NWMAF’s Annual Conference includes multiple ESD sessions that address violence prevention and empowerment self-defense instruction.
Focusing on strengths-based and trauma-informed practices, the Empowerment Self-Defense programming at the conference 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!
Self-Defense Instructor Certification
The NWMAF is a certifying body for ESD instructors. Certification is an extensive process, and attendance at the Model Course and ESD Electives offered during the NWMAF’s Annual Conference are requirements for certification.
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.”