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.
The school provides introductory and ongoing instruction for women and girls, and community programs for women, men, and children at locations throughout the area. Classes in Shuri-ryu Karate, Modern Arnis, Self-defense, and Tai chi/ Qigong/ Liangong combine external and internal martial arts practice, assertiveness training, and discussion of the issues involved in learning effective methods for self-protection and violence prevention.
VWMA/HAVPS is a member school of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and a branch school of Jian Mei Chinese Internal Arts.
A FREE self-defense workshop for women and teen girls
on Thursday, June 17, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, at One Cottage St. #319, Easthampton.
The workshop, taught by nationally certified self-defense instructors of VWMA/ HAVPS ("have peace"), will include developing overall awareness and everyday courage, strengthening our voices individually and collectively, how to avoid or get away from threatening situations, techniques for use in safety emergencies, and telling our stories as part of the healing process. Call (413) 527-0101.
NEW! Peaceful Warriors!
Programs for Girls and Boys ages 6.5 - 10
Summer week cancelled -- please check back for the fall schedule
Personal safety skills, Confidence building activities, Voice and body language, Animal forms, Games, Art projects, Martial Arts FUN!
Call 413-527-0101 for information and registration
For information on introductory martial arts classes,
please see "What We Offer"
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.
