EVENTS and TRAININGS
JANUARY 2027 I online
THE FIFTH VIRTUAL ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2026 - TBA
OCTOBER 2026 I in-person, Albania
THE THIRD IN-PERSON ADVANCED LEARNING SEMINAR
The third in-person collaboration between ESD Europe and ESD Albania brought together participants from 10 countries across four continents, creating a wonderful mix of experiences, insights and perspectives. The seminar was filled with purpose, fresh ideas, in-depth knowledge and, above all, friendship.
What made this seminar particularly special was the diversity of experience among the instructors, ranging from those with 50 or 30 years of experience to someone who only became an instructor this year. A true celebration of learning, sharing and growing together!
The first day started with meetings of old friend and intruductions to new ones.
Anat Errel facilitated a class discussing What makes a technique an ESD technique.
In the afternoon we had the first class of the 8 hours Trauma Informed teaching course facilitated by U Matter.
The second day opened with Michele Elefante who taught a class about the biomechanics behind ESD physical skills.
We continued with Karla Maria Jimenez Teran who talked about Violence Prevention after Trauma.
In the afternoon we had the second class of the 8 hours Trauma Informed teaching course facilitated by U Matter.
The third day was very special, since we had a lot of guests- first, Alba Agolli and Irena Shtraza from UN Women joined us to discuss two successful ESD projects UN Women Albania and ESD Albania created together: Teaching ESD in schools and teaching ESD to the hospitality industry. After their talk, Alba Agolli and Irena Shtraza listened to the seminar participants' pitching their personal projects and advised them how to improve the pitch.
Our second guest for the day was Bobby Barzi, founder at fodada. Bobby talked about 14 Years of Empowering Women Globally: FODADA’s Self-Defense Initiative, then facilitated a discussion about grant applications and project suggestions.
In the afternoon we had a couple of social hours with games and activities on the beautiful beach.
And lastly, the third class of the 8 hours Trauma Informed teaching course facilitated by U Matter and Jace Cannon Brookes.
Our forth and last day started with presentations of the Best Practice groups. who discusses Research, Partnerships, Funding & Sustainability, Advocacy & Outreach.
Anat Errel facilitated a class about success stories, and discusses coming changes in ESD Europe's leveling system.
Gentiana Susaj facilitated a discussion about Priorities, goals, and the future direction of the ESD Europe network.
In the afternoon we had our last class of the 8 hours Trauma Informed teaching course facilitated by U Matter and Jace Cannon Brookes.
JUNE 2026 I online
Sunny Graff: Lessons I’ve learned: 55 years of Empowerment Self-Defense
Sunny talkED about the herstory of the ESD movement in the USA, the founding of the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, certification of self-defense teachers and the need for professional ESD organizations lead by feminists.
Tasha Ina Church: From Mat to Monitor: Building a Sustainable Online Empowerment Self-Defense Business (Without Losing the Heart of the Work)
Tasha Ina Church shared a behind-the-scenes look at translating in-person Empowerment Self-Defense into a sustainable and impactful online offering - without compromising its integrity. Designing online programs, creating psychological safety in virtual environments, structuring offerings for engagement and retention, and maintaining depth in a digital format.
Danilo Malafaia: Beyond the Dojo: How Martial Arts Organizations Contribute to Safer and More Resilient Communities.
This session explored how martial arts organizations are contributing to violence prevention and social development through community-based practice. Examples from different regions where martial arts programs are addressing challenges such as inequality, limited access to education, and exposure to violence. How these initiatives connect to broader global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a shared language to understand and strengthen their impact.
Anniek Wieferink: How to help the helpers: teaching ESD to ambulance crews.
This session explored the development of Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) training tailored specifically for ambulance personnel. Working in high-adrenaline environments, ambulance staff frequently encounter complex and unpredictable situations that require a specialized approach to safety and de-escalation.
Daniela Draghici: ESD for Bolt Ridesharing Lady Drivers.
