July 17-21st, 2025
North Central College
Naperville, Illinois
Celebrating the Martial Arts, Healing Arts,
and Empowerment Self Defense
What is the NWMAF Conference?
The national conference is the NWMAF’s signature event. It’s a beloved “camp” experience that allows attendees to experience many Martial Arts styles, as well as Healing Arts and Empowerment Self Defense. Many attendees return every year; many lifelong friendships have been made!
Women, transgender, and nonbinary instructors and attendees ages 12+ are invited to attend the entire NWMAF Conference, or just Super Saturday. Super Saturday is open to EVERYONE, including cis male attendees.
What’s it like to attend the Conference?
This gallery of images from past conferences gives a small taste of the spirit of fun, collaboration, and community that makes the event so magical.
‘Group’ discount offer!
To encourage schools to bring as many members as possible, we’re offering a 10% post-conference refund for attendees from schools that bring at least 5-9 people. And if your school brings 10+ attendees, each of you will receive a 15% post-conference refund! So register now — and be sure to mention your school name when prompted!
Regular Registration pricing through Saturday, June 14th!
Conference News & Info
Our “camp book” should be ready by the end of May, after which we will begin regularly posting updates, reminders, and useful travel, packing, a more detailed schedule, and other information for conference attendees — so check this page often!
Instructors
Instructors have been selected! Watch our Facebook and Instagram feeds as we will be featuring posters of our super-star instructors regularly over the next few weeks. Here’s a first peek — with more to come!
Schedule Info
Thurs. July 17th: Check-in opens on Thursday afternoon.
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, and Sunday 20th: Full conference days! Classes, workouts, and workshops from a variety of traditions and practices (martial arts, healing arts, and empowerment self-defense), geared to a wide range of experience levels, from beginner to advanced! Saturday the 19th is what’s known as “Super Saturday” – when classes are open to people of all genders, ages 12+, including cis men. This special day culminates in a silent auction and our members’ performance showcase! (Pssst! We want to see you showing off! Sign up for a Super Saturday demo below!)
Monday morning, July 21st: Check-out time. Breakfast is provided.
Driving Directions
Campus Map
Volunteer, Sell Items at the Bazaar, Sign Up for a Super Saturday Demo, or Donate to the Silent Auction/Raffle!
Want to get more involved and get the most out of your conference experience? Use the link below to express interest in one or more of these opportunities!
Not a member yet?
Join NWMAF to become part of a community that celebrates the strength in each of us and spreads empowerment wherever we go. You’ll save a few dollars on next year’s Conference too!