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Women Against Violent Encounters

Practical self-defense seminars for women, built by founders who hold black belts in multiple martial arts. Founded in 1996 and taught across the country.

Level 1 · 3 hours Level 2 · 4 hours Ages 13 and up
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About W.A.V.E.

Skills you can use when it counts

W.A.V.E. was founded in 1996 by Mark and Elizabeth Casey to give women simple, effective tools for getting away from a violent encounter. The seminar has been taught to women across the United States.

1996

30 years of teaching

Founded by Mark and Elizabeth Casey and refined over decades of seminars.

2

Proven martial arts

Techniques drawn from Kajukenbo and Krav Maga, chosen because they work under stress.

501(c)(3)

A nonprofit

W.A.V.E. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts help more women train, including free seminars for women in need.

Founders

Taught by master instructors

W.A.V.E. was created by Mark and Elizabeth Casey, who bring decades of Kajukenbo, Kenpo Karate and Krav Maga training to the program.

Mark and Elizabeth Casey in black martial arts uniforms
Professors Mark and Elizabeth Casey

Professor Mark Casey

Master Instructor · Founder of W.A.V.E.

More than 40 years in the martial arts, including Kajukenbo, Krav Maga, Kenpo Karate, Tai Chi and weapons training. He has competed and won on the national circuit.

  • 8th Degree Black Belt, Kajukenbo
  • 7th Degree Black Belt, Kenpo Karate
  • Level 4 Certified Krav Maga Instructor
  • Tai Chi Instructor

Professor Elizabeth Casey

Master Instructor · Founder of W.A.V.E.

More than 30 years in Kajukenbo, Krav Maga, Kenpo Karate, W.A.V.E. and weapons training. She is the highest-ranking woman in Kajukenbo Tum Pai.

  • 8th Degree Black Belt, Kajukenbo
  • 6th Degree Black Belt, Kenpo Karate
  • Level 4 Certified Krav Maga Instructor
Inside a seminar

Practice on a real, moving attacker

Seminars bring in a black belt in a padded suit to play the attacker, so you can practice striking, kicking and breaking free at full force.

A seminar participant kicks a padded attacker while other women watch in a circle
A participant drives a palm strike toward a padded attacker as an instructor coaches beside her
A participant in a pink top raises her hands in a defensive guard against a padded attacker

A W.A.V.E. seminar, March 2015.

“I know I am not defenseless and there is always something I can do.”

Seminar attendee

“Well taught and made easy step by step moves.”

Seminar attendee
An early W.A.V.E. handout ending with the pledge: I will not be a victim!
An early W.A.V.E. handout from 2000, ending with the program’s promise: “I will not be a victim!”

“You don’t have to be the biggest, strongest, or youngest person in the room to benefit.”

I recently had the opportunity to attend a women’s self-defense class taught by Elizabeth and Mark Casey, and what a great experience it was!

This wasn’t a class where we just sat around listening to someone tell us what to do. It was hands-on! We actually practiced techniques to defend ourselves, get out of dangerous situations, and hopefully prevent them from happening in the first place.

Elizabeth and Mark were fantastic instructors! They’re knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about teaching women how to protect themselves. They made everyone feel comfortable while teaching us some very serious and potentially lifesaving skills.

One thing I really appreciated was that you don’t have to be the biggest, strongest, or youngest person in the room to benefit from what they teach. It’s about knowing what to do, how to react, and having the confidence to act.

I’m thrilled that Elizabeth and Mark are working to expand WAVE (Women Against Violent Encounters) into a nonprofit so more women can benefit from this kind of training.

I highly recommend their program. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll sure be glad you learned if you ever do!

— Kelly Stivers · Seminar attendee
Classes

Two levels, one evening each

Seminars are held at different locations. Each date below lists where it meets. Open to women and girls ages 13 and up. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.

Level 1 7:00–10:00 PM · 3 hours

The foundation seminar. Start here if you are new to W.A.V.E.

Level 2 7:00–11:00 PM · 4 hours

An extended seminar that builds on Level 1.

Upcoming dates

Sign up

Save your spot

Choose a class and send your details. We will confirm by email.

  • Want W.A.V.E. to come to your group? Schedule a group seminar.
  • Your information is used only to manage your registration.
Safety tips

Habits that keep you safer every day

These are the basics W.A.V.E. builds on in every seminar. None of them replaces training, but all of them make trouble easier to spot and easier to get away from.

  1. Trust your gut

    If a person or place feels wrong, leave. You never owe anyone politeness at the cost of your safety.

  2. Look up and look around

    Keep your phone in your pocket and one earbud out when you walk to your car, through a parking garage or past people you do not know.

  3. Tell someone your plans

    Let a friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Share your location with someone you trust when you meet a stranger.

  4. Keep your distance

    Step back, keep your hands up in front of you and use a loud, firm voice: “Back off!” Distance buys you time to move toward people and light.

  5. Meet new people in public

    For a first date or an online sale, choose a busy public place and arrange your own ride there and back.

  6. Your goal is to get away

    If someone attacks you, you do not have to win. Strike, break free and run to safety. A purse or a phone can be replaced. You cannot.

Get help

You do not have to handle this alone

These services are free and confidential. Advocates can help you plan for safety, whether something happened years ago or is happening now.

Immediate danger 911 Call or text 911 if you or someone else is in danger right now.
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Group seminars

Schedule your group’s seminar

W.A.V.E. comes to you: churches, schools, workplaces, sports teams, sororities and community groups. Tell us about your group and the dates that work, and we will contact you to set it up.

  • Seminars are for women and girls ages 13 and up.
  • Level 1 runs about 3 hours and Level 2 about 4 hours.
  • You provide the space: an open room with enough floor to move, such as a gym, hall or studio.