Hard and Soft, Working Together, Become Complete
Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists

Uniting and empowering a diverse community
of women and girls in the martial arts.

Be part of an active community of women martial artists.

Camp 2011-Spirit Rising - Over 100 in Seattle

Our 34th Annual PAWMA Training Camp was held in Seattle, WA
Labor Day weekend 2011.

See more photos in the gallery

Camp 2012 is currently planned for Oakland/East Bay, CA
  Late Summer 2012.

Exact dates, times, and place of Camp 2012 subject to change.

The latest from PAWMA News.

School Spirit Rising: Our PAWMA Camp Adventure

by Sandy Lucas


Photo courtesy of Michelle Johnson.

It was the first Friday in September, 2011. Armed with an artillery of snacks, six women warriors piled into a single van and ventured north to Seattle. There we gathered with nearly a hundred other martial artists who'd traveled from California, British Columbia, Minnesota, Texas, and elsewhere, and who represented an array of styles including Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Kajukenbo, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Wushu, Wu Chien Pai, and others.

Read for More Adventure »

Skills and Friends: Lessons from PAWMA Camp

By Anna Zaniewski


Photo by Karma Yoakem.

When I first started training in martial arts, I thought I was signing up for a fun way to be more active, fit, and, yes, develop badass skills. As it turns out, I was signing up for much more: confidence, a supportive community, and getting to know inspirational role models. I wanted to go to PAWMA camp to experience all these great things about martial arts on a larger scale. Once again, what I got out of the experience was even more than I thought I was signing up for.

Read Anna's PAWMA story »



Photo by Karma Yoakem.

Profile: Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate, Lifetime Achievement Honoree

By Naomi Munzner

Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate began training in the martial arts when she was 16 years old. Forty years later, she continues to teach, study, and train with passion, intensity, focus, and love. Sensei Koré is a co-founder, head instructor and executive director of FEMA—Feminist Eclectic, now Five Element Martial Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which will celebrate 22 years in 2011.

Read the full profile of Shifu/Sensei Koré »



Photo by Karma Yoakem.

Profile: Sifu Sonya Richardson, 2011 Martial Artist of the Year

By Jen Resnick

Sifu Sonya is a natural leader who combines commitment with a generous heart. She is always ready to go the extra mile to create a learning environment that reaches out to all participants and ensures space for diversity. Her classes are certain to have a great soundtrack as well!

Read the full profile of Sifu Sonya »

Photo by Karma Yoakem.
Are you a woman or girl training in the martial arts? Do you want to support women and girls training in the martial arts?

Do you enjoy experiencing other martial arts, and sharing your own?


Photo by Karma Yoakem.
Are you moving and looking for a school or teacher in your new location?

Are you a beginning student and want to experience a variety of styles before you settle on one?

Are you an advanced student and want to reinvigorate your training or train with other master teachers?


Photo by Karma Yoakem.

At PAWMA, we believe that the martial arts have special value for women, whether pursued for self-expression, self-protection, spirituality, or physical health.  We are committed to encouraging women and girls to train, and to promoting an atmosphere of respect and support for women martial artists of all styles. Membership is open to everyone who supports the full and active participation of women in the martial arts.

Join PAWMA and be part of a vibrant martial arts community!
 
 
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