Newsletter of Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP
Letter from Our Executive Director
4.15.2026 by Sensei Ryan Libel
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
4.15.2025 by Thousand Waves
Briefly, how did you come to train at Thousand Waves?
I was an apprentice in the Chimera Self-Defense for Women organization, and they required apprentices to complete 6 months of regular martial arts training. I’d tried Jiu Jitsu but it was far away and just didn’t click. I checked out TW because it was near where I worked at the time. And that was 32 years ago!
What is one thing you’d like to change about the world?
This seems kind of silly given the instability, disruption and danger that we’re living with right now in the US, but I’d like to see there be more affordable, sustainable ways to recycle plastic and desalinate water in the interest of our environment.
What is one thing you do well?
I have become more of a cook in the last year, and am really enjoying it.
What is one thing you do not do so well?
I am working on swimming laps, and that is still really a reach for me.
Who from history do you admire, and why?
Ida B. Wells—I admire her determined and wide-ranging activism, especially because it was at a time when African-Americans and women were so often ignored, controlled and disempowered.
Other than Chicago, where have you most enjoyed spending time?
I loved the time I spent in Japan, as well as Uruguay.
What quotation have you found inspiring or interesting?
I'm terrible at holding onto these over time, but one I read today that I love is from The Nix by Nathan Hill (set in Chicago): ““If a new beginning is really new, it will feel like a crisis. Any real change should make you feel, at first, afraid. If you're not afraid of it, then it's not real change.”
What foods do you like best?
I love Lebanese, Ethiopian, Oaxacan, Mexican, Vietnamese and South Indian food. And Chicago food!
What is a book that has been significant to you?
I read a LOT. My favorite novel is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. I also wrote a book! Its title is A Contest Without Winners: How Students Experience Competitive School Choice. It’s about the student experience of applying to high school in CPS.
What are your musical favorites?
I grew up in the late 70s and 80s in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, so I was right in the middle of the early years of punk and indie rock and still love that, especially as it morphed into so many kinds of music. I am an avid listener to Chirp Radio here in Chicago.
“Thousand Waves Member Spotlight: Ten Questions for…” is a regular feature of Kiai!
The next person to answer Ten Questions: Nohra Murad Coleman
Congratulations to our January, February, March, and first half of April 2026 Promotees
4.15.2026 by Thousand Waves
79 Thousand Waves students were promoted to new ranks in January, February, March, and the first half of April!
1 Godan, 3 Yondan, 1 Adult Nidan, 18 Adult Color Belts, and 56 Teen, Youth and Junior students.
New Godan and Yondan Promotee
April 11-12, 2026 Sensei Todd, Sensei Michele, Kyoshi Richard, Sensei Nikki (now trains at the Hollywood Seido dojo), and Sensei Arturo. Click here for more photos.
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