July 17-21st, 2025
North Central College
Naperville, Illinois
Celebrating the Martial Arts, Healing Arts,
and Empowerment Self Defense
Regular Registration has now closed. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago! Registration for Super Saturday only and the ESD Hybrid option is still available below!
What is the NWMAF Conference?
The national conference is the NWMAF’s signature event. It’s a beloved “camp” experience that allows attendees to experience many Martial Arts styles, as well as Healing Arts and Empowerment Self Defense. Many attendees return every year; many lifelong friendships have been made!
Women, transgender, and nonbinary instructors and attendees ages 12+ are invited to attend the entire NWMAF Conference, or just Super Saturday. Super Saturday is open to EVERYONE, including cis male attendees.
What’s it like to attend the Conference?
This gallery of images from past conferences gives a small taste of the spirit of fun, collaboration, and community that makes the event so magical.
REGISTER NOW!
NEW! ESD Hybrid Option
We are trying a new option, for people who cannot attend the Conference in-person and would like to participate via Zoom in a selection of our Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) sessions. After registering, you will receive the same confirmation of registration that all attendees receive. Then, we will reach out with a participation link and a reminder of the dates and times of the hybrid sessions. (Note: the sessions will not be recorded.)
Conference News & Info
Registration runs through July 2nd, after which we’ll kick into high gear, with participant letters full of reminders and useful travel, packing, and other information for conference attendees. You’ll also get a chance to look over the Conference Schedule and the awesome lineup of classes on offer!
Instructors
Check out our Gallery of Instructors for a sneak peek at some of the Conference offerings!
Schedule Info
Thurs. July 17th: Check-in opens on Thursday afternoon.
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th: These are full conference days! Classes, workouts, and workshops from a variety of traditions and practices (martial arts, healing arts, and empowerment self-defense), geared to a wide range of experience levels, from beginner to advanced! Saturday the 19th is what’s known as “Super Saturday” – when classes are open to people of all genders, ages 12+, including cis men. This special day culminates in a silent auction and our members’ performance showcase! (Pssst! We want to see you showing off! Sign up for a Super Saturday demo below!)
Monday morning, July 21st: Check-out time. Breakfast is provided.
Driving Directions
Campus Map
Volunteer, Sell Items at the Bazaar, Sign Up for a Super Saturday Demo, or Donate to the Silent Auction/Raffle!
Want to get more involved and get the most out of your conference experience? Use the link below to express interest in one or more of these opportunities!
Not a member yet?
Join NWMAF to become part of a community that celebrates the strength in each of us and spreads empowerment wherever we go. You’ll save a few dollars on next year’s Conference too!