The presentation examined an ESD activity designated for 18 women drivers working with Bolt Romania, alongside clients and professionals from media and mental health field. It showed how the partnership with Bolt’s PR team was initiated, highlighting shared values around safety, risk awareness, and conflict management. It will also show how corporate safety tools and ESD principles can complement one another.
Linda Stucbartova: Staying Safe While Supporting Others: Empowerment Self-Defense for Social Workers
Case of ESD Czechia - adapting ESD work for social care workers and civil servants.
Working with people often means staying present in situations that are unpredictable, emotionally demanding, and sometimes unsafe. Unlike many other professions, social workers and helping professionals often cannot simply walk away — they are expected to remain engaged, supportive, and professional, even under pressure.
THE FORTH VIRTUAL ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2026
Recordings from the complete 2025 webinar series are available for a nominal fee of €30, giving you access to recordings from all three webinars.
The recordings page is password-protected, and you will receive the password as soon as your payment has been processed.
By purchasing the recordings, you are doing more than gaining access to valuable learning - you are helping ESD Europe continue its work of training, mentoring, and supporting Empowerment Self-Defence instructors across Europe. Thank you for being part of this growing community and for helping us make high-quality ESD training more accessible.
DECEMBER 2025 I online
THE THIRD ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2025
You can access the recordings for this webinar here. Please note that the sessions marked in red are not available.
Jess Gordon I Canada - England - Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into Empowerment Self-Defense
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) provides a framework to teach the internal and interpersonal dimensions of ESD, helping instructors support the whole person - mind, body, and emotions. This session explored how integrating SEL with ESD can deepen participant engagement and long-term impact.
Lauren R. Taylor I USA - Creating a Trauma-Competent Classroom
We learned:
We learned:
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How trauma affects the mind and body, and how it shows up in the classroom
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How we as teachers can create a safer classroom that facilitates learning
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What you can do to help students – and yourself – stay present and grounded
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How to spot when student behavior is coming from a traumatic experience, and what you can do to help students who are upset or triggered.
Lulú Romero I USA - Empowerment Self-Defense You The World & Others. “Por que calladita no me veo mas bonita"
This session focused on a trauma-informed model designed for individuals who have experienced attacks or other forms of aggression, with particular attention to gender-based violence and the Latino community.
Sarah McArthur I USA/Albania - Intentional Leadership - The Future of Leadership
In this session we explored leadership models, how leadership is changing, and how to become a more intentional as influence others
Rachel Piazza I USA - The less I teach, the more they learn: Why teaching fewer skills can equate to greater impact
The evolution of Rachel's teaching approach, the merits and pitfalls of prioritizing concepts and facilitation over precise skills-building and offered advice for anyone who wishes to incorporate this approach into their work.
Gabriela Rojas I Bolivia - Where Is the Money? Mapping the New Ecosystem of Feminist Philanthropy
This session explored where the money truly is, and how feminist funds are redistributing power by resourcing grassroots actors with flexible, trust-based and community-led approaches.
OCTOBER 2025 I in-person, Albania
THE SECOND IN-PERSON ADVANCED LEARNING ESD SEMINAR 2025
The second in-person collaboration of ESD Albania, ESD Europe, and the International Association of ESD Professionals.
With participants from 13 different countries, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives. The seminar was filled with emotions, learning, and meaningful exchanges.
The first day began with a welcoming session to great old friends and meet new ones. On the first session Anat Errel facilitated a workshop on How to tailor ESD Programs for Specific Target Groups.
In our seconds session we learned about teaching Men and Boys with James Cat Fitzgerald.
After lunch, Sarah McArthur gave a talk about Define your brand and live it.
We ended our day with Michele Elefante who guided us through ESD with an emphasis on trauma-informed teaching practices.
We began our second day with Lissette presenting The Strong Side Project, a global opportunity to empower and connect.
Then, Anat Errel guided us through using techniques in dynamic situations, followed by Krista Hanley, who shared valuable insights on adaptive ESD for people with disabilities.
Later, Lisette led a session on building successful ESD scenarios, followed by Gentiana Susan with her inspiring workshop on organising and teaching Level 1.
We closed the day with Krista Hanley once again, leading the credentialing exams, an exciting milestone for many participants!
