Classes
Orientation
Introduction to IMPACT Self-Defense
IMPACT is an empowerment self-defense system distinguished by scenarios with a defender (participant), aggressor (suited instructor), and a coach (lead instructor). During scenarios, the lead…
Introduction to Sport Taekwondo
Learn techniques and training methods to improve your kicking, footwork and distance. We’ll be letting go of a focus on self-defense, and instead embrace being…
Beyond the Linear: An Exploration of the Power and Freedom of Circular Movement
Beyond the Linear is a session-long immersion into spiral and circular motion through the lens of phrases from Kajukenbo forms and our Chinese-influenced sets. Designed…
ESD Essentials: Examining the Framework and Core Components of Empowerment Self-Defense
NWMAF is a leader in Empowerment Self-Defense, promoting ESD as a primary violence prevention strategy and offering professional development and certification to ESD instructors. What…
Judo – The Gentle Way
This class will go over the basics of Judo. We will review the main elements in off-balancing (Kuzushi), entering (Tsukuri), the follow through (Kake), and…
Level Up Your Blade Defenses with Aku Strike
Realistic knife assaults happen quickly, oftentimes without sight of the blade, and developing effective defensive blade skills requires the correct tools. In this seminar, we…
Hands off!
Practical, standing self-defense techniques: Learn escapes from grabs, holds, hair pulls, and bear hugs. Practice effective techniques for breaking free from single or double-hand grabs,…
Building Verbal Skills for Self-Defense and Self-Advocacy that are Applicable in Daily Life
Our voice is one of our most powerful self-defense tools. We can use it to set boundaries for ourselves, to de-escalate a potentially violent situation,…
Break for Lunch
Key Principles of Aikido – An Experiential Exploration
Aikido is a martial art of blending, of joining with another’s energy. Someone initiates an attack and rather than hard block and answer, the aikido…
Kajukenbo Repetitions: A Spontaneous Drill with Far-reaching Benefits
Explore the rhythm, speed, and flow of Kajukenbo repetitions: a continuous striking drill designed to train body connection, perception, and adaptability. In this class we…
Migi Kai Bo – Sword vs. Jo – Kumitachi (2 Person Fighting Engagements)
A samurai warrior confronts an unassuming farmer with nothing more than a walking stick. We will use a Jo, a four-foot staff. Come to this…
Fight if You Must: the Fourth Finger of Empowerment Self-Defense
If someone is hurting us, and our attempts to stop the violence before it gets physical have failed, we have a right to fight back.…
The Motion Still Waters: VSK Jujitsu Seminar
This session will cover combinations, joint locks, throws, and footwork, all designed to build both technical skill and fluid movement. Emphasis will be placed on…
Bo vs Bo Kumite
If you have had at least a few months of training with a staff, please come learn an exciting two-person Kata. Isshin Ryu Shihan Bob Markovich,…
Applying ESD Tactics to ICE Resistance: Know your Rights, De-escalate, Resist Intimidation
As ICE and federal law enforcement agencies invade our communities, Know Your Rights trainings proliferate. Having the facts about judicial warrants, constitutional rights, and private…
Supporting Gender Diversity and Neurodiversity in Your Schools
We’ll start by explaining the degree of overlap between neurodiversity and gender diversity (spoiler alert: it’s considerable!), and why it makes sense to talk about…
Soft Physical Skills: For Workplace Programs or Whenever Teaching Strikes is Not an Option
In this class, we will practice and analyze the non-contact physical skills we teach in our PAVE 35-hour Human Safety Skills course for library staffers.…
Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail – An Introduction to Tai Chi
Master Young will take you through a short section of the Tai Chi Chuan form called Grasp Sparrow’s Tail, while explaining the basic body mechanics…
Confronting the Criminalization of Women and other Marginalized People who Defend Themselves
Survivors who defend themselves are often criminalized rather than supported. How did this come to be? How does the law perpetuate the criminalization of survivors?…
Unlock the Nunchaku Circles – (Strike and Flow with one Nunchaku then Two Nunchaku. Easy Peasy!)
In this session we will unlock the “Nunchaku Circles” allowing you to flow and strike with any swinging object. I will guide you on how…
Introduction to Capoeira
Capoeira is an art form that originated in Brazil in the 16th century. It combines elements of fight, dance, acrobatics, rhythm, music and philosophy. Developed…
All class times are Central Daylight Time.
Please be courteous to those who are masked by offering to mask when working with them in class or in other venues.
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