NWMAF’s Annual Conference includes an intensive professional development program that addresses violence prevention and self-defense instruction. Focusing on strengths-based and trauma-informed practices, SDIC is an opportunity to share skills and learn about innovative work in the field. All aspiring and experienced Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) instructors, martial artists, and healing arts practitioners are welcome!
Program Details:
Coming soon!
Self-Defense Instructor Certification
The NWMAF is a credentialing body for self-defense instructors. Certification is an extensive process, and attendance at the early program of NWMAF’s Annual Conference is a requirement for certification.
During the main portion of the conference, there are several more ESD offerings, including a Model Workshop taught by a certified instructor. Instructors seeking certification are required to attend the Model Course.
Read more about certification requirements.
In past years, offerings at the Annual Conference have included:
- Energy Awareness
- Self-Defense Research and the Evidence Base for Self-Defense
- Working with Men & Boys
- Teaching Self-Defense to people who are blind and visually-impaired
- Understanding and Explaining Trauma to Self-Defense Participants
- Microaggressions
- Bystander Intervention
- De-escalation
- Working with Youth
- The Business of Self-Defense
- Field and Office Safety for Social Service and Healthcare Providers
Past participants say:
“I was thrilled to have the chance to connect with my ESD community and learn from excellent trainers.”
“I enjoyed the quality of the presentations, and friendly/open attitude of all the attendees and instructors.”