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About NWMAF

Our Mission
Honoring Our History
About Our Logo

Our Mission

Building personal and collective strength, safety, and well-being through martial arts, self-defense, and healing arts, to empower women and others affected by gender-based discrimination. 

The National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) is dedicated to promoting the involvement and empowerment of all women, transgender or non-binary people, and their allies who are active in martial arts, self-defense, and healing arts.

All women, transgender or non-binary people, and their allies are welcome regardless of age, race, color, religion, class, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or physical condition.

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.

Our organization offers many benefits to members, including our signature summer conference as well as our comprehensive empowerment self-defense certification and training for self-defense instructors.

Honoring Our History

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.

View Timeline

Honors and Awards

We recognize and honor women, transgender and non-binary people who are martial artists and who have distinguished themselves in their practice and in their community.

Founders Award

Honors those whose contribution is foundational to the spirit and vision of the NWMAF, and who have given that contribution over a significant period of time.

Recipients

Founders Award

Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration

For NWMAF members who have inspired others in the martial arts. This award was created in 2001 and formally named in 2002 to honor Professor Coleen Gragen.

Award of Excellence

For those possessing technical expertise, a remarkable teaching career, inspirational leadership, and meaningful contributions to the community.

Recipients

Award of Excellence

Member Spotlight

For a member who has gone above and beyond.

Award Nominations
Current members can nominate someone* for the NWMAF Award of Excellence, Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration, Founders Award, or Member of the Year. Award Nominations are due January 31 of each year. *You must be logged in to fill out this form.

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