The empowerment-based model of self-defense training includes physical self-defense techniques, but also a comprehensive range of tactics including verbal techniques, awareness skills, confidence-building practices, and more.

ESD Global’s mission is to establish empowerment self-defense (ESD) training as a key violence prevention strategy to interrupt, respond to, and heal from interpersonal violence.

The empowerment-based model of self-defense training includes physical self-defense techniques, but also a comprehensive range of tactics including verbal techniques, awareness skills, confidence-building practices, and more.

The term “empowerment self-defense” was first introduced in the United States during the 1970s. Feminist activists defined the empowerment model of self-defense training as the movement that made important gains against gender-based violence, including the creation of the first rape crisis and domestic violence shelter services. However, women worldwide have been creating communities and developing the skills to resist violence long before the empowerment model was developed and named. The movement has spread across the world, and ESD Global is proud to be one organization among many dedicated to making empowerment self-defense accessible globally