Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP

Much more than a martial arts gym. Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages. Yet contemporary with a strong focus on building and serving the community through broad inclusion, self defense outreach programs, and fostering respect for others. All are welcome, and all benefit from personal growth physically, mentally, and spiritually. A well-run program with an impressive depth of teaching staff, many of whom are volunteers, Thousand Waves is able to keep costs down. Operating as a not-for-profit, they provide scholarship assistance to ensure that ANYONE can train. If you're looking for a rigorous training regimen that simultaneously fosters values of respect for others, community building, and ally-ship, Thousand Waves is you best option in Chicago.

I recently attended the three hour self-defence course as a team outing with our group of pediatric therapists who are out in the community often. This was an incredible team building opportunity! The team also learned numerous strategies to deescalate a situation and keep ourselves safe. Aileeen and Marti were a superb blend of serious, thoughtful and lighthearted. The time went by extremely quickly. I am thankful to have walked away with more tools in my pocket to be alert and safe. I think this will be an annual team outing. Highly recommended!

I love Thousand Waves!!! I met my best friend there and I learn a lot to show to my family. I personally love to learn different martial art moves as well as learn a lot of the Japanese traditions they have in japan! The teachers are wonderful and they teach you a lot about how to respect each other and the environment! I have taken classes there for 5 years! All the friendly people that make me feel more at home and together with people as like I was with my family! I am planing to stay at Thousand Waves for a long time because nothing can break the connection of that dojo and me!

Much more than a martial arts gym. Formal in the traditional sense with Kata forms, sparring, meditation, and a well defined syllabus of material taught at all ages. Yet contemporary with a strong focus on building and serving the community through broad inclusion, self defense outreach programs, and fostering respect for others. All are welcome, and all benefit from personal growth physically, mentally, and spiritually. A well-run program with an impressive depth of teaching staff, many of whom are volunteers, Thousand Waves is able to keep costs down. Operating as a not-for-profit, they provide scholarship assistance to ensure that ANYONE can train. If you're looking for a rigorous training regimen that simultaneously fosters values of respect for others, community building, and ally-ship, Thousand Waves is you best option in Chicago.

This is a wonderful martial arts program. The teachers are firm but kind in their approach. I just wish there were more weekend options as we come from far and the evening classes are hard for us.

I studied here for many years, but when I got my black belt they wanted me to train with adults (I was still a kid). I told them I didn't feel comfortable with that. They'd had a scandal where one of the senseis had been inappropriate with a student, and he was fired. I always got creeped out around him, so when I found out I was not surprised. But when I told them I didn't want to train with the adults, they guilted me about it. They said you have to judge people by their actions, not by how they look, which is SUCH a stupid thing to tell a child. Because they were going to force me to train with adults, I had to quit.