Are You an ESD Professional?
Every activity we do aims to benefit Members, the ESD Industry, and our generous Partners and Sponsors.
for Members
Joining the International Association of ESD Professionals provides you access to Members-only services, reduced prices on all Association offerings, access to industry-specific liability insurance, and shows your clients that you are a valued member of the ESD Community.
for ESD Pros
The International Association of ESD Professionals provides services for the entire Empowerment Self Defense Community, related industries, and stakeholders. This section highlights services available through the organization, independent of membership status.
for Partners
Partnering with the International Association of ESD Professionals gives companies access to a global audience of Empowerment Self Defense Instructors and their students. Are you interested in working with us or helping to sponsor some of our programs? Then this is your first stop.
Supporting You as You Empower the World
Our vision: To establish Empowerment Self Defense as a key tool in the international work of Violence Prevention.
What is Empowerment Self Defense?
About the IAESDP
the Mission
Our mission is to engender trust and public safety in and within the broader Self Defense Industry through standards-setting in Self Defense practice. We accomplish this by providing support services to the ESD Community—including credentialing and continuing education, public awareness campaigns focusing on the benefits of Empowerment Self Defense Practice, and increased global reach through official agency funding.
the Association
The International Association of ESD Professionals is a professional association created to elevate the Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) Industry, expand the reach of ESD, engage the community, and support ESD instructors, instructor-trainers, researchers, writers, advocates, and other violence-prevention professionals who adhere to the principles of ESD. Wherever you live in the world in the world, join us as we work together toward shared violence-prevention goals.
International Support for the ESD Professional
Our service portfolio has been thoughtfully curated to help Empowerment Self Defense providers build successful careers, businesses, and nonprofits around the world by providing business support, low-cost services, industry specific continuing education, and a robust Credentialing Program.
Credentialing
Continuing Education
Mentoring & Networking
Web Hosting
Business Tools
Industry-specific Liability Insurance
International ESD Pro Directory
Online Conference & Networking Events
Are You Ready to Make an Impact In Your Community?
Then becoming a Credentialed ESD Professional is your next step.
Watch this video to learn more.
Ready to start your ESD Training?
Find an ESD Training Program near you.
Ready to get Certified?
Check our list of Accredited Certifying Programs.
Ready to become Credentialed?
Register for the next Credentialing Exam Cycle!
news & events
What's going on in the ESD Community? Get your global industry news here!
The Strong Side: A Bold New Step in Violence Prevention in Football from the International Association of ESD Professionals
Notes on the Journey: Breaking the Board
From Celebration to Tragedy — What the Paris Violence Teaches Us About Prevention
Announcement: Groundbreaking Research Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University
Post-Yates: 3 Fan-Safety Moves MLS Clubs Still Haven’t Made
Confronting Structural Violence: The Gérard Depardieu Case and the Imperative for Systemic Change
Notes on the Journey: Sometimes Violence is the Answer
A Commitment to Ethical Practice and Collaboration in Empowerment Self Defense
Notes on the Journey: Self Defense as Self Sovereignity
ESD Anthology – Spectrum of Safety: I Challenge You to a Duel
Events, Training, Credentialing Schedule, and more!
More events coming soon!
We're Changing the World.
ESD Professionals are changing the way that Self Defense, Combat Sports, and training and education programs are taught. By implementing Empowerment Self Defense methodologies, we can
Join the IAESDP now and help us to shape this industry for the future!