Learn how to work with people who have experienced trauma
This certification equips martial arts instructors with tools to support survivors and foster inclusive, healing-centered classes.
Join Cor Defense in making a difference
Trauma happens in the limbic system of the brain.
The limbic system is the action brain. This means that the limbic system needs to be activated for people to heal from trauma.
Martial arts has the ability to help people heal from trauma by activating the part of the brain that was "online" during the traumatic event and introducing new, empowering information. Martial arts also has the ability to help people regulate their trauma responses.
The problem?
You cannot teach survivors of trauma if you have a stress-inducing environment. People who have experienced trauma require different approaches to learning new information, and everyone is impacted by trauma differently.
Additionally, trauma-informed care certification courses are designed for schools, clinics, and nonprofit organizations (to name a few). To our knowledge, a trauma-informed care certification does not exist for martial arts instructors.
Cor Defense has developed a certification program for martial arts instructors.
Trauma-Informed Care Certification isn’t just another credential.
It’s a way to transform how you teach and connect. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support survivors, new strategies that strengthen your classes, and the confidence of knowing you’re creating a safe, inclusive space.
Along the way, you’ll grow as an instructor, stand out professionally, and join a community of peers committed to teaching with both skill and care.
Certification details
4-hr Course
$100/person, or a 15% discount if you have 10+ participants
Bi-Annual Recertification: $75/person
In-person (Northern Colorado) or Virtual (US)
In order to become a Cor Defense certified martial arts school, 50% or more of your instructors must complete and pass the course
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“Very in depth information.
I came away with knowledge for practical use of identifying potential behaviors of trauma and insight on how to assist and support. I feel like I am in a better position to assist and support the children I coach if they are victims of trauma.”
– Lance -
“Both Andrea & Lonnie had a lot of great energy, and you can tell they are very knowledgeable about the material they shared.
I learned that more kids and adults deal with trauma than I thought, and this has helped me to be more compassionate to others. I learned that martial arts can really help people that experienced trauma to heal, and this has increased my motivation to run the school and help people."
– Finnie -
“This is really valuable information for us as we have a goal of making our gym accessible to anyone who wants to train.
Understanding that there are particular difficulties for people who have dealt with various types of trauma and knowing techniques to create a positive space for those people is great.”
– Caleb
Trauma-informed martial arts schools
Survivors of trauma should have the ability to train wherever they feel comfortable. We are so proud to partner with martial arts schools that want to meet the needs of survivors. The schools listed above have sent 50% or more of their instructors to receive our Trauma-Informed Certification program.
