Since 1976
The community that would eventually give rise to the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation began gathering in 1976. They were women martial artists from all over the country, eager for community, skills-sharing, and personal growth.
Most of these women found themselves alone in their home schools and dojos and were often denied equal treatment, the freedom to train and compete without harassment, and their rightfully earned rank.
But as part of the NWMAF, they realized they were not alone–and that they were capable, skilled, and destined to lead.
Our Logo
The NWMAF logo was designed in 1988 by Kathy Hopwood. The design encompasses life cycles, movement, creativity, revolution, and the universe in harmony.
The logo represents NWMAF as a movement of women who engage in the martial arts as a means of empowering ourselves and effecting change in the world.
The circle represents the feminine principle and ultimate oneness. When objects are enclosed in a circle, they symbolize the inner unity and harmony of all matter. Two circles represent the connection of heaven and earth or of love and knowledge.
The element of water represents regeneration or spiritual rebirth and is the symbol from which all life proceeds. It is one of the five elements of life. The wave lines in the water illustrate the constant movement of water.
Symbolic of the feminine, the moon is connected with water. The moon shows the phases of life: periodic creation and recreation, waxing and waning. The full moon is said to ease childbirth. The moon is a circle that represents the female principle.
The Tomoe is a Japanese motif symbolizing the revolution of the universe. The Tomoe illustrates the constant movement of the universe in harmony.
Honors and Awards
We recognize and honor women, transgender and non-binary people in the martial arts, healing arts, and empowerment self-defense who have distinguished themselves in their practice and in their community.