Welcome To ESD Global
ESD Global Membership Resources Now Available!
We are excited to announce our Free Membership and Alumni Programs for ESD Instructors and Alumni.
Our Mission
is to combat the pervasive spectrum of interpersonal violence, through the proven efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and therapeutic benefits of Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) training that empowers individuals to interrupt violence, assert boundaries, and enhance mental and physical responses.
10,000
Over 10,000 people learned ESD
102
Over 102 active instructors this year
42
Spanning at least 42 countries
1100
Over 1100 classes taught this year
Our Alumni reported the following so far in 2024:
Our Vision
We envision a world with widespread access to Empowerment Self Defense training as a lead factor in the reduction of incidents of interpersonal violence. We aim to empower entire communities to establish their right to live full, free lives.
Core Values
Empowerment
We believe in people having power over their own lives and their own spaces, while claiming and exercising their rights.
Self
Through empowerment, we believe that everyone should see their value and occupy their space within a community. Our practices lead to increased self-esteem, self-worth, and self-acknowledgement.
Defense
Everyone has a right to freedom from harm.
Community
We build community and believe in the interconnectedness of all people. To help others is to help the self. The ‘Power of WE’ is based in Ubuntu, “I am because you are.”
Growth Mindset
We build resilience through a love of learning and dedication to continuing excellence. While constant growth aims at great accomplishment, we also act at the risk of failure understanding that failure is another opportunity to learn.
About Us
Who We Are
Empowerment Self Defense for a Safer World
ESD Global is a global collective of Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) instructors, activists, and educators committed to making ESD training accessible worldwide. Founded in response to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, our mission is to scale the reach of ESD by training diverse communities and equipping them with the tools to teach methodologies tailored to their unique needs. Our trauma-informed, empowerment-based approach goes beyond conventional self-defense by addressing all forms of violence—physical, emotional, and psychological. With evidence-backed strategies, ESD Global empowers individuals to interrupt, respond to, and heal from violence while building resilience and confidence.
Evolving for Greater Impact
Like many startups, ESD Global began with an ambitious vision but faced challenges with sustainability. The initial model—bringing instructors and participants from around the world to one central location—was impactful but costly and difficult to sustain long term. After reflecting on our value proposition and operational challenges, we transitioned to a social franchising model to ensure greater scalability, sustainability, and local impact. Social franchising enables us to replicate and expand proven solutions by licensing our knowledge, business model, and branding to third parties, allowing us to scale ESD training faster and more effectively in diverse communities across the globe.
A Social Franchising Model for Change
Our social franchising approach builds on the principles of commercial franchising, adapting them to further our mission of addressing violence and empowering communities. Under this model, ESD Global provides licensed, trademarked, and accredited programs and products to franchisees, ensuring a consistent, high-quality framework across locations. Members benefit from a strong global brand, resource sharing through libraries and apps, and cooperative ownership of the franchise. By fostering a shared commitment to our mission and values, we create a collaborative, interconnected network of instructors and educators equipped to drive transformative change in their communities.
Together, we are creating a safer world, one empowered individual at a time.
Global Connections, Local Impact:
The ESD Community in Action
"ESD has taught me that there is nothing wrong about saying no. ESD has taught me that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you believe, authentic empowerment always comes from within, but sometimes we need the support and encouragement from others to remind us how to connect with that power."
We are a global community.
We are ESD.
We are changing the world.
Our Spirit
A Global Community of Instructors in over 42 Countries
Our Community
Free Membership / Teacher Hub Access
Please become part of our free membership to access a wealth of ESD Global resources, specially curated to support and elevate your journey as an Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) instructor. As a member, you’ll gain entry to the ESD Instructor Handbook, a comprehensive guide for instructors who teach ESD workshops and classes. You also gain access to a wide array of teacher resources, free courses, and additional tools tailored to expand your expertise, enhance your teaching techniques, and offer valuable insights into practical, empowering self-defense education. Join today as part of your safety, personal growth, and professional development. We are here to support you in your process.
ESD Global Alumni Program
The ESD Global Alumni Program is an online community that empowers ESD instructors worldwide with essential tools and resources. Alumni Program Members gain access to the Teacher Hub plus professional research, expert-led webinars, and practical training tips that cover verbal assertiveness, situational awareness, and physical defense techniques. Additionally, the program includes specialized resources in trauma-informed care, ensuring compassionate and practical instruction. Alumni benefit from continuous learning, skill enhancement, and a global network dedicated to reducing violence and fostering community empowerment. Connect, grow, and make an impact with fellow alumni committed to positive change.