Workshop & Registrations
Empowerment Self-Defense Training
Level I Workshop:
Essentials of Empowerment Self-Defense
(2.5 Hours)
This beginner workshop utilizes both large and small group instruction. By adhering to a 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio, The Safety Team’s trauma-informed trainings focus on boundary setting, affirmative consent, and relevant sexual assault information, as well as the mental and physical skills of Empowerment Self-Defense. The overarching goal of these large-group sessions is to help women discover their collective voice, address victim-blaming by redirecting the responsibility for all assaults on to the perpetrators, improve women’s sense of power and control, and, as a result, reduce the likelihood of sexual assault and violence. All Fitness Levels Welcome!
Level II Workshop:
Review & Defenses Against Common Threats (2 Hours)
This workshop takes Level I another step further, allowing for a brief review of knowledge, practice of acquired strikes, and instruction of additional basic self-defense techniques that deal with a variety of common situations and potential attacks. The focus is on “hands-on” verbal and physical self-defense skills, techniques and strategies, which are presented to the group as a whole, but practiced in small groups of no more than four participants for each instructor. This format facilitates the learning of physical skills and allows for women to connect with one another. Throughout this class, important concepts are reinforced (affirmative consent, boundary setting, each person’s right to be safe). Level I is a prerequisite for Level II.
All Fitness Levels Welcome!
Current Workshops
Available for Registration
*Although hoping to expand in the future, we currently only offer workshops for women, ages 14 and up. We offer scholarship to any community members facing social inequities, space permitting. Email Genie@thesafetyteam.org for more information.
Level 1 Class - Thursday - Enosburg
Sign up here : https://enosburghvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29927
From 5:30pm until 8pm
Emergency Services Building * 83 Sampsonville Road Enosburg Falls, VT 05450
Level 2 Class: Review of Level 1 & Defense Against Common Threats Thursday - Williston
Sign up here: https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30425
From 6pm until 8:15pm
Steps to register: 1. Go to the registration page (link above) 2. Log in to your existing account, or create a new one if you are new 3. Add the program to your cart 4. Complete checkout and submit payment 5. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email and your registration is complete Please note: Carts time out if left inactive — your spot is not reserved until payment is submitted. For assistance, email Recreation@willistonvt.org.
Level 1 Class - Saturday - St. Johnsbury Community HUB
From 10am until 12:30pm
This workshop is sponsored by Northeast Prevention Coalition and held at the St. Johnsbury Community HUB located at 105 Eastern Ave, Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT.
New Year, Better Boundaries - A virtual series
A structured 5-session virtual boundary group on the core principles and exercises in Nedra Glover Tawwab’s Set Boundaries, Find Peace, and The Set Boundaries Workbook. We’ll move from understanding the concept to practical application in specific areas of life.
From 5:30pm until 6:30pm
Virtual - Date: Tuesday, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2 at 5:30 pm-6:30pm
Private Workshops
Level 1 - Private Workshop - Burlington High School
Burligton High School - supported by the Vermont Women's Fund
Future Workshops & Newsletter
Not able to make a workshop? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER to learn about our upcoming workshops and certification trainings. Thank you for your interest!
Previous Workshops
Level I & II Workshops have been held at National Life, Gordon’s Windows and Decor, Maple Street Park, UVM Medical Center, Move You Fitness Studio, Martial Way Self-Defense Center, Northeast Association of Realtors, Middlebury College, Norwich University, Champlain College, Saint Michael’s College, Burlington Parks and Recreation Department, Otter Creek Awnings, Visiting Nurse Association, The Tribal Office, and The Sports and Fitness Edge, to name a few.
Certified ESD Instructors
View and read about our instructors:
FAQ
Do I need to be an athlete or have martial arts experience?
No, these classes are designed to provide simple, effective and easy to remember techniques for people with a wide range of physical experience.
Can I attend if I have a physical limitation?
Participants may choose to participate in the physical component to whatever extent they feel comfortable. We encourage attendees to use their own judgment in determining what activities and energy levels feel right for them, and often can adapt techniques to meet varying needs.
How can I get more information about whether this is a good fit for my child or me?
Contact Genie @ genie@thesafetyteam.org .
Will you be holding a class near me?
Do you offer private ESD lessons?
Yes, we can often schedule private individual or small group lessons on request. Please contact Genie @ genie@thesafetyteam.org for planning and pricing.
What should I wear to a workshop?
We recommend wearing flat, comfortable shoes and nonrestrictive clothing that allows you to move freely, such as yoga or exercise clothing or street clothing in fabrics that offer some stretch. Please do not wear high heels which can damage gym floors and mats.
Can I bring a friend or family member to my workshop?
Yes! It’s terrific to bring another person or a group so that you can practice together after the session is over and keep the conversation going! Each person must individually register in advance. Our classes fill, so that we are typically unable to accommodate people who do not sign up in advance.
Are registration fees refundable?
Workshop cancellations made less than 14 days prior to a workshop are non-refundable but you may gift your registration to another eligible participant. To transfer your registration to someone you know or donate your reservation to a person in need (which may be tax-deductible), please contact us at least 12 hours prior to the start of the workshop.
In the rare event that The Safety Team must cancel a workshop, registered participants will be provided refunds. If a registered participant is turned away at a workshop due to non-eligibility, the decision whether to issue any full or partial refund will be at The Safety Team’s sole discretion.
Community Partners & Supporters
Thank you to our Community Partners!
City of South Burlington
Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center - 60 Lake Street, Burlington
Benjamin Pincus and Aikido of Champlain Valley - 257 Pine Street, Burlington
David Quinlan and Martial Way Self-Defense Center - 73 Prim Road, Colchester
Contact Us
Have questions about our programs?
From basic questions to specific inquiries, we're here to help!