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
news & events
What's going on in the ESD Community? Get your global industry news here!
Meet the Newly Credentialed ESD Professionals (2023)
Congratulations to all our new ESD Professionals
Crowdfunding 101 for ESD Professionals
6 Key Questions to Ask Before Beginning Your Crowdfunding Journey
“We’re Teaching Kids to Hold onto the Body Autonomy They Already Have.”
5 Age-Appropriate Activities to Try in Your ESD Class
“We Witness Extraordinary Transformation Every Day”
Interview with ESD Professional & Association Board Chair Michele Elefante
Bringing Empowerment Self-Defense to the Philippines
Scaling change with the Department of Education.
Why Boundary Setting is at the Core of my ESD Work
It is critical that we understand the indispensable role of communication in self-defense.
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!