Personal Safety/Self Defense Instructor Training - Foundation
Learn practical personal safety and self-defense strategies you can use personally and teach professionally in real-world situations.
Foundational Instructor Training
20 Hours of Continuing Education
Personal Safety and Self-Defense Focus
First Step in Instructor Sequence
Multi-Organization CE Approval
This foundational instructor training course is designed to help fitness professionals and instructors build practical personal safety knowledge and realistic self-defense skills that can be applied in both personal and professional settings.
Developed by EmpowerUSA, the course covers awareness, self-defense strategies, physical skills training, and conditioning methods that support safer, more confident decision-making in potentially dangerous situations.
This course also serves as the first step in the EmpowerUSA instructor pathway and is part of the prerequisite training for the SAFE & STRONG! program, making it the required starting point before progressing to CAQ Level 1 and CAQ Level 2.
Quick overview of how this webinar works
CEUs
W.I.T.S. 20 hours, ACE 2.0, NASM 1.9, NETA 20 hours, AFAA for 19 hours (provider-specific; acceptance may vary)
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Enroll in This Course
On-Demand
Full Course Access
Full access to training materials, instructor videos, and online exam covering foundational personal safety and self-defense concepts and skills.
- Course access and materials are delivered by EmpowerUSA after purchase.
- Access instructions will be sent via email.
What you will gain
Understand the Foundations of Personal Safety
Learn the core concepts of personal safety, including mental, emotional, environmental, and physical awareness.
Apply Basic Self-Defense Strategies
Use practical self-defense methods such as defensive stances, evasion, redirection, counter-striking, and basic release techniques for common attack situations.
Recognize Basic Weapon-Defense Concepts
Develop an introductory understanding of self-defense strategies related to firearms, bladed weapons, and stick or club-type weapons.
Use Conditioning Methods for Self-Defense Readiness
Understand physical training methods that help prepare individuals for the demands of practical self-defense situations.
Prepare for the Next Steps in the Instructor Pathway
Build the foundational knowledge and skills required before progressing to CAQ Level 1 and later CAQ Level 2 within the EmpowerUSA instructor sequence.
Included in This Course
Training Manual
Includes the EmpowerUSA training manual covering personal safety methods, strategies, and practical self-defense instruction content.
3 Instructor Videos
Includes instructor-led videos that support foundational learning and practical application of course concepts.
Online Exam
Includes an online exam with immediate results to assess understanding of the course material.
Foundational Self-Defense Skills Training
Covers awareness, defensive stances, evasion, redirection, counter-striking, release techniques, weapon-defense basics, and conditioning methods for self-defense readiness.
Course Delivery
Course content and access are provided by EmpowerUSA after purchase.
Instructor
Tim Rochford
MS, Exercise Science
Tim Rochford is the founder of EmpowerUSA and a longtime personal safety, self-defense, and fitness educator. He has trained individuals, corporations, and organizations since 1984, holds advanced martial arts and fitness credentials, and has developed multiple instructor certification and continuing education programs.
Who This Is For
Certified fitness professionals, instructors, and professionals seeking foundational personal safety and self-defense training for personal use, client training, and progression into the EmpowerUSA instructor sequence.
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
FAQs
Is this the first step in the instructor sequence?
Yes. This course is the foundational starting point and should be completed before taking Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor - CAQ Level 1 and then CAQ Level 2.
What does this course cover?
The course covers awareness, defensive stances, evasion, redirection, counter-striking, release techniques for common attacks, basic weapon-defense concepts, and conditioning methods for physical self-defense.
What materials are included?
The online course materials include a training manual, three instructor videos, and an online exam with immediate results.
Does this course include continuing education credit?
Yes. The course lists continuing education credit approvals including W.I.T.S. 20 hours, ACE 2.0, NASM 1.9, and NETA 20 hours.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
Yes. The course must be completed within 3 months from the initial date the customer receives course access unless an exception is granted before access expires.
This course is designed for fitness professionals, instructors, and trainees who want foundational personal safety and self-defense instruction skills for personal use, client training, and progression into the EmpowerUSA instructor pathway.
