THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

In recent weeks/months there has been an upsurge in the number of robberies in the 44th Ward. Alderman Tunney and Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP have worked together to provide this free program as one means of addressing crime in our district and helping residents feel safer.

Residents of the 44th Ward have the right to feel safe as they live, work, and play in their own neighborhoods. The Five Fingers of Self-Defense: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell workshop will provide participants relevant tools for many types of situations from street harassment to physical assaults. They will learn to improve their "street smarts," recognize danger sooner, and broaden their options for how to respond. In interactive role plays, physical exercises and group discussions, participants will practice strategies they can use to confront violence in their all areas of their lives.

Kate Webster, Ph.D. and 3rd degree black belt, is Director of Violence Prevention Programs at Thousand Waves. She is certified by the National Women's Martial Arts Federation as a teacher of empowerment based self-defense and has been a presenter at their national Self-Defense Instructor's Conference. As an adjunct professor at DePaul University, her areas of expertise include gender-based violence, gender equity in education, and violence experienced by members of the LGBT community. Kate is a dynamic, personable speaker and is available for interviews.

Thousand Waves supports the health, empowerment, healing from violence and peacemaking skills of Chicago area adults, teens and youth through effective and enjoyable self-defense and martial arts programs. Since 1985, we have offered ongoing karate classes and personal safety and wellness workshops at our Center on Belmont. In addition, we partner with non-profit agencies and schools to provide staff and client trainings that build self-confidence and problem solving skills, enabling participants to be more productive and effective in all areas of their lives.