Adapted Seido Karate (ASK)

Thousand Waves recognizes that people with disabilities experience violence at highly elevated rates and that youth are among the most frequent targets of bullying. Through a partnership with the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, we run an ongoing program called Adapted Seido Karate (ASK) to give young people with disabilities the skills, strength, and confidence that comes from dedicated martial practice.

ASK is coordinated by Sensei Tom West, Senpai Denise Coleman, and Senpai Sam Boyer, assisted by volunteers from Thousand Waves. Training space and other resources are provided by Shirley Ryan Ability Lab’s Caring for Kids program for a nominal registration fee. Uniforms, practice materials, and rank promotions are provided by Thousand Waves with proceeds from our annual Spirit Challenge fundraiser and other contributions. This partnership allows ASK students to train regardless of their financial situation.

Since its inception in 2006, ASK has helped dozens of children and young adults with disabilities cultivate strength, fitness, confidence, and discipline, while having fun too.

Classes are open to students aged 5 to 17 whose primary diagnosis is a physical disability, with the approval of their primary care physician.

Classes are held at the Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton Ave, Chicago, from 1-2:30 on Sunday afternoons in regularly scheduled, five-week sessions.