The AWMAI Annual Conference:

Teaching the Teacher

Teaching the Teacher 2027

April 9-11, 2027

Crowne Plaza at Playhouse Square
Cleveland, Ohio

REGISTER NOW!

Apply for a Scholarship
Apply to Teach
Be recognized in the Hall of Fame
Become a Sponsor

Whether you're new to teaching or a seasoned pro, school owner or part-time assistant, the Teaching the Teacher conference is the premier professional development opportunity in our field. 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 and support of all.

The Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors invites you to take part in this very special opportunity, to:

  • Network with other women who love and teach martial arts.
  • Learn from successful instructors and school owners with decades of experience.
  • Improve your best practices for sustaining your school and adding value for your students.
  • Share your expertise, and support other women in the martial arts and self-defense communities.
  • Relax and be the student instead of the teacher!
  • Applaud your colleagues receiving Rank Promotion or Recognition, or entering the Hall of Fame.


Register for the conference TODAY!


The Early Bird rate is available thru

January 31, 2027

“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.
Even if I can’t make it, I am going to make sure to send student teachers every year!"
-Sifu Michele Miller

Location, Location, Location!

The conference is held each year at varied locations in the U.S. We seek out hotel settings with great classroom and workout space, excellent and reasonably priced accommodations, and vibrant local activities!

In 2027 we visit Cleveland, Ohio!

Enjoy a walkable downtown, unforgettable sites like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and beautiful Lake Erie, and outstanding infrastructure along with an amazing martial arts conference!

April 9-11, 2027
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square
1260 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio

Link here to reserve your room at the group rate

Reserve your room by March 12, 2027 to receive the group rate

Conference Thumbnail Schedule

Thursday April 8

5:00 - 6:30 pm Networking Reception

Friday April 9

9:00 am Teacher Introductions and Conference Begins! Classes All Day, Dinner on your Own

Saturday April 10

Classes All Day, Demos, Awards and Banquet

Sunday April 11

Classes All Morning, Conference Ends at Noon

Start and end times are approximate

Teaching the Teacher: Be a Presenter

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
    • Recruiting and retaining students
    • 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.

Submit your application by November 1, 2026. Selected teachers will be notified by November 20, 2026.

Curious about past sessions? Download a Sample List by Category or a Complete List.

AWMAI

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Email: admin@awmai.org

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