At ESD Belgium, we believe in more than just physical self-defence. We’re a community dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their personal safety, build confidence, and foster resilience in every aspect of life. Our mission is to provide holistic, trauma-informed self-defence training that equips people with practical tools to prevent, respond to, and heal from violence.
Our Journey: From One to Many
What started as a one-person mission has blossomed into a thriving, diverse community of instructors dedicated to empowerment through self-defence. Our journey began in 2019, when Nina Wennink, fresh from her instructor training in New York, brought the Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) methodology to Belgium. With a deep passion for spreading the principles of self-defence and empowerment, Nina began building a community, starting small but thinking big.
By 2022, what began as a one-person band had grown into a dynamic team. That year, three new instructors—Amarande Angely, Judyta Krawczyk, and Maurits Krug—joined the ESD Belgium family after completing their training in Prague. Their arrival added new energy and diversity to the team, enriching the program with their unique perspectives and expertise.

A few months later, Heghine Babayan became the next to join the team, contributing her skills and dedication to the mission of empowering others. And our growth didn’t stop there.
In 2023, we proudly welcomed Lia Jobava, who brought her own deep commitment to creating safer spaces for everyone. Most recently, in October of 2024, Marta Carrera completed her training, marking the latest addition to our expanding team of seven passionate instructors.
Thanks to our diverse team, we are now able to offer training in nine different languages, ensuring that our workshops are inclusive and accessible to a wide range of participants.
Each of these incredible individuals has brought something special to ESD Belgium, and together, we’re united in our mission to make empowerment accessible to everyone.
What We Offer
At ESD Belgium, we provide a variety of workshops, courses, and events to help you build the skills needed for personal safety and empowerment:
Sunday Series Workshops: Our regular open workshops focus on different aspects of empowerment and self-defence each month. Topics range from bystander intervention and boundary-setting to solo travel safety and navigating family relationships.
In-Depth ESD Courses: For those looking to dive deeper, we offer longer, more intensive courses. These courses can range from 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the instructor and the specific needs of participants. They provide a supportive space for self-discovery, skill-building, and personal growth.
Trainings for Organizations and Companies: We also offer tailored self-defence and empowerment training for organizations and companies. Whether it’s a one-day workshop or a series of sessions, we help empower employees to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and navigate both personal and professional challenges with confidence.
Special Events: Throughout the year, we host events and campaigns in collaboration with the international ESD community, focusing on topics like violence prevention and gender equality.
Why ESD Belgium?
We’re more than a self-defence school—we’re a community. We believe that empowerment is contagious, and through our training, we create spaces where people can come together to learn, support, and empower one another. Whether you’re attending your first workshop or looking to deepen your knowledge, our programs are designed for all skill levels, making ESD accessible to everyone.
Our Vision
At ESD Belgium, we envision a world where everyone has access to the tools they need to feel safe, empowered, and free to live their lives fully. We believe in creating a future where violence prevention is part of daily life, and where communities are united in standing against all forms of interpersonal violence.
Join Us on the Journey
We’re always looking to expand our reach and welcome new members to the ESD Belgium family. Whether you’re interested in taking a class, organizing a workshop, or simply learning more about empowerment and self-defence, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us and discover the power of self-defence—it’s not just about fighting back, it’s about reclaiming your power.
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