We are a safe, inclusive, women-led organization for women, girls, transgender and non-binary people and their allies in the martial, self defense, and healing arts, that affirms each person’s warrior spirit and actively works for a world in which each of us is empowered, free from oppression, and whole.
Forward Together: REGISTER NOW!
The 2025 NWMAF National Conference will take place from July 17-21st at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Registration is LIVE ON OUR CONFERENCE PAGE.
To encourage schools to bring as many members as possible, we’re offering a 10% post-conference refund for attendees from schools that bring at least 5-9 people. And if your school brings 10+ attendees, each of you will receive a 15% post-conference refund! So register now — and be sure to mention your school name when prompted! We can’t wait to see you there!
Get Involved in the Fun!
We’ll need help with tasks such as registration (Thurs. pm & Fri. am), taking turns at the Help Desk, First Aid, and set-up/clean-up jobs. We want to have a great showcase on Super Saturday, along with a silent auction and bazaar (and possibly a raffle!) Use the link below to express interest in one or more of these opportunities!
CLICK HERE FOR WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR 2025 CONFERENCE!
Suggest a Venue for 2026!
Amidst all the excitement for 2025, we are looking ahead to 2026. If you think you might have an idea for our next conference location, check out our venue requirements and give us a shout!
2025 Conference News: We Have a Winner!
We are thrilled to announce the name for the 2025 NWMAF Conference, as voted by YOU! The theme is Forward Together! This winning name suggestion, submitted by our own Diane Wallander, beautifully reflects the spirit of community, positivity, and commitment to growth and lifelong learning that we wish to embody. We are truly better together!
We are currently working hard to get registration and instructor application materials live, so save the date for July 17-21st in Naperville, Illinois, and watch this space for updates. In the meantime, spread the word in your community, and reach out to chair@nwmaf.org if you’d like to be part of the Conference Planning Team.
As a reminder, this year the conference schedule will be slightly different from years past. It will open for check-in on a Thursday (July 17th), followed by full days of classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For Board members, our annual Board Retreat will take place Monday the 21st in Chicago.
The application for instructors has now closed, so watch this space and the NWMAF newsletter, FB and Instagram accounts for updates!
2024 NWMAF Youth Art and Essay Contest Winners Announced
NWMAF’s annual contest for youth artists and writers was held over the summer. See the artwork and read more here.
Looking Back on Weaving Strength 2024
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the 2024 Weaving Strength Regional Trainings in Massachusetts, Texas, and Kentucky such a success! As we look forward to next year’s national Conference (July 17th-21st, 2025 in Naperville, Illinois), we wanted to share the full gallery of this year’s trainings, which increased NWMAF membership, strengthened regional connections, and brought friendship, fun, and learning to so many people!
Interested in being an instructor?
The 2025 Instructor Application has now closed, and we are eagerly reviewing the applications. Reach out for more information by contacting:
Martial Arts Coordinator, Emily McKee, martialarts@nwmaf.org
Self Defense Coordinator, Clara Porter, selfdefense@nwmaf.org
Healing Arts, contact Chair, Connie Halporn, chair@nwmaf.org
Reach out to your favorite teachers, and bring your dream class to the conference. Let’s get started!
Annual Conference
The NWMAF’s signature event is a multi-style training conference, held each summer, that features opportunities to learn from veteran martial artists from across the country and around the world, as well as a professional Empowerment Self-Defense instruction track.
Participants can choose from a variety of classes throughout the multi-day event. Each day brings many sessions and several options: “hard style” classes, “soft style” classes, mat arts, self-defense techniques and technology, healing arts, and weapons practice. Expert trainers tailor their teaching for a wide range of students—from beginners to experts. Attendees come from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. Join us this summer!
Martial Arts
We cherish martial arts as a path of self-discovery and transformation and as a means of transforming ourselves and the world in which we live. We find strength in one another’s challenges and promote an awareness and appreciation of our differences.
Some of us have been training over many decades, others just a few months. Whatever your art, experience, or skill level, come and be a part of our amazing community!
See our award-winning martial artists
Empowerment Self-Defense
The NWMAF is the leader in Empowerment Self-Defense and has formed an extensive network of skilled instructors in the US and Canada and across the world. We offer ongoing professional development and credentials to self-defense instructors. From cutting-edge research to best practices in classroom management, from non-profit programming to running an effective business, we work to bring this critical tool of violence prevention to the world.
Learn more about Empowerment Self-Defense
