Martial arts conferences, originally known as Special Training camps, began in 1976.
Each year the theme changes, suggested by and voted on by our members.
Logo designs are also created by our members.
Conferences are organized by NWMAF unless noted otherwise.
2025
Forward Together
North Central College,
Naperville, IL
2024
Weaving Strength
Multiple regional conferences
2023
Synergy
North Central College,
Naperville, IL
2022
Rise
Daemen University
Amherst, NY
2021
We Persist
Virtual Conference
2019
Be Brave
North Central College,
Naperville, IL
2018
Unity
North Central College
Naperville, IL
2016
Tri-Alliance Gathering
North Central College
Naperville, IL
2015
Engage Our Strength, Share Our Power
Causeway Bay Inn & Suites
Lansing, MI
2014
Peace Works
North Central College
Naperville, IL
2013
Opening to Possibilities…Finding Our Paths
North Central College
Naperville, IL
2012
It’s All About the Training!
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
2011
Many Passions-Harmony of Purpose
Brockport College
Brockport, NY
2010
Forging Unity, Strengthening Bridges
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
2009
Unity Strengthens, Diversity Transforms
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
2008
The Journey is the Reward
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY
2007
The Five Elements: Martial Arts as a Reflection of Nature
Texas Women’s University
Denton, TX
2006
Thirty Years of Power
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
2005
Creating a Martial Arts Movement: What’s Your Stance?
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
2004
Strong Circles: Self, Community, World
Stonehill College
Easton, MA
2003
Mastering Beginner’s Mind
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH
2002
Many Women, Many Arts
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY
2001
Awaken the Warrior Within
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
2000
Pushing Through Our Limit
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
1999
Express Your Power
Brock University
St. Catherines, ON, Canada
1998
Living the Tradition
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
1997
A Time for Growth
SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
1996
Roots and Renewal
Wheaton College
Norton, MA
1995
Circle of Strength: The Power of Cooperation
Jointly with PAWMA
Evergreen State College
Olympia, WA
1994
Traditions
Texas Women’s University
Denton, TX
1993
Stop the Violence- No More Silence
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
1992
The Mosaic of Women’s Power
Haverford College
Haverford, PA
1991
Bridging the Gap
Loyola University
Chicago, IL
1990
Special Training
Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT
1989
Healing Through Training
Cal Poly University
San Luis Obispo, CA
1988
Woman as Leader
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY
1987
Freedom to Grow
Kent State University
Kent, OH
1986
Special Training
Yale University
New Haven, CT
1985
Strength Through Diversity
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY
1984
Special Training
Edinboro Univeristy of PA
Edinboro PA
1983
Push Beyond Our Limits
Lawrenceville Academy
Lawrenceville, NJ
1982
Special Training
Providence, MA
1981
Feminist Self Defense
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
1980
Women in Karate
Suffield Academy
Suffield, CT
1979
Special Training
Oakland University
Rochester, MI