Understanding trauma. Regulating the nervous system. Restoring safety. Building confidence. Empowering lives.

This 8-hour programme adopts a two-pronged approach to equip Empowerment Self Defence (ESD) instructors with the knowledge and practical skills to deliver trauma-informed training safely and effectively.

You will develop an understanding of the science of trauma—exploring how traumatic experiences affect the brain, body, and nervous system—and learn how to translate this knowledge into practical ESD teaching. Through body movement, voice work, grounding techniques, physical exercises, games, and self-defence skills, you will discover how to support survivors in recognising and navigating trauma responses, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation, and gradually expanding their Window of Tolerance.

At the same time, this programme recognises that effective trauma-informed practice begins with the instructor. Holding space for survivors requires emotional awareness, professional boundaries, and personal resilience. Throughout the training, equal emphasis is placed on your own wellbeing, nervous system regulation, self-care, and reflective practice, enabling you to teach with confidence while protecting your own health and preventing burnout.

By integrating trauma science, nervous system awareness, and Empowerment Self Defence, this programme provides a practical framework for creating psychologically and physically safe learning environments where both instructors and participants can develop confidence, resilience, connection, and a renewed sense of personal agency.

Together, we move beyond simply understanding trauma—we create the conditions for safety, empowerment, growth, and lasting recovery.