One wave sets thousands in motion.

Hello Friends and Family!

I am raising money for Thousand Waves! Thousand Waves is the karate school I have been attending for over nine years. I will be doing this through my participation in the annual Spirit Challenge. Spirit Challenge is a week long series of many tiring physical events and I would love for you to sponsor me. As you may or may not know, I am a Second Degree Jr. Black Belt in Seido Karate and I have learned everything from the incredible training at Thousand Waves. I want you to know that Thousand Waves is not your typical Karate School; it's an extraordinary, loving, and kind community and non for profit organization that does so many wonderful things.

In addition to being a karate school, Thousand Waves is also a Self Defense Center and specializes in workshops and training in practical self defense. These self defense programs have helped so many people and given people more confidence in their everyday lives to know how to protect themselves in threatening situations. Many people have felt themselves to be in danger, and if they didn't have the skills that Thousand Waves self courses taught them they might have been unable to protect themselves. This program has taught so many including me, and is a great resource to have especially when you're living in a big city like Chicago.

Additionally, Thousand Waves runs the ASK program (Adapted Seido Karate). This programs allows people with disabilities to learn karate as well and pursue the passion they have for karate. The amazing people in the ASK program inspire me so much to continue on my karate path and inspire me to give 100% effort in whatever I do. ASK members put so much hard work into their karate training and non quitting spirit. It is truly a one of a kind program.

Thousand Waves also runs a scholarship program that benefits a lot of their students. This allows anyone who wants to take karate a chance regardless of their financial situation. This allows so many more people to be part of this amazing community. With the scholarship program, Thousand Waves community is more diverse than ever and has people of all religions, classes, races, and sexualities. Thousand Waves is a paradise where everyone is accepted and everyone treats each other equally. As a community we are always working together to end violence and create peace

The truth is, in order to do all these amazing things, Thousand Waves depends on our yearly fundraiser known as Spirit Challenge. Spirit Challenge funds all of the programs I mentioned and I would be so grateful if you donated $50 dollar or more to Thousand Waves. If that is too much, please know that any amount helps and is greatly appreciated. To make a donation please follow the attached the link.

Thank You So Much!

Your Friend,

Ruben Cohen-Whitaker