Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center

Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center has been fostering fitness, healing, empowerment, and peacemaking in Chicago since 1984 through violence prevention, self-defense, and traditional martial arts programs for adults and children of all ages. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, their mission centers on promoting healthy minds and bodies through Seido Karate instruction and comprehensive self-defense education.

Adult Seido Karate classes provide holistic fitness training to build strength, stamina, and spirit. Workouts are vigorous and challenging for adults of all ages, physical abilities, and fitness levels, with immediate benefits including increased flexibility, balance, and muscle tone. Classes include meditation, kata (forms), sparring, and weapons training, all taught by experienced instructors from the World Seido Karate Organization. Free trial classes are available for prospective students.

Kids’ Seido Karate presents martial arts to children as a body, mind, and spirit practice to improve fitness, concentration, and coordination. Children learn age-appropriate skills for dealing with bullying and other forms of violence in a positive classroom environment that is essential to learning. Programs include regular classes, Japanese language quizzes to reinforce cultural learning, and Camp Kokoro summer camp. Adapted Seido Karate (ASK) serves students with special needs.

Empowerment Self-Defense programs offer mental, verbal, and physical skills to help keep participants safer from violence. Workshops range from short introductory sessions to in-depth courses like Five Fingers of Self-Defense. Programs are designed for individuals and groups, centered on realistic scenarios most likely to impact participants. The center also offers community programs, special workshops including board breaking clinics, and No-School Day Camps. Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Thousand Waves maintains an active events calendar and publishes a newsletter, Kiai!, to keep the community connected. The organization welcomes donations to support their mission and offers volunteer opportunities for those wanting to give back to the community.