Who Is AWSDA?

The Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement (AWSDA) began with the realization that the needs of women in terms of self-defense were not being met. Founded in 1990, AWSDA is a grass-roots, non-profit, tax exempt (501-C-3), educational organization dedicated to furthering women's awareness of self-defense and rape prevention. AWSDA is an international organization, which is run through an executive board with headquarters located in Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York.

Accompanying the nine board members are regional representatives, committee members and office personnel scattered throughout the entire world. The regional representatives promote the growth of AWSDA and also encourage active participation of the members in their area. Committee members are involved in different tasks, which also help achieve the goals of AWSDA. The office personnel keep headquarters running smoothly by processing members, answering phone calls, keeping the referral network up to date, etc. All board members, regional representatives, committee members and office personnel are strictly volunteers and any money AWSDA earns goes directly towards benefiting the members.

What does AWSDA do?

AWSDA promotes greater awareness about women's self-defense and rape prevention through its quarterly newsletter and conferences. AWSDA members are encouraged to explore new teaching techniques and concepts, and share strategies for promoting women's self-defense in their communities through the newsletter and at the annual training seminar. AWSDA is also in the process of developing a communications network to spread information about organizations that assist women in handling assault, such as rape crisis centers, victim assistance programs, and neighborhood watch programs

How is AWSDA supported?

AWSDA is funded solely by membership, corporate sponsorships and donations. AWSDA's Executive Board and staff are dedicated volunteers.

Who can belong to AWSDA?

AWSDA welcomes anyone who supports the growth and improvement of women's self-defense. Self-defense instructors, law enforcement professionals, rape crisis counselors and other workers in victim services agencies find AWSDA a source of information and networking. All male applicants are required to submit a brief resume plus a letter of Intent explaining reasons for applying for AWSDA membership.

Is AWSDA a martial arts organization?

AWSDA does not promote any specific self-defense tool or style, rather we encourage training in various self-defense options ranging from empty handed self-defense skills to training in the use of lethal weapons. AWSDA's long-term goal is to "put ourselves out of business!" In other words, we seek to make this planet a safer place in which women's self-defense is no longer needed.