Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD)
Self-Defense as Self-Care
Empowerment Self-Defense as Self Care/Community Care – Some of the most insidious forms of violence to which we are subjected are internalized messages – critical inner voices of blame, shame and self-doubt, often conditioned by past traumas or ongoing experiences of oppression. Empowerment Self Defense includes skills for physical protection and emotional regulation that increase environmental awareness, assertiveness and self-confidence. Interactive pair work and role-plays teach verbal, physical and energetic boundary setting along with tools to manage conflict and improve communication. A conscious exploration of fight-flight-freeze response in the body allows us to move out of survival mode to mobilize internal resources and pro-actively respond to threat. As we are better able act on our own behalf and on behalf of our communities, we can impact collective health and safety in positive ways. We can transform cycles of abuse, neglect and denial from the inside out. (CAE-trained Self-Defense instructor since 1991, lifetime member of the NWMAF – National Women’s Martial Arts Federation – nwmaf.org)
Negotiation/Consent Skills
Skills for Sexual Negotiation and Consent – Understand and contextualize gender-based violence and racialized violence within its social-historical context and create frameworks for healing within community. Discuss ways to create more safety, comfort, and courage while building capacity to tolerate discomfort and conflict. Talk about how to recognize and manage signs of fear and anxiety and share skills and experiences to help identify and respond to personal triggers and stressors. Develop greater awareness and respect for physical, verbal and emotional boundaries, and practice ways to negotiate touch and intimacy. Learn to say “No” to the things you don’t want and “Yes” to the things you do. A trauma-informed, sex-positive approach helps build internal resources while learning how to elicit outside support. (CAE-Certified Self-Defense Instructor, for individuals, couples or groups)
Playing Safe
Harm Reduction/Playing Safe – Oriented especially for youth, these workshops work to build positive self-image, confidence, cooperation and respect, through teaching tools for boundary-setting, negotiation and conflict resolution. Format can be adapted for any age, whether it involves dealing with peer pressure and bullying among younger ages or safety and prevention for teens. (Offered in after-school programs and youth support groups.)
Sex Positive Self Defense and Somatic Education 