The third day started with an invigorating session about role-plays with Bianka Urbanovska. Who got us all laughing and training our embarrassment muscle.
We had a hands-on session that introduced us to new techniques and tools that we can bring back to our communities.
Then we had a Sell & Tell - an opportunity for instructors to tell us about their unique and programs or ideas.
The last day opened with Ingrid Torres Peres who told us about Adapting ESD for Rural Communities.
The 2nd In-Person Advanced Learning ESD Seminar was a success thanks to the support, energy, and collaboration of many partners who stood by us to make it happen. Your contributions helped create a meaningful and empowering experience for instructors and participants from around the world
AUGUST 2025 I online
THE SECOND ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR
The second virtual seminar was scheduled to suit the Asia-Pacific time zone and featured seven expert speakers from seven different countries, each bringing a unique perspective and area of expertise. This time, we also opened the floor to two instructors who have been teaching for several years to share their perspectives. The seminar covered a wide range of engaging ESD-related topics.
You can access the recordings for this webinar here. Please note that the sessions marked in red are not available.
Antonella Spatola I Australia - The Shift in the Collective Consciousness: True To You’s ESD Revolution for Asia Pacific
Antonela explored how True To You Charity is transforming education around primary violence prevention through innovative train-the-trainer workshops using the dynamic framework of Spiral Dynamics, Enneagram, personal development, an the Principles of ESD to empower trainers and communities alike.
Bell Murphy I Aotearoa, New Zealand - Trauma-Informed teaching practices in Aotearoa
Bell explored five key aspects of trauma sensitivity in ESD classes, based on our research and experience teaching ESD in Aotearoa (New Zealand): content forecasting, discussing the impacts of trauma, modelling/establishing consent, grounding exercises and providing emotional support. We also discuss how trauma sensitivity can be achieved and enhanced through a Kaupapa Māori approach to ESD (one based on indigenous values, principles and world views).
JB Ramos & Poy de Lara I Canada/Philippines - Integrated Strength: Balancing the Whole Self Through the Salutogenic Model
This session invited participants into a deep and practical exploration of the Salutogenic Model—a science-based, strength-focused approach to health and wellness. The facilitators guided attendees through a trauma-informed understanding of how to cultivate balance across mind, body, and spirit by identifying what supports well-being rather than what causes disease.
Krista Hanley & Kayla Berry I USA - Teaching ESD to People with Disabilities and Limited Mobility
ESD workshops typically have a lot of physical movement. But what do you do when one or more people are unable to do the activities, drills, or strikes as demonstrated? The facilitators discusses how they create inclusive activities, provide accessible options in every class, and problem solve with participants to ensure they are providing them with tools they feel safe and comfortable using.
Nguyen Phuong Vy I Vietnam - From Safety to Strength: Applying ESD Across Communities at Risk
Vy shared how she applies Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) in her work as a social worker. She shared experiences of adapting ESD methods for different vulnerable groups, including university students, social activists, factory workers, women conservationists, and survivors of gender-based violence. What makes this work special is how she continuously modify the ESD approach to suit the emotional, cultural, and social needs of each group.
Pam Valdez I Brazil - ESD Without Borders: Scaling Your Self-Defense Business Through Digital Automation
This lecture helps ESD professionals transition from in-person classes to sustainable digital revenue streams. Learn to create recurring income through online courses, automated systems, and scalable digital products while maintaining your empowerment mission. Perfect for instructors seeking financial stability beyond traditional face-to-face teaching limitations.
Petra Carman I Slovenia/Thailand - Teaching ESD Across Divides: Lessons from Mixed-Gender Groups
Petra shared reflections from teaching Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) in diverse cultural contexts across Asia. While she has experience facilitating groups that vary widely in age, background, and ability, this talk focused specifically on the dynamics of gender diversity. Drawing on work with mixed-gender groups aged 18 to 70, she explored how ESD can open up space for systemic reflection—on gender roles, the impact of patriarchy on all genders, and the importance of listening across divides
MAY 2025 I online
THE FIRST ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR
The second virtual seminar was scheduled to suit the Asia-Pacific time zone and featured seven expert speakers from seven different countries, each bringing a unique perspective and area of expertise. This time, we also opened the floor to two instructors who have been teaching for several years to share their perspectives. The seminar covered a wide range of engaging ESD-related topics.
