Schools, Organizations, Events

The schools listed below are affiliated with AWMAI through its members. 

The organizations listed are strongly supportive of AWMAI and its mission and goals.

All events provide a welcoming environment to all attendees.

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“I am So honored to be among such inspirational women warriors.  We all make a difference in the communities and everywhere we go. Our martial arts and talents are not only what we do, but also, who we are.”
-Professor Denise Gonzales

Schools

Germany

Frauen in Bewegung (Women in Movement): Self-defense, Taekwondo, Lapunti Arnis Stickfighing, Tai Chi, "Being in Balance!" Functional Exercise, Yoga, Violence prevention for women and girls. Sunny Graff
Contact/Kontakt: email: info@fraueninbewegung.de; Find us on Facebook

United States

California

Alameda Small Circle Jujitsu is sponsored by Alameda HS Jujitsu Alumni, a non-profit corporation. New students may begin at any time. Promotion and ranking for interested students will be available in either or both Small Circle Jujitsu and Kodenkan (Danzan Ryu) Jujitsu. Alameda Small Circle Jujitsu is sponsored by Alameda HS Jujitsu Alumni, a California non-profit corporation, qualifying as a Federal 501(c)(3) educational organization. Janice Okamoto

Berkeley Cuong Nhu Karate - Rohai Dojo has been serving Berkeley and the San Francisco Bay Area community since 1980, providing traditional martial arts instruction in the Vietnamese art of Cuong Nhu - an eclectic martial art blending techniques and concepts drawn from seven "hard" and "soft" martial art styles. Rohai Dojo Founder, Master John Burns, 9th Degree, and Co-Head Instructor, Master Didi Goodman, 7th Degree, combine their many decades of experience to offer fun, challenging, and effective classes for adults, teens, and children age 4 & up.
Contact: Visit our website at www.rohaidojo.com to learn more about us and what we offer. Then give us a call at 510-526-4880, or email rohaidojo@earthlink.net.

Chico Kodenkan, Martial and Healing Arts is a non-profit, volunteer-run traditional dojo offering Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Nishio Ryu Toho Iaido, Aikido, Capoeira, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chinese herbs. Delina Fuchs
Contact: 530-343-6551 (dojo) or 530-514-7493 (Sensei Delina Fuchs, Dojo Cho)

Emeryville Martial Arts is a woman owned school offering classes for ages 4 through adult. The curriculum blends principles and techniques from a variety of martial arts disciplines combining hard and soft styles for a complete martial art. We are a family-oriented school encouraging self-improvement and personal safety through the practice of Karate, Judo, Aikido, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Vovinam and American Boxing. Master Terri Giamartino is a 7th degree black belt (Sichidan) and is supported by a number of other Sensei. Classes are grouped by age and rank and offered 4 times per week. Terri Giamartino
Contact: Please visit our website at www.emeryvillemartialarts.com or call us directly at 510-428-1979 to schedule a trial class.

Makoto Kai Dojo, offers instruction in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu to adults and children. Danzan Ryu is a traditional Japanese style of jujitsu with influences of judo and a Hawaiian flair. Healing arts are also part of our core curriculum. We are located in Woodland, CA. Head Instructor: Katie Murphy Stevens.

Suigetsu Dojo offers instruction in Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu, Iaido, and Hojojutsu. These martial arts have roots and values are founded in the samurai traditions of Japan. Founded by Dara Masi and Melanie Fine, this school is located in Placerville, CA. Private lessons and small classes, by appointment only.
Contact: hmafinfo@gmail.com; Find us on Facebook

Wasenshi Kan Martial & Healing Arts specializes in the instruction of Danzan Ryu Jujutsu. This traditional martial art focuses on joint locking, throwing, and grappling techniques to teach self-defense, help students learn new physical skills, and bolster self confidence. It was founded by Nerissa Freeman and is located in Roseville, CA. Classes are offered to adults and children ages 7 and up.

Zujitsu-Ryu Martial Arts is a modern, effective blending of fighting styles developed for self-defense and street combat. Head female instructor, Zosia Gorbaty, offers clinics at your school in their unique “Signature Seminars.” They include Zujitsu Concepts and Drills; Fighting Rhythms; Walking Cane; F.E.S.T. (Female Empowerment & Self-defense Training).
Contact: info@zujitsu.net

Connecticut

Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy is a traditional Kung Fu school teaching Choy Lay Fut. Located in Middletown, CT, we have a staff of patient instructors who teach kids through adults, beginners through advanced black belts in a fun, challenging and supportive environment.

