ESD Compatibility Quiz

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Take Our ESD Compatibility Quiz

And find out how you align with Empowerment Self Defense methods.

Do you teach self-defense but you’re not sure if what you teach is Empowerment Self Defense (ESD)? Are you in an aligned industry (such as martial arts, education, mental health, social services, violence prevention, and similar), but you’re not sure if you’re using ESD techniques? Did you develop a program on your own that seems like ESD, but you don’t know for sure?

Take our engaging quiz to explore how compatible your teaching style and programs are to ESD methodology. Your results will include customized resources and suggestions from the Association to further your ESD profession.

If you’re already an ESD Professional, take our quiz to find out the ways the Association can help you on your journey!

Name *

First

Last

Email *

What do you do? Or what are you in-training to do?

I am a martial arts or boxing instructor or similar
I teach self-defense such as krav maga or RAD, and/or I teach self-defense for law enforcement, military, security personnel, government entities, or similar.
I am an Empowerment Self Defense instructor with training from one of the following: Impact, ESD Global, NWMAF, Assert, ESD Europe, ESD Canada, Wisdom for Women, No Means No Worldwide, or a similar program.
I teach violence prevention classes without physical self-defense elements, such as boundary setting, workplace violence prevention, emergency preparedness, bystander intervention, healthy relationships, anti-harassment, DEI, etc.
I’m in social work, mental health, education, victim’s services, or similar.
None of these describe what I do.

Where did you get your primary training? If you are currently in an education program, who is training you?

My training is through a martial arts school or from a martial artist.
My training is in a self-defense system such as RAD, krav maga, law enforcement, military, security, or similar.
My training is from an empowerment self defense organization or individual such as: Impact, ESD Global, NWMAF, Assert, ESD Europe, Wisdom for Women, No Means No Worldwide or a similar program. Please note: if you have never heard of any of these programs, please don’t select this option.
I have training in mental health, social services, education, victim services, violence prevention, workplace safety, human resources, or a similar field, but I have no physical self-defense skills training.
I made up my methodology for teaching self-defense and violence prevention. I don’t have formal training aligned with any of the above.
None of the above apply to me.

I help people to prevent, resist, and recover from a variety of real-life violent experiences that range from harassment to assault. I take into account their cultural and social realities and aim to expand choice rather than limit their interactions.

How relevant do all aspects of the above statement feel to the work you’re doing?

Very Relevant
Somewhat Relevant
Not Really Relevant
Not At All Relevant

What best describes the vibe you want to create in your programs?

I want to create a safe and supportive place for everyone, including those who may have been through bad experiences.
I want to create an entertaining environment where people primarily have fun, meet other people, and get moving.
I want to create an elite experience where people can gain the discipline and experience to perfect their fighting skills.
I want to create a serious and educational atmosphere where people learn what they should do to stay safe and how to prevent becoming a victim.
I want to create a therapeutic setting where I help people process their trauma and feel more capable and confident.

3 etc.) the

What does your typical class look like? Or what would you like your class to look like?

Martial Arts Class
Partner Drilling
Air Drilling
Lecture Format
Practicing Forms / Kata
Fun Activities

How would you describe your self-defense class in an advertisement?

“Learn the essential and effective self-defense techniques to help you stay alive in any bad situation.”
“Learn how to avoid danger, respond to hostile situations, and avoid looking like a victim through our real-world simulated attacks.”
“Learn physical response tactics from our expert instructors to increase your chances of survival and feel empowered.”
“Learn verbal skills, physical self-defense strikes, and emotional skills in a trauma-informed environment to help build confidence and expand choice.”
“Learn to proficiently and powerfully defend yourself against the common ways criminal predators conduct attacks.”

What are the 3 most important teaching methods you use in your classes?

Practicing physical self-defense strikes and releases with the instructor
Sparring or partner training to practice skills
Repeating forms, kata, or physical sequences
Practicing verbal skills such as boundary setting and de-escalation
Role plays or activities that build confidence in the skills
Fun and active group activities and games that create team cohesion
Teaching and practicing grounding, self-regulation, and self-awareness
Group discussions about best practices
Lecture format teaching to get across important information

A participant in your program discloses they have trauma, you feel:

Prepared, you are trained to handle whatever comes up
Anxious and freaked out, you don’t know what to do
Not worried, your program will help them no matter what
Disappointed, your program isn’t for people with trauma
Questioning, you don’t understand why people disclose trauma to strangers

When teaching physical self-defense skills, what is your ideal or most used method for practice?

Air drill
Games or activities
Mitt drills with instructors
Students spar and drill techniques with one another
Padded instructors (trained instructors wearing some sort of armor that protects the instructor and student)
I don’t teach physical self-defense skills, but I want to!
Physical self-defense skills are not important in my work

How important are the following skills in your program?

Physical Skills (such as strikes and escapes from grabs)

Verbal Skills (such as boundary setting and de-escalation)

Interpersonal / Relationship Skills (such as consent and conflict resolution)

Mental / Emotional Skills (such as assertiveness, resilience, and confidence)

Other Content (therapeutic practices, emergency response protocols, etc.)

What is the top thing that would further your career?

I’d like to know more about ESD and if it will complement what I’m already doing.
I am really interested in ESD, but I need training and/or certification in ESD-specific teaching methods (physical, verbal, trauma-informed practices).
I’m an ESD instructor and feel alone in my ESD work. I would like access to community and resources that would help me.
I have been trained to be an ESD instructor or feel my work is very similar. I need credentials to help further my work.
I’m not sure / none of the above

What do you know about the International Association of ESD Professionals (IAESDP)? We’re curious!

I don’t know anything about the IAESDP. I stumbled onto this site and got curious.
I have heard of the IAESDP, but can’t remember what you do. Aren’t there other organizations doing similar work?
I have been following the work of the IAESDP, but I don’t know if it’s right for me or has resources I can use.
I know the IAESDP and am ready to become a member or get credentialed.
I’m a member and credentialed. I’m ready for more opportunities!

International Association for ESD Professionals

About the IAESDP

Organisation Reports

For Members

For ESD Professionals

Credentialing

Accreditation

Industry Practice Standards

Take Our ESD Compatibility Quiz

I help people to prevent, resist, and recover from a variety of real-life violent experiences that range from harassment to assault. I take into account their cultural and social realities and aim to expand choice rather than limit their interactions.

How important are the following skills in your program?