Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor Training - CAQ Level 1
Build practical self-defense teaching skills and learn to design effective unarmed personal safety training programs.
20-Hour Instructor Training Path
Unarmed Self-Defense Instruction Focus
Practical Skills Evaluation
Program Design Assignment
Certification Included
This course is the next step after the Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor Training (Foundations) online course and focuses on validating practical teaching ability for unarmed self-defense instruction.
Designed as a skills-based instructor credential, CAQ Level 1 helps trainees strengthen their instructional methods, improve physical self-defense teaching competency, and learn how to design realistic personal safety and self-defense training programs for different participant groups.
Led by Tim Rochford of EmpowerUSA, the course combines study materials, practical skills evaluation, exam work, and program design assignments to help trainees move from foundational knowledge into applied instruction.
Quick overview of how this webinar works
Credential
Certification provided upon completion (EmpowerUSA)
Enroll in This Course
On-Demand
Full Course Access
Full access to course materials, training videos, exams, practical evaluation requirements, and program design assignments for CAQ Level 1.
- Course access and materials are delivered by EmpowerUSA after purchase.
- Access instructions will be sent via email.
What you will gain
Improve Unarmed Self-Defense Instruction
Learn, practice, and demonstrate practical self-defense skills and the ability to teach them effectively against unarmed attack scenarios.
Strengthen Teaching Methods
Use verbal communication, physical demonstration, observation, and correction techniques to improve physical skills instruction.
Adapt Training for Different Participants
Learn how to modify and teach physical self-defense skills for people with different characteristics, abilities, and needs.
Design Personal Safety Programs
Develop the ability to create practical and realistic personal safety and self-defense training programs for individuals, groups, and organizations.
Build Instructor Confidence and Competency
Improve self-confidence, competency, and readiness to continue progressing as a personal safety and self-defense instructor.
Included in This Course
Instructor Training Manual
Includes the EmpowerUSA Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor Training Manual and CAQ Level 1 addendum.
Training and Technique Videos
Includes supplemental technique instructional videos plus Phase 1 and Phase 2 training videos.
Exam Packet
Includes Phase 1 and Phase 2 objective multiple-choice exams with required minimum scores for completion.
Practical Evaluation Materials
Includes practical exam packets and evaluation forms used to verify instructional and physical teaching competency.
Program Design Assignment
Includes instructions and required submission materials for the Personal Safety & Self-Defense Course Design Exercise.
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
Instructor trainees and fitness or self-defense professionals who have completed the Foundations course and want to build competency in teaching practical unarmed personal safety and self-defense skills.
Level: Advanced
Completion of the Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor Training (Foundations) online course is required before starting CAQ Level 1.
FAQs
Is there a prerequisite for CAQ Level 1?
Yes. The Personal Safety & Self-Defense Instructor Training (Foundations) online course should be completed before starting CAQ Level 1.
What does CAQ Level 1 focus on?
CAQ Level 1 focuses on teaching practical and effective physical self-defense skills for unarmed attacks and designing training programs for a variety of participants.
How is completion evaluated?
Trainees are evaluated through two objective multiple-choice exams, practical teaching and skills testing, and a personal safety and self-defense course design assignment.
What practical testing options are available?
Practical skills may be evaluated through live in-person testing, live virtual testing, or video submission, depending on the course structure provided by EmpowerUSA.
How long does the course take to complete?
The estimated course completion time is 20 hours, including study, video review, exams, practice, testing, and program design work.
Do these courses need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes. EmpowerUSA requires these instructor courses to be purchased separately and completed in sequence, beginning with Foundations, then CAQ Level 1, and then CAQ Level 2.
