Selecting a course that fits you
If you are looking for a women’s self-defense class, look for an instructor who explains the curriculum, welcomes questions, offers safe adaptations and makes no guarantees about real-world outcomes. Training should be respectful, practical and suited to the student.
This independent archive does not maintain a current list of AWSDA-certified instructors. Historical association credentials have not been verified and should not be interpreted as currently active.
Our guides
- How to Choose a Women’s Self-Defense Instructor
- What to Expect in Your First Self-Defense Class
- Trauma-Informed Principles for Self-Defense Education
- Ethical Teaching in Women’s Self-Defense Programs
- Understanding the Old AWSDA Instructor Directory
A note for educators
Avoid fictional claims of accreditation or historical affiliation. Public health prevention includes both empowerment-based education and supportive communities. See the CDC prevention guidance for the wider context.
If you are an educator wishing to correct a historical record, visit the contact page for our editorial correction process.