The Annual Conference:

Teaching the Teacher

Teaching the Teacher 2024

April 12-14, 2024

Columbus, Ohio


Register for the Conference today!

Attending with a group? 

Register 4 participants and the 5th is free!

Whether you're new to teaching or a seasoned pro, school owner or part-time assistant, the Teaching the Teacher conference is for you. Our conference presenters are women of high skill and deep experience. Like our membership itself, they represent a wide range of martial arts styles, and hold a common desire to share what they know for the betterment of all.

The Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors invites you to take part in this very special opportunity, to:

  • Network with other women who love and teach martial arts.
  • Learn from successful instructors and school owners with decades of experience.
  • Improve your best practices for sustaining your school and adding value for your students.
  • Share your expertise, and support other women in the martial arts and self-defense communities.
  • Relax and be the student instead of the teacher!
  • Applaud your colleagues receiving Rank Promotion or Recognition, or entering the Hall of Fame.


“It was so fun to get to attend this year. I learned so much and am implementing as we speak. It was great to make more connections and get to know folks more in this intimate environment.
Even if I can’t make it, I am going to make sure to send student teachers every year!"
-Sifu Michele Miller

Location, Location, Location!

The conference is held in the first quarter of each year, at varied locations in the U.S.... but normally in a hotel setting with classroom space, workout space, excellent and reasonably priced accommodations, and warm weather!

In 2024 we visit Columbus, OH. Join us at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel!Renaissance Columbus

April 12-14, 2024
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
50 N 3rd St, Columbus, OH

Make your room reservation today!

Conference Thumbnail Schedule

Thursday, April 11

5:00 - 6:30 pm Pre-conference Check-in and Welcome Reception

Friday April 12

9:00 am Teacher Introductions and Conference Begins!

Saturday April 13

Classes All Day, Demos, Awards and Banquet

Saturday April 14

Conference Ends at Noon

Register for the conference today!

2024 Presenters

Join us to learn from this elite group of instructors!

Read instructor bios, class descriptions and more in our latest newsletter

Shinshii Janet Aalfs - Connecting Martial Arts Systems (MWO)

Grandmaster Laura Armstrong - Masterful Communication (LD)

Shihan Darlene DeFour - Yes, That Was A Microaggression, Now What? (LD)
                                              - They've Fallen! How To Keep Them From Getting Up! (MC)
Master MyTien Duong - Skills Swap (MC)
Soke Nahid Farzinzad - Kyokushin (MWO)
Grandmaster Sunny Graff - Start Off Right with "Move And Smile!" (Opening Session)
                                                  -  Flowing Footwork In Stickfighting (MWO)
Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate - Black Belt Principles For Kids (MC)
                                                - Liangong (EMW)
Instrutora Schelsea Jones - Introduction to Capoeira (MWO)
Shihan Nancy Lanoue - Challenges And Opportunities Before, During And After Major Leadership Changes (LD)
                                           -  (co-teaching) For-Profit Vs Non-Profit School–Building, Sustaining, And The Pros And Cons (LD)
Clara Porter - Creating A Trauma-Competent Classroom (MC)
Dr. Cheryl Rock - A Sensory Journey To Health And Wellness As A Martial Art (LD)
Sensei Jaye Spiro - Filipino Flow Drills And Creations (MWO)
Sensei Nicole Welsh - When YOU Are Having Fun, They Are Having Fun! (LD)
Helen Yee - Chi Gong Where The Mind Goes The Chi Flows (MC)
Master Wasentha Young - Invoking Imagery Into Your Teaching Of Movement (MC)

                                               - (co-teaching) For-Profit Vs Non-Profit School–Building, Sustaining, And The Pros And Cons (LD)

[ MWO: Master Work Out; MC: Moving Classroom; LD: Learning/Discussion]

Teaching the Teacher: Be a Presenter

AnaAWMAI actively seeks dynamic presenters for our annual conference. Share your knowledge, skills, experience and vision with a talented group of colleagues! Past topics have included:
  • Skill building for instructors
  • Creating an instructor training program
  • The challenges and joys of teaching children
  • Inventive warm-ups for all ages
  • Sales and marketing tactics to use (or avoid)
  • Taking your student body from 10 to 100 and beyond
  • The ins and outs of opening a school
  • Applying the principles of motor learning
  • Creating dynamic demonstrations
  • Social dynamics within the classroom
  • Recognizing abilities and differences

Classes may take the form of lecture/discussion, or “moving classroom,” where participants practice while they learn.

The application period for 2024 Teaching the Teacher has closed.

Curious about past sessions? Download a Sample List by Category or a Complete List.

AWMAI

The Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors is a non-profit organization. ©2020 All rights reserved.
Mail: AWMAI, PO Box 4309, Davis CA 95617
Email: admin@awmai.org
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software