Georgia

SWAM Martial Arts Academy: SWAM is a system that contains a combination of various traditional styles within the discipline of Karate, Kick Boxing, Kungfu, and Jujutsu. Grand Master Odette Russell
Contact: odetterussell@gmail.com; (770) 846-1132

Illinois

Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do Chicago: Body-positive, Queer-affirming, trauma-aware karate training for the modern world. Queer & woman owned and led, Jin Sei Ryu Chicago teaches kids as young as 4 and adults (currently!) as old as 64 in a traditional Japanese style of karate. Our goal is to create a space where every "body" of all ages and stages feels safe to experience training in the martial arts.
We are a branch of Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do International, founded by Kancho Ino Maquirang. Kyren Epperson

Culture of Safety, LLC is a small woman and queer-owned business that offers specialized trainings in empowerment-based self-defense, and mindfulness, and meditation, as well as ongoing classes in Jin Sei Ryu Karate-Do. As part of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity, we teach from a body-positive and trans-positive perspective. Whatever your age, whatever your fitness level, we’re here to help you find your strongest, most confident, and most empowered self. Contact: Kyren Epperson 847-790-4226; info@cultureofsafetychi.com

Maine

Prevention. Action. Change. Prevention. Action. Change. helps individuals, groups, and communities gain skills to prevent, interrupt, respond to, and heal from violence. Our work is grounded in empowerment self-defense, an evidence-based approach which builds awareness, verbal and physical skills and tools for healing and growth focused on communities most impacted by violence. Prevention. Action. Change. also offers training in workplace safety, sexual harassment prevention and response, active bystander intervention, and de-escalation.
Contact: Clara Porter, Director, (202) 232-0484; clara@pacmaine.com

Maryland

Pekiti Tirsia Kali DC/MD/VA is a combat blade-fighting system of Filipino Martial Arts that employs all edged and impact weaponry as well as empty-hands combat that integrates seamlessly with the use of modern firearms. This close-quarters combat system is based upon the use of the blade which provides protection from all strikes and attacks, destruction of opponent’s weapons, and domination of any combat or self defense situation. Our training group intends to promote the Pekiti Tirsia Kali System and to unify its practitioners in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and respect. We encourage the advancement of our scientific and cultural awareness by creating an organized and impartial training environment as well as by recognizing each other's talents and skills. We strive to foster organization, integrity, and excellence. Contact: Arlene Pinpin Stevens 443-302-9613; trainpekiti@gmail.com

Massachusetts

Eibara Aikido: At Eibara Aikido we are guided by the central idea taught at the main school of Berkshire Hills Aikido, which forms the core of our style - The Continuous and Returning Center. We seek to cultivate the perception of the Continuous and Returning Center through the practice of the Pillars of Aikido.
We offer a dynamic, fun teaching style that meets students where they are at, offering practical self defense skills that go beyond the physical. The student will have many opportunities to expand the mind as well as the body. Classes are suitable for children and adults from beginners to advanced students. Classes can be tailored for people with different abilities. The site is wheelchair accessible. Kim Rivers
Contact: Kim Rivers Sensei, eibara.aikido@gmail.com, 413-499-8625

Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy of New England: We proudly pass on a legacy of knowledge that has been handed down for thousands of years. We teach Hua Quan Kung Fu (northern long fist) and Yang Style Tai Chi while providing a welcoming, safe, and positive environment which focuses on the development of each individual as they learn and grow at their own pace. Sije Cheyenne Lachapelle
Contact: http://www.newenglandkungfu.com

The Spiral Path provides classes and individual lessons in Chen Style Tai Chi and TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) to facilitate healing all dimensions of the person--body, mind, spirit, emotions, energy. Although the path of healing and wholeness is never ending, I seek to combine my unique combination of skills, talents and abilities to provide a compassionate and supportive approach to balance and deep healing. Johanna Hattendorf
Contact: For more information, visit the website: https://www.thespiralpathway.com

Michigan

Mejishi Martial Arts: located in metropolitan Detroit offers Karate, Filipino Stick Fighting and self-defense classes. Founded in 1979 by Sensei Jaye Spiro, the school has remained a vibrant community center for decades. Students of diverse ages, races, abilities, sexual and gender orientations and lifestyles train together in an atmosphere of respect and safety. Jaye Spiro
Contact: Jay Spiro mejishimartialarts@att.net ph: (248)895-5787

Turn of the Tide Martial Arts: The primary style taught here is Tang Soo Do, a Korean system. At Turn of the Tide Martial Arts we are much deeper than one style, in addition to Tang Soo Do (Karate) we focus on self-dense training. physical fitness, leadership skills, and we offer a full weapon system that students can earn rank in. Our weapon system includes the Nunchaku, Bo-Staff, and Sword. We are a school of primarily youths, but students ages 4 and up are welcome. Lisa Santi
Contact: Instructor Lisa Santi 6th dan at bruceleesa77@gmail.com

The Peaceful Dragon School (Ann Arbor, MI)  teaching T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung, offers self-care practices for your well-being and to reduce stress in your daily life. When you step into the safe, calm and joyful atmosphere of the school, you will feel welcomed. On-going classes, certifications, and private lessons are available. Wasentha Young.
Contact: info@peacefuldragonschool.com; (734) 741-0695

Minnesota

F.E.M.A.-Five Element Martial Arts & Healing Center (Formerly Feminist Eclectic Martial Arts) is a non-profit organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota founded by Head Instructor & Executive Director Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate in 1989.  We offer classes for all genders- ages 4 and up- in  the art of WU CHIEN PAI-an eclectic style which traditionally practices  Gong Fu, Judo, Jujitsu, Taiji, Qigong, Meditation & Healing Arts, as well as Iaido-the Way of the Japanese Sword and the Five Fingers of Self Defense empowerment courses.  Body-Mind-Spirit development is the heart of our trainings, and our community is welcoming and supportive.
Contact FEMA: (612) 729-7233

