Valley Women's Martial Arts
Institute for Healing and Violence Prevention Strategies
VWMA/ HAVPS, a not-for-profit school founded in 1977, offers an encouraging and friendly environment for participants of all ages to learn and practice health-enhancing movement skills. The "Three Jewels" -- education, community, and transformation -- focus on improving the quality of life for all.
VWMA/HAVPS offers introductory and ongoing instruction in movement arts, healing methods, and self-protection skills to participants of any gender, physical/mental ability, race, creed, ethnicity, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and body size, regardless of ability to pay. Experienced black belts and advanced student teachers conduct classes, workshops, and special events for women, men, and children at schools, social service agencies, community centers, medical facilities, and other organizations. These programs focus on safety strategies, empowerment skills, healing, violence-prevention, feminist social justice issues, and positive actions for change and transformation.
VWMA/HAVPS is a member school of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and a branch school of Jian Mei Chinese Internal Arts.
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyWomensMartialArtsCommunity
Click here for a Daily Hampshire Gazette article about us!
For information on introductory martial arts classes,
please see "What We Offer"
VWMA/HAVPS on Channel 22 News
Self-Protection Workshops by arrangement at VWMA/ HAVPS
(Thurs. evenings and Sunday afternoons)
and at other venues and times. Please inquire.
Sensei Janet Aalfs, head instructor and director of VWMA/ HAVPS since 1982, is a 7th degree black belt in Shuri-ryu Okinawan Karate, a 5th degree black belt in Filipino Modern Arnis, a nationally certified self-defense teacher, an instructor of Jian Mei Internal Martial Arts, and a poet.
