Israel Women's Martial Arts Federation (IWMAF) FAQ

What does the IWMAF do?

IWMAF ("El Halev") helps support women in the martial arts and provides opportunities for them to learn and to teach. Our ultimate goal is to help Israeli women to contribute optimally to their own growth and to that of our society.

Which martial arts?

For our purposes, we are referring to a wide range of fighting and self-defense disciplines:
  • The traditional fighting arts (e.g. karate, kung fu, jujitsu, aikido, tang soo do, etc.)
  • Traditional weapons arts (e.g. kendo, bojitsu, iaido, escrima, etc.)
  • Sport-related fighting arts (e.g. judo, greco-roman wrestling, boxing, tae kwon do, etc.)
  • Eclectic ("mixed") arts (e.g. Tora Dojo, Yamashito, Kenpo Jitsu, etc.), and
  • Self-defense-oriented systems (e.g. Krav Maga)
  • Supporting Excercise (e.g. Yoga)

Why should women participate in the martial arts?

The real question is "why not?" Certainly, women in our society benefit from the well-known advantages of martial arts training- such as physical fitness, self-confidence, self-discipline and self-respect- no less than men. Moreover, in today's world of increasing violence on our streets and in our homes, the need for women to acquire the self-defense skills that underlie these arts makes the access of women to martial arts training that much more important.

Why do we need an all-women's MA organization in Israel and why was IWMAF founded?

Several instructors with experience in women's martial arts organizations in other countries decided to bring this concept home with them so that Israeli women, too, could enjoy the benefits of a supportive network devoted to learning, teaching and sharing. They also recognized that, while athletes in Israel in general have a hard time finding sources of moral and financial support, for female athletes, it is that much harder. IWMAF's founders wanted to find a way to support the efforts of those female athletes who choose the martial arts as their field of excellence. In addition there are women who, for varying reasons, would prefer to train in an all-women dojo or with a female sensei. For self-defense classes it is essential to offer the option of safe, all-female environments in which such sensitive issues as domestic violence and sexual assault can be discussed.

What is the IWMAF's political standing?

The IWMAF is a non-political organization committed to the principle that every woman, regardless of race, color, religion, class, lifestyle, sexual preference, age or physical condition, has the right to learn to defend herself and to excel in her martial arts training.

Who is eligible to join the IWMAF?

Women involved in the martial arts and over the age of 18 join the IWMAF as full-members with voting rights and the right to run for a position on the board as well as receipt of a quarterly newsletter, reduced entrance fees to IWMAF-sponsored events, reduced rental fees for the use of IWMAF facilities and discounts on IWMAF and IWMAF-sponsored merchandise.
Girls under the age of 18, women who are not martial artists or students of self-defense, as well as men who wish to support us, can join as Friends of IWMAF and receive our quarterly newsletter and reductions in IWMAF merchandise.
Organizations that wish to affiliate with the IWMAF must maintain at least 25% of their active students as members in good standing of the IWMAF. Such organizations will receive free publicity through the IWMAF and substantial discounts from IWMAF-sponsored suppliers.

Who decides the policies for the IWMAF?

The elected board of the IWMAF makes all policy decisions on behalf of the membership and is responsible for communicating its policy decisions to the members at least once a year at the annual general meeting.

How can I get more involved in IWMAF decision-making?

By becoming a member, joining our online group forum (write to IWMAF@yahoogroups.com to request admission) and by attending IWMAF- sponsored events and meetings, you can be on the front line of IWMAF decision-making.

Where do I turn for more information?
Main Branch: 37 Pierre Koening, Jerusalem 02 678 1764/94