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WELCOME!

We are a safe, inclusive, women-led organization for women, trans folks, nonbinary people, and their allies that affirms each person’s warrior spirit and actively works for a world in which each of us is empowered, free from oppression, and whole.

The 2024 Annual Conference!

We’re delighted to announce that the 2024 NWMAF Conference will be at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York from July 17th – 21st! We’ll keep you posted when registration opens up, so watch this space!

We can’t wait to see you!

Learn More

July 17 – 20, 2024

Interested in being an instructor at the 2024 Conference?

Don’t be shy – APPLY!

Reach out to your favorite teachers, and bring your dream class to the conference. Let’s get started!

Annual Conference

The NWMAF’s signature event is a multi-style training conference, held each summer, that features opportunities to learn from veteran martial artists from across the country and around the world, as well as a professional Empowerment Self-Defense instruction track.

Participants can choose from a variety of classes throughout the multi-day event. Each day brings many sessions and several options: “hard style” classes, “soft style” classes, mat arts, self-defense techniques and technology, healing arts, and weapons practice. Expert trainers tailor their teaching for a wide range of students—from beginners to experts. Attendees come from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. Join us this summer!

Learn more about the 2024 Conference

Martial Arts

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.

Some of us have been training over many decades, others just a few months. Whatever your art, experience, or skill level, come and be a part of our amazing community!

See our award-winning martial artists

Empowerment Self-Defense

The NWMAF is the leader in Empowerment Self-Defense and has formed an extensive network of skilled instructors in the US and Canada and across the world. We offer ongoing professional development and credentials to self-defense instructors. From cutting-edge research to best practices in classroom management, from non-profit programming to running an effective business, we work to bring this critical tool of violence prevention to the world.

Learn more about Empowerment Self-Defense

person in a wheelchair practicing setting a boundary with instructor
Photo Credit: Defend Yourself