The Annual Conference:
Teaching the Teacher
Whether you're new to teaching or a seasoned pro, school owner or part-time assistant, the Teaching the Teacher conference is for you. Our conference presenters are women of high skill and deep experience. Like our membership itself, they represent a wide range of martial arts styles, and hold a common desire to share what they know for the betterment of all. The Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors invites you to take part in this very special opportunity, to:
| Location, Location, Location!The conference is held in the first quarter of each year, at varied locations in the U.S.... but always in a hotel setting with classroom space, workout space, excellent and reasonably-priced accommodations, and warm weather! February 26-28, 2021 Austin, Texas
“It was so fun to get to attend this year. I learned so much and am implementing as we speak. It was great to make more connections and get to know folks more in this intimate environment. |
2020 AWMAI Conference Classes (updated 10.30.19)
Key: LD = Lecture/Discussion; MC = Moving Classroom; WO = Workout; EMWO = Early Morning Workout
- Sensei Deb Cupples: Which of the Seven Dwarfs are in Your Class Today? (LD)
- Master Terri Giamartino: Inexpensive Monthly Events to Retain & Expand Your Student Base (LD)
- Master Didi Goodman: Creativity within Structure: A Method for Teaching Applications (MC); Moderator: Ethics in the Dojo - Navigating Tradition, Avoiding Abuse (Panel)
- Grandmaster Sunny Graff: “Yes, and"-ing Martial Arts & Self Defense (Opening); Choreographing Fight Scenes for a Powerful Demo (WO)
- Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate: Qigong in the Morning (EMWO)
- Shihan Sheila Haddad: Training for Life: Healthy Bodies in Motion (MC)
- Sensei Deb Lee: Question Everything: Exploring Martial Effectiveness & Modifying Techniques (MC); "Congratulations on your black belt, and *poof* you are an instructor. Now what?” (LD)
- Shihan Dara Masi: How to Apply For, Design Your Class and Teach at Multi-Art Seminars (LD); The 10 (or 100) Most Important Things to Know to Produce an Event (LD)
- Sensei Janet Nelson: Self -Care and the “Sensei Psychologist” (MC)
- Jay O’Shea: A Beautiful Paradox in Action: Creating Martial Arts that Foster Confidence,
Cooperation and Community (LD)
- Grandmaster Odette Russell: Clothing Used for Self-Defense (MC)
- Sylvia Smart: Indonesian Breathing-Kumbong (EMWO)
- Sijeh Sarah Sponzo: Start Your Day with a Short Circuit (EMWO)
- Shihan Diane Wallander: Modifying Martial Arts Techniques for Self Defense Seminars (WO)
- Sensei Jamie Zimron: Longevity in Training: Back & Hip Care (EMWO); Enhancing Teaching Through Practical Anatomy, Geometry and Sacred Geometry (WO)
AWMAI actively seeks dynamic presenters for our annual conference. Share your knowledge, skills, experience and vision with a talented group of colleagues! Past topics have included:
- Skill building for instructors
- Creating an instructor training program
- The challenges and joys of teaching children
- Inventive warm-ups for all ages
- Sales and marketing tactics to use (or avoid)
- Taking your student body from 10 to 100 and beyond
- The ins and outs of opening a school
- Applying the principles of motor learning
- Creating dynamic demonstrations
- Social dynamics within the classroom
- Recognizing abilities and differences
Classes may take the form of lecture/discussion, or “moving classroom,” where participants practice while they learn.
Applications for the 2020 conference are closed.
Curious about past sessions? Here is a list of past class titles.
