All of our instructors are specially selected and dedicated professionals, often moved to get involved with WAMM by our own experience of surviving violence, or witnessing the effects of violence on our loved ones and in our communities.

Courses are taught by professionally trained teams of women and men who are assisted by WAMM graduates. WAMM instructors complete training with the Bay Area Model Mugging (BAMM) chapter of IMPACT, as well as extensive “on the ground” mentoring and supervision.

Female instructors lead each class, teach techniques, coach students, and facilitate class discussion and learning. Male instructors wear customized padded suits that allow students to safely practice techniques full force and full contact. With the helmet on, the male instructor portrays a realistic assailant; he “models a mugger”. With the helmet off, he offers students valuable feedback about technique and personal safety choices as well as support and encouragement.

WAMM Executive Director and Lead Female Instructor Katy Mattingly is a graduate of the first IMPACT-style self-defense class taught in Michigan. She became involved in the chapter first as a class graduate assistant, and went on to complete instructor training with BAMM in 1995. She is a graduate of the Women’s Studies program at the University of Michigan, and has worked professionally as a Crisis Counselor, Social Work Administrator and Volunteer Trainer.

“Taking this course in 1994 changed my life deeply. Knowing that, if I had to, I could physically stop someone from hurting me opened up areas of my life I didn’t even realize were limited by fear. I want to live in a world free from violence, and I want to see realistic self-defense training made available to every person who wants it.” -Katy Mattingly

Interested in becoming a WAMM instructor?