Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is designed for everyone! The approach is holistic and trauma-informed, and the skills are accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Students learn a range of techniques and strategies — giving them a range of options — to successfully deal with unwanted behaviors, from harassment and bullying to emotional abuse and physical assault. Students are empowered to choose for themselves what actions will be best for them in whatever situation they face.

Mona MacDonald is a first degree black belt and Certified Self-Defense Instructor. She received her certification from the NWMAF in 2009, and participates annually in their professional conferences. Mona also works with ESD Global in their mentorship program.

Susan M. Dunn is a sixth degree black belt, teacher, public speaker, and co-founder of Lioness Martial Arts. While retired from active teaching duties, Sue continues to contribute to the organization in support and advisory roles.

Both instructors were trained in Shorin-Ryu karate by noted eighth degree black belt, Kyoshi Bobbi Snyder. They have taught self-defense and karate since 2003 at Lioness Martial Arts and prior to that, in Kyoshi Snyder’s school in Pittsburgh, PA. They have also completed the Self-Defense Teacher Certification Program sanctioned by the International Karate Kobudo Federation (IKKF).

Mona and Sue are members of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) and the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI).