September 2011

In This Issue

The Seido Community Beyond TW

Violence Prevention

Parents and Kids

Community Outreach

Upcoming Events

Member News

The Seido Community Beyond TW

Seido Family: the Bhutan, Nepal, Omaha, Chicago Connection

By Jun Shihan Nancy Lanoue & Kyoshi Sarah Ludden
Co-Executive Directors

Mon TamangMost martial artists get the gifts of good health, mental focus, and a persevering spirit from their practice. In addition to these, we Seido members get a very special gift – the opportunity to connect with people from across the globe whom we would never have met had not our shared love of Seido brought us together. Kyoshi Sarah and I recently received this gift when we invited Mon Tamang, a Seido student from Nepal now living in Omaha, Nebraska, to come to Chicago for 10 days to train intensively at Thousand Waves and stay with us in our home.

Read Jun Shihan and Kyoshi's Report on their visit with Mon Tamang.

B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Blindfold)

By Allison Branen
Shodan

While I was in New York before Gasshuku, I decided to take a “Blind” class. I called ahead to make sure I was eligible for it and was told that I was – and to bring my own blindfold. So, I grabbed a necktie out of my host’s closet and headed to Honbu.

I'm not adventurous by nature and generally prefer to be in control of a situation, so I can't explain why I’d wanted to try it. I started to question my decision as I walked into the upstairs training space. Once I tied the borrowed Tommy Hilfiger tie over my eyes, I felt very apprehensive.

PhotoThere was one blind student in the class (who was assisted by a seeing teacher); the rest of the students were blindfolded. Our instructor was a legally blind Nidan named Senpai Collin Watt. Perhaps somewhat ironically, he offered his arm and led me to my place to line up for seiza.

From the beginning, everything about this class felt different. My zenkutsu dachi was about two-thirds its normal length, to avoid running into another student or a wall. I momentarily froze while processing commands for basic techniques I’ve known for years. And, when asked to adjust my distancing, I must have taken rather hesitant baby steps. Senpai Collin would say, “Allison, take two steps to the left”, followed by "OK... two more steps..."

As the class continued, I found myself relying on cues I don’t normally pay attention to. I noticed things like the volume of others’ voices and the direction they were coming from. When we did push-ups, I felt the grooves in the wood floorboards and adjusted my angle accordingly as we stood back up.

By the end, I realized I was crying beneath my blindfold. I felt overwhelmed by a combination of pride – and relief! – that I’d made it through class without incident, appreciation for how even the simplest techniques seemed challenging without sight, and tremendous respect for Senpai Collin and others who are visually impaired.

Blind classes are a requirement for Honbu students after certain rank advancements. (Apparently, I am among the few who have ever opted to take one.) I’m so glad I did! It was a profound experience, and even though I was uncomfortable at times, I hope to take another one the next time I’m in New York. I strongly encourage all of you to do the same!

Violence Prevention

Clothes Don't Cause Rape: Ending Victim-Blaming at TW and Beyond

By Kate Webster
Manager of Violence Prevention Programs

In January, a male Toronto Police officer advised a group of law students to stop looking so slutty if they didn’t want to be raped. His exact message was: “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimized.” In response, individuals and groups throughout Canada, the U.S., and worldwide responded by organizing a series of “slutwalks” during which some participants dressed in risqué clothing and all marched to raise awareness around violence against women and to de-stigmatize the term “slut.”

Photo

The officer’s statement supports the myth that women and girls somehow entice and incite men to rape them. Behind his words is the underlying message that if women and girls act and dress the way women should act – in the same manner many of us have been told to act “like ladies” and “don’t dress too sexy” – then we don’t have to fear being sexually harassed or raped. It’s the latest in a decades-long line of women being blamed for street harassment and sexual assault. Victim blaming allows people to brush off sexual violence with a “boys will be boys” attitude and not think about larger societal issues. It also allows people to wrongly assume that because they don’t dress like that, or don’t go out alone, or don’t act in enticing ways, then they’ll never be assaulted.

In fact, the majority of rapes are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, and these rapes are planned. It’s not how a woman dresses or acts that influences a potential rapist. Instead, he seeks someone whom he believes is vulnerable and easily intimidated – someone he can have power and control over.

Responsibility for rape and sexual assault always rests with the attacker alone.

We need to dispel the myth that victims share the blame for their assaults, and increase our range of options in responding to violence. Thousand Waves Self-Defense workshops and courses encourage thinking in terms of “dos,” not “don’ts.” In particular, you learn that you are worth defending and become empowered to stand up to violence and choose peaceful options in the face of violence. I see slutwalks as part of the same effort – transforming victim blaming by asserting that women can take on a positive form of power and have every right to live their lives as they see fit.

TW Honors TJ Nakano with Peacemaker Award

By Kyoshi Sarah Ludden
Co-Executive Director

One wave, a wave of love or respect, kindness or calm, sets thousands in motion.  A single action of one individual influences the actions and attitudes of thousands.   All of us can be peacemakers, taking our conflict resolution and violence prevention skills out of the dojo and into the world.  But it is hard!  It takes courage and creativity.

That is why we created the TW Peacemaker Award – to honor the everyday peacemakers, their bravery and dedication, announce to the community what he or she did to promote peace and reconciliation, and to inspire us all to be everyday peacemakers.  I am so proud of our newest recipient of the TW Peacemaker Award, TJ Nakano!   We will present the award to Senpai TJ on Saturday, November 5th at this year’s Punch and Kick-a-thon. 

PhotoTJ is 12 years old, a junior black belt who began training with us in 2005, when he was 6.  We have always appreciated TJ’s calm and dignified presence in the dojo but how wonderful to learn that he is standing up for bullied kids and doing his part to cultivate peaceful co-existence in his life outside the dojo. 

TJ walks the walk and talks the talk.  A friend of the family, Joanna Klonsky, described TJ’s intervention at a birthday party he attended with her son:

Suddenly, and out of nowhere, a child approached my son, shoved him and knocked him to the floor, and then walked away, leaving my son crying where he fell. When TJ learned what happened, he went to retrieve the other child and demanded he apologize to my son. The other child grudgingly and sarcastically said “sorry,” and TJ insisted he apologize with sincerity, and would not drop it until the other child apologized politely.

I was, and continue to be, impressed by TJ’s character. He is a child who enthusiastically accepts people in all their beautiful diversity.  He aligns himself with those people among us who most need support and generosity. I am proud that although my son no longer participates in ASK, he remains friends with TJ and can learn and benefit from TJ’s experience and leadership.

One of TJ’s teachers, Kamau Rashid, Capoeira instructor for Lake Shore Homeschoolers, enthusiastically supports TJ’s nomination for the TW Peacemaker award on the basis of his overall presence in his classes:

TJ is a very disciplined and astute person. His ability to remain in control of his own emotions, act in an appropriate manner dependent upon the context, and his efforts to cultivate community by leading by example suggest that he is the type of person who possesses the ethical reasoning, intelligence and self-discipline requisite of a peace maker. Indeed, TJ is demonstrative of the well-rounded character requisite to create a better, more peaceful, more ethical society.

We congratulate and thank Senpai TJ Nakano for embodying our Karate-ka Code of Ethics – Love, Respect, Non-Quitting Spirit, Courage and Responsibility – in school, his neighborhood and at birthday parties!  His example helps us all aspire to set our own waves of peace and kindness in motion, to be peacemakers in our everyday lives.

Parents and Kids

Camp Kokoro, a Bridge between Lives

By Sam Boyer, Shodan
with introduction by Kyoshi Sarah Ludden

What delights me most about Camp Kokoro is that very young people take over the dojo for four weeks:  children and young adults come together to create friendships, deepen karate discipline and enjoy the outdoors.  The campers are ages 6 to 13 and the counselors are 14 to 21! 

Photo

Senpai Sam Boyer began training with us as a young child and grew up at Thousand Waves.  He is now a senior at Drake University and worked this summer as a teacher and counselor at Camp Kokoro.  He discovered an unexpected gift which he describes below. 

Enjoy Sam's reflections and insights.

Community Outreach

Spotlight on new Community Partners

Community Partners are local businesses that share Thousand Waves commitment to creating a more peaceful and healthy world. In exchange for their financial support, Community Partners gain exposure among Thousand Waves’ large community of supporters. Thousand Waves is pleased to welcome its latest Community Partners. Readers, please support them when you’re in the market for services they provide.

Impact! Signs Chicago designs, produces, and installs a wide variety of interior and exterior signage in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Founded in 1989 by Ammar and Shabbir Moosabhoy, father and son, the company has built a loyal team of expert craftsmen and creative designers with vast knowledge and experience in the architectural signage industry. Their team, combined with investments in precision technology, ensures powerful expressions of identity.

Contact:
Shabbir Moosabhoy
Impact Signs
Locations citywide
312.685.2152
www.impactsigns.com

Live Oak is a group of psychotherapists who provide counseling and educational services that enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals, families, organizations and communities. Bringing decades of experience into their clinical practice, Live Oak’s longevity and success derive from the inspirational courage of clients, a deep commitment to learning, and a strength-based philosophy that fosters growth, strengthens identity, and promotes real and lasting change.

Contact:
Jeff Levy
Live Oak
1300 W. Belmont, Suite 400
Chicago, IL  60657
773.880.1310
www.liveoakchicago.com

Korey Cotter Heather & Richardson, LLC is a law firm with a wide variety of expertise including but not limited to patent disputes, merger and acquisition disputes, international gas and energy disputes, complex commercial contracts, securities law, bankruptcy, franchise law, and consumer fraud. The firm also has extensive experience in international arbitration and cross-border litigation and devotes substantial time to pro bono cases.

Contact:
Justin Heather
Korey Cotter Heather & Richardson, LLC
Two First National Plaza
20 S. Clark St., Ste. 500
Chicago, IL 60603 
312.372.7075
www.kchrlaw.com

UIC Honors TW Executive Directors

PhotoUIC’s Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement recently honored Thousand Waves Co-Executive Directors Nancy Lanoue and Sarah Ludden as Innovators in Civic Engagement. The Institute is committed to transforming democracy by creating a more fully engaged community with more effective leaders. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen to this interview, featuring Nancy and Sarah discussing the ways Thousand Waves fulfills its own commitment to civic engagement in our community. Thanks to the Institute and to Nicole Cabell, interview facilitator, for recognizing our important work!

Upcoming Events

September

October

Member News

Congratulations to Recent Promotees

Pearls from Promotion Essays

“Patience is not a virtue I was born with.  However, saying ‘osu’ – speaking it into the universe often at the dojo – has been good for me.  In my faith tradition we say ‘speak things as if they are so’ and so saying that I am ‘striving with patience’ even when I don’t feel so patient has been and continues to be a good thing for me to practice.”
– Marilyn Pagan-Banks, Blue Belt

“By observing the advanced students and having them share their struggles and temporary setbacks, I am encouraged to deal with my own issues with a positive view.”
– June Kirk, Advanced Blue Belt

“If you think you know what learning the [martial] arts is about, you limit yourself to the possibilities of your own ideas alone.  Taking the wide view and keeping that open mind opens up opportunities for awareness and additional improvement and enlightenment.”
– Fay Cheng, Yellow Belt

“The most challenging aspect of my yoga teacher training wasn’t practicing yoga eight hours a day for three weeks, but rather the 30 minutes of silent meditation every morning.”
– Elesabeth Bacherta, Advanced Yellow Belt

“When I was a three-year-old child, I insisted that my mom teach me to read.  When she responded by reciting the ABCs, I quickly told her I was not interested in the alphabet.  Instead, I wanted to read.”
– Lauren Schwendimann, Advanced Green Belt

“During my three year hiatus from karate I ran three marathons, three half marathons, many 5K and 10K races, and learned to love my 5:30 am morning runs.  But every time I ran around the block and ran past Thousand Waves I felt a sense of loss.  It took me over a year of saying, ‘tomorrow I will sign up,’ to bring myself back through these doors and start training again.”
–Jennie Phon, Advanced Brown Belt

Recent Rank Promotions

PhotoJuniors
Daisy Coleman – 7th Kyu
Ethan – 7th Kyu
Grace Monago – 7th Kyu
Jackson Hilario McCarey – 8th Kyu
Jake Phillips – 8th Kyu
Joshua Arias – 4th Kyu
Lily Montalvo – 6th Kyu
Nate Savoie – 6th Kyu
Nicholas Omiotek – 6th Kyu
Noah Ross – 6th Kyu
Owen – 7th Kyu
Sara Chichti – 8th Kyu
Sonia Anderson – 6th Kyu
Stuart Nicholas – 7th Kyu
Sui Yee Tam – 6th Kyu
William Barney – 6th Kyu
Zachary Bezirgan – 6th Kyu
Zavier Ramirez – 8th Kyu

PhotoYouth
Alexis Fernando – 3rd Kyu
Allison Elkins – 6th Kyu
Auden Litke – 4th Kyu
Bahar Berksoy – 2nd Kyu
Bryce Bezirgan – 2nd Kyu
Charlie Brennan – 4th Kyu
Gianna Trimarco – 1st Kyu
Grant Antink – 8th Kyu
Isabella Cartagena – 4th Kyu
Keeli Ryan – 5th Kyu
Owen Patterson – 1st Kyu
Sophia Steck – 4th Kyu
Stella Ljung – 3rd Kyu

Teen
Eric Castrejon – 8th Kyu
Patrick Willingham – 8th Kyu

PhotoAdult
Amy Richmond – 7th Kyu
Dan Keats – 7th Kyu
Dean Radcliffe – 6th Kyu
Debbie Edwards – 1st Kyu
Ellen Gibbon – 6th Kyu
Fay Cheng – 6th Kyu
Jane Kollmer – 8th Kyu
Jene? Garretson – 8th Kyu
Jennie Phon – 1st Kyu
Julie Blanning – 8th Kyu
June Kirk – 7th Kyu
Kate Nadolski – 5th Kyu
Lauren Schwendimann – 3rd Kyu
Marilyn Pagan-Banks – 8th Kyu
Melissa Jarmel – 8th Kyu
Nika Dujmovic – 7th Kyu
Tabitha – 8th Kyu
Tiffany Armitage – 6th Kyu