You can access the recordings for this webinar here. Please note that the sessions marked in red are not available.
Gentiana Susaj -Networking and Expanding ESD into Different Sectors
Gentiana shared insights and experiences on how networking has played a key role in expanding Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) into different sectors — from schools to workplaces and beyond.
Clara Porter - Active Bystander Intervention
Clara invited us to gain tools to safely and effectively intervene when you witness an individual or group targeted for harassment or other harm. Learn to manage your adrenaline, assess situations, and understand and use the 5 D's of bystander intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document in a wide range of real situations.
Michal Eliraz and Esti Lifschitz - Empowering responses
Michal and Esti showed us how to use empowering responses with children, so they will want to tell us important things, and how to use them in class, to help participants to see their story as a success story
James Cat Fitzgerald - Facilitating ESD to Men, Boys, Male identifying attendees – an interactive session
Unique* Obstacles; Techniques, Strategies and Approaches; Concepts; Concepts &/vs Technique balance - adaptation; Constraints; Q & A
Brieanne Beaujolais - Measuring Impact: Program Evaluation for Empowerment Self-Defence
This workshop introduced practical tools for evaluating your programs and tracking participant growth. Explored evaluation methods rooted in ESD principles—centered on empowerment, equity, and survivor-defined outcomes. Designed for violence prevention and self-defense instructors, this session and Offered accessible strategies to make evaluation feel less intimidating and more meaningful, whether you're writing grants, improving curriculum, or just curious about what’s working..
Amellia Chifodya - Overview of the NMNW approach to teaching ESD-based sexual violence prevention program and partnership model to bring it to global scale.
Amellia Chifodya, Global Trainer at No Means No Worldwide, shared how the organization partnered with over 100 organizations across 10 countries to bring the No Means No program to young people. She explored the program’s core components, their approach to maintaining quality at scale, and the powerful impact of building a connected partner network.
OCTOBER 2024 I in person, Albania
THE FIRST ADVANCED LEARNING SEMINAR
ESD Europe’s October Events in Albania Unite Participants Across Three Continents From October 4th to 8th, ESD Albania, representing ESD Europe, hosted a transformative Training of Trainers and Advanced Learning Seminar, uniting participants from Europe, North America, and Asia. Over 20 countries were represented, with 27 attendees coming together to deepen their expertise in Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD). Across four intensive days, participants engaged in the principles of ESD and I MPACTPersonal Safety, learning powerful tools to address the full spectrum of violence. Led by regional mentors and global experts, the training blended theory, pedagogy, and practical application, featuring adrenalized drills, role-play, and rich discussions on real-world impacts. "In our journey as the Empowerment Self-Defense network, we realize that true strength lies not only in individual skills but in our collective support for one another. Together, we rise, transforming shared experiences into a powerful force for change," shared Gentiana Susaj, Head of ESD Europe. The seminar concluded with high praise from participants, who felt the experience fully met—and even exceeded—their expectations. Many expressed how the seminar provided essential tools and invaluable networking opportunities, enabling them to bring these skills back to their own communities. Anat Errel, Mentor Coordinator for ESD Europe, noted, “The seminar was created in response to calls from the field for further training, skill refinement, and opportunities for networking.” Key speakers in our Advanced learning seminar included Lisette Delgado-Fitzgeraldand Michele Elefante from the International Association of ESD Professionals (IAESDP), Linda Štucbartová and Lada Jirkalová, from Czechia, presenting tools and case studies on how to build a social enterprise. Kim Rivers from the US, facilitated an extended session on Role Plays for ESD instructors. The training culminated in an empowering board-breaking session, symbolizing the resilience and readiness of our newly certified ESD instructors. These instructors are now equipped to make a profound impact in their communities, contributing to safer, more inclusive spaces worldwide.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of these powerful, transformative moments.