of these were students we had met or tested with previously, and it was a delight to see these acquaintances, to hear one another’s stories as we presented our essays, and to test together. I was amazed at the way our lives take us in many different directions and yet the Seido practice had brought us all together in that week at Honbu, to share the art and to present for testing with Kaicho and Nidaime.

My primary thought regarding this experience of preparation and testing is “It takes a village…”  It takes a village to raise a karateka, and this is as true in the senior ranks, as it is for white belts and color belts. I worked hard in preparation for this test, and my primary commitment was to make my best effort. I knew if I made my best effort I could (I hoped) accept my level of preparation and my grasp of the curriculum, whatever they might be. I made great effort, but I could not have tested without the support of Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah, the support and time commitment of my senior training partners in those one-on-one sessions, the training partners of all levels who were in every class I took in recent months, the students from around the world who came to Honbu to train and test together, and the commitment of Kaicho and Nidaime, who lead the Seido organization and made the test possible. I am deeply grateful for all of these and for the opportunity to test.

And so we begin again… Osu!

Sensei Carla Riggs is a 4th Degree Black Belt training member of Thousand Waves.

6.1.2018 by Thousand Waves

Senpai Kenji Muro is a recently promoted 1st Degree Black Belt training member and also a TW parent. See a photo from his black belt test here.

Briefly, how did you come to train in Seido Karate at Thousand Waves?

I started training approximately 6 months after my children (Senpai Takato and Senpai Kumiko). Initially, it was for physical exercise, but I was also attracted by the opportunity to immerse in a do from my culture – Japan! Growing up outside of Japan, I was asked many times whether I “knew karate.” Seido is my first martial art, and I LOVE IT!

What is one thing you’d like to change about the world?

Just one? ...that would be to make sure there is more love and respect for each other. With this mindset, I think many of the world’s ills will diminish.  Lose the hate. Be kind.

What is one thing you do well?

I smile and laugh and see the positive side of things. For personal growth opportunities, it would be that I procrastinate – I got these answers to Kyoshi Katherine [the Kiai! editor] hours before the deadline. I would like to be less skilled in procrastination!

What is one thing you do not do so well?

Plan ahead, which goes hand in hand with procrastination. Also cartwheels – but if Sensei Alan chases me with a baton again, my cartwheeling skills may very well improve rapidly, just like my rolling did! If you ask my children, I also do not wake up well from naps.

Who from history do you admire, and why?

Too numerous to mention, but I admire those who forged a new path, demonstrated great courage in the face of adversity, and gave themselves to the service to others. More personally – it would have to be my parents.  They had the “Japanese dream” – a family of two children and one dog (so 2.2 kids?), a house, a job, etc.  Ideal in any country, right? However, they had the vision of a future that is broader than Japan’s confines, so they chose to explore the unknown.  They left a comfortable life and sought more cosmopolitan opportunities in far corners of the globe, where not much mirrored what they grew up with. They gave me and my sister a world view that I know I would never have gained had I remained in Japan.  For that risk-taking, courage, and foresight, I am immeasurably grateful.

Other than Chicago, where have you most enjoyed spending time?

I loved living in Sydney, Australia, and picking up the Aussie accent (also, koalas are very soft)! Living there coincided with my teenage years, so it was a time of gaining independence and responsibility. I’m sure that is a significant reason why Australia left a strong positive impression.  Today, I love traveling with my family, so any time I can experience a new culture, language, climate, etc., and expand my understanding of the world, I feel great satisfaction and realize that we truly are one human race on this tiny blue dot. Our recent Kenya safari was an amazing trip!

What quotation have you found inspiring or interesting?

Just so I am consistent with my answer to question #2...every time I read this, I choke up:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (“Loving your Enemies,” Strength to Love, 1963)

What foods do you like best?

Unagi (broiled eel over rice...drool)!!! It is my favorite and the dish has a special place in my heart because it was what my grandfather and I ate together whenever we went on walks in his Tokyo neighborhood. He used to send care packages containing unagi when I was in college (yes, from Japan to Baltimore, Maryland)! 

What is a book that has been significant to you?

I’m not well versed in literature but more recent influential books are:

1. Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice: An Ethnobotanist Searches for New Medicines in the Amazon Rain Forest. Mark J. Plotkin, Ph.D., 1993. Modern medicine learning from the shaman.  We know a lot today but there is so much more to learn, perhaps from places and people you least expect.
2. Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal. Tristram Stuart, 2009.  A book on global food waste. The author also gives an excellent TED talk.  All the food waste generated by the USA alone can feed the entire world’s hungry. That is a humbling fact.
3. Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship. Gregory Boyle, 2017.  A fantastic, funny, and poignant book on love. You will laugh and cry, over and over again. 

What are your musical favorites?

I grew up playing piano and clarinet, and for some time rebelled against music. I’ve grown out of that phase and my taste varies according to what I am doing:

1. Working: classical (Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn). I love the Egmont Overture.  Gives me chills every.single.time.
2. Working out: anything with a beat! I’m definitely in to 80’s cheese and the alternative stuff from the 90s. More contemporary music is good too, but I’m feeling less connected to today’s genre. Depeche Mode, Midnight Oil, INXS, ABBA, Sting, etc.
3. Chilling: ukulele (check out Jake Shimabukuro – he’s tremendous).

“Thousand Waves Member Spotlight: Ten Questions for…” is a regular feature of Kiai!
In the next issue, Scott Rencher will answer these same ten questions.

Summer Activities for Thousand Waves Kids

6.1.2018 by Thousand Waves

End of School Year Day Camp
Monday-Friday, June 18-22, 9 am-3 pm.
$50/day or $225/week.
For Little Kicks through 8th grade.

In addition to regular Seido karate classes, we’ll provide other martial arts and enrichment activities.

Pride Parade
Sunday, June 24 @noon, exact time TBD.
For adults and teens who can be responsible for their own behavior, and who are independent with transportation to and from the parade route. Younger children accompanied by parents are also welcome to march with us.

Experience the thrill of performing your karate for cheering throngs, or enjoy carrying signs, pulling wagons, and other helpful jobs. Sign up here.

Camp Kokoro
Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm.
June 25-July 13 ($1,120), July 16-27 ($800).
Scholarships available.
For age 6 through 8th grade.

Karate classes & games, outdoor play, water park trip, performance & awards. It’s not too late to register!

NWMAF Special Training Camp
Thursday-Sunday, July 19-22 in Naperville, Illinois.
For women and guardian-chaperoned girls.
$450 includes food & lodging.
Commuter rates & scholarships available.
Saturday, July 21 for boys, men & those wanting a single day, $150 includes food.

Try many different martial arts classes & activities.
Read more.

Children’s Promotion Exams
Saturday, July 28
9-10 am for Juniors
4-6 pm for Youth & Teens

Beach Training & Family Picnic
Saturday morning, August 11,
exact time & place to be determined.

Join us on the beach for karate class, followed by swimming and a picnic!
Watch for an e-vite in mid-summer.

Self-Defense for Teens
Friday-Sunday, July 13-15.
Self-Defense Course for ages 12-16.
$150-$200, scholarships available.

Most of our self-defense courses and workshops are open to ages 12 through adult, but this weekend course is focused on the needs of young teens.