Nevada

Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy offers a diversity of martial arts, including Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Escrima, and Boxing. Professor Gonzales teaches the Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu and judo classes to both children and adults. Students also have the option of judo competition both regionally and nationally. Denise Gonzales
Contact: judolady5@yahoo.com

New York

Jindo Matial Arts is a martial arts school offering Tae kwon Do classes for ages 3 - adult, BJJ classes for teens and adults and 5 Cage Fitness classes a week. Lisa Susko
Contact: (716) 870-2971

Tennessee

KSA Martial Academy offers a wide assortment of Martial Arts, including Aikido, Filipino Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi. KSA features the ASSERT Empowerment SElf Defense program, offering defensive tactics options for civilians, Law Enforcement and Security Officers, and Military and Special Operations Teams in empty hand, edged weapons, improvised weapons, and firearms training. Female owned and run, KSA is Nashville's premier Martial Arts studio. Lissette C Delgado
Contact: Liz Fitzgerald; phone:(615) 473-1739; email:info@ksamartialacademy.com

Texas

Sun Dragon Martial Arts & Self Defense, NFP is a Seido Karate and Empowerment Self Defense school, which supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment of all. In our safe and affirming learning environment, we train in conflict resolution, self-defense, and nonviolent martial arts. We have the power to end violence in our community, and every person has the right to defend themselves. Laura Hayden, Executive Director
Contact: Laura Hayden; phone:512-416-9735; email:laura@sundragon.org

Washington

Chinese Healing & Movement Arts offers classes and private lessons in qigong (primarily Liangong) and Wu style Taijiquan in Olympia, WA. People usually find improved body awareness, range of motion, balance and fitness as well as pain relief when practicing Liangong. Taiji at CH&MA offers a deep look at traditional movement principles that combines health (qigong) and martial arts.
Debbie Leung is owner and head instructor.
Contact: ChineseArts-Oly@comcast.net; 360-402-4305 (cell, text); Find us on Facebook

Feminist Karate Union  is the Seattle branch of the IKF (International Karate Federation), which is based in Hawaii. FKU is an active, independent, 501(c)3 non-profit karate school taught primarily by women. We welcome women, children, individuals who are discriminated against for their gender identity, and allies of such marginalized communities. Joanne Factor
Contact: Joanna Power; ContactUs@feministkarateunion.org

Seattle Sil Lum welcomes students of all ages, abilities and gender identifications to practice Koos' Style Taiji and Bak Sil Lum Kung Fu in Seattle, WA. Michele Miller
Contact: kungfufish@mac.com;  (206) 940-0216

Seven Star Women's Kung Fu teaches Kajukenbo to individuals who identify as women (age 13+), and non-binary/genderfluid folks comfortable training in an all women environment. We provide self defense training to all populations. Michelle McVadon
Contact: email: info@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com or 206-720-1046

Washington, DC

The DC Self Defense Karate Association teaches traditional Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, IMPACT full-contact self-defense, CDT low-force tactics, Women's Self Defense and Kid Power. Carol Middleton.

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Organizations

Our Sister Organizations:

The National Women's Martial Arts Federation is a community of women who train in martial and healing arts and self-defense. From Aikido to Zujitsu, empty-hand to weapons, self-defense to healing arts, our members span the gamut.
Contact: chair@nwmaf.org

At the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists, we believe that the martial arts have special value for women, whether pursued for self-expression, self-protection, spirituality, or physical health. We are committed to encouraging women and girls to train, and to promoting an atmosphere of respect and support for women martial artists of all styles. Membership is open to everyone who supports the full and active participation of women in the martial arts.
Contact: chair@pawma.org

Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts: AAMA teaches martial arts classes, self defense workshops, and participates in adaptive sports camps for people with special needs in San Diego, CA.
Contact: Amanda Piepgras

The American Judo and Jujitsu Federation is a worldwide organization of martial arts schools dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of the Danzan Ryu system of Jujitsu. The AJJF was founded in 1948 to carry on the teachings of Danzan Ryu founder Henry Okazaki.

The Hakko Densho Ryu Martial Arts Federation (originally the Hakkoryu Martial Arts Federation) furthers the study of Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu and spreads the teachings of this art throughout the world. Dara Masi, Kaiden Shihan San Dai Kichu, is the Head of Hakko Densho Ryu Jujutsu and Director of HMAF. 
Contact: hmafinfo@gmail.com

International Kyokushinkai Union is dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional Japanese style of Kyokushin Karate. Soke Nahid Farzinzad


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Events

Camp Danzan-ryu takes place at Mt. Cross Camp in Ben Lomond, CA. Usually held the end of May. Multiple instructors and styles represented. Children and families welcome. 35 years and still going strong!

NWMAF Special Training - annual martial arts, self-defense, healing arts training camp for women with "Super Saturday" open to all genders age 6 and up. Usually held in July at a college campus.

PAWMA Camp - annual camp for women and girls; usually held in August. Location varies.

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