A guidance for the ethical conduct of Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) to industry professionals.
With this document, the International Association of ESD Professionals (Association) provides guidance for the ethical conduct of Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) professionals and clarifies where and how practice behaviors might diverge and therefore be unethical. The Code of Ethics spells out both the duty of beneficence (to do good) and the duty of non-malfeasance (to do no harm).
The core values of safety, dignity, and empowerment guide ESD professionals in their practice of self-defense and as we cultivate inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. ESD professionals celebrate diverse individual & cultural narratives with hope and a fierce commitment to overcoming violence throughout the world. The Association holds the responsibility to participants, Practice and Performance, colleagues, profession and society.
ESD participants can and should expect competent, sound instruction; proactive care and respect; safe and empowering environments; and clear avenues to express their experiences within ESD activities.
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ESD professionals maintain a robust and ongoing commitment to practice competencies and teaching performance, modeling behaviors that reflect the values and principles of the profession. ESD professionals are accountable to listen to, understand, and adapt to constructive feedback.
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ESD professionals value diversity, respect differences, and practice meaningful inclusion by sharing knowledge and histories. They promote safe, healthy, and harassment-free environments while uplifting the profession through shared concepts and principles.
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ESD professionals strive to uphold and act according to the values and principles of ESD in their instruction, promotion, research, and all manners of ESD practice.
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ESD professionals promote, recognize, and respect the inherent rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity of all people without distinction at local, national, and international levels. The mission of ESD professionals is to prevent violence through empowerment in the practice of ESD in local communities and worldwide.
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The core values of safety, dignity, and empowerment guide ESD professionals in their practice of self-defense and as we cultivate environments of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
ESD professionals around the globe celebrate diverse individual expertise and cultural narratives, which help them create safer communities – committed to fight forward and overcome violence in all forms.
ESD professionals have the independent and widespread responsibility to act ethically at all times, whether teaching or not.
Our behavior affects our students and the reputation of our field. As ESD Professionals, we strive to cultivate safe spaces and represent our industry.
Even the appearance of misconduct can cause harm. That’s why we follow clear guidelines to uphold and strengthen our profession.
