CLASSES
ESD EDUCATION
Empowerment self-defense (ESD) is a evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to resisting and preventing violence, encompassing a broad spectrum of harm, from everyday harassment to life-threatening situations. It is rooted in empirical evidence about assaults and the most effective responses to stop them. ESD acknowledges that most assaults are perpetrated by acquaintances and intimates and equips individuals with strategies tailored for these situations as well as those involving strangers.
The training includes practical physical tactics adaptable to various body types and self awareness training of best strategies for managing an adrenal stress response to a threat. Additionally, it emphasizes development of a growth mindset, boundary-setting, de-escalation, and verbal self-defense techniques to prevent assaults from escalating to physical danger.
ESD provides a toolbox of strategies to avoid and interrupt violence, empowering students to choose the best options for their specific circumstances. By instilling these skills, ESD empowers individuals, expanding their freedom and agency, allowing them to make informed decisions about their activities, locations, and companions.
Moreover, ESD addresses not only the physical aspects of self-defense but also the social conditions that enable sexual assault and the psychological barriers hindering resistance, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
It’s important to note that while there are various self-defense training methods, ESD stands as the only one supported by research evidence confirming its effectiveness. Consequently, findings from ESD classes cannot be generalized to non-ESD approaches.
Our Mission: Empowering people through personal safety education to lead healthier lives. One move at a time.
POWERUP Moves Core Values
"We practice respect, empowerment, choice, community, and justice"
Let's Start Where You Are
Schools
- Setting boundaries
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Social-emotional learning
- Body language
- VOICE
- De-escalation
- Faculty/Staff Training
University
- Campus setting
- Roommates & boundaries
- Dating red flags
- Social settings
- Power play with faculty
- De-escalation
- Situational awareness
- VOICE
- Bystander intervention
Workplace
- Interview boundaries
- Healthy work culture
- Micro-aggressions
- Working after hours
- Boundaries with bosses
- Colleagues and clients
- Situational awareness
- De-escalation
Neighborhood
- House safety
- Boundaries with family
- Nosy neighbors
- Power of your voice
- Sign of domestic violence
- IPV
- Girl Scouts
*Special topics on safety are offered as well. These can include safe travel, hiking alone, signs of human trafficking, bystander intervention, how to be an ally, and sports teams.
When I am working with a group, we start the journey of developing a custom safety plan.
Bring ESD Education to Your Organization!
The power of people working together to prevent interpersonal violence in their community, be it a school, workplace, or neighborhood, cannot be overstated. Collective efforts and community engagement play a crucial role in creating safer environments and reducing the prevalence of violence.