Who Am I?

No matter what "road" you may have taken to arrive here, I am pleased to meet you. Please allow me to introduce you to my work and myself... 
My name is Reva Rose-Wood. I am the Founder and Lead Instructor of Girl(em)Power! Self Defense. I earned my Self Defense Instructor's Certification from Defend University  in 2008. I started my business, Girl(em)Power! Self Defense that same year. I am a member of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and have trained with martial artist from across the globe at NWMAF Camps at Oberlin College in Ohio and at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. 
I specialize in teaching physical self defense tactics to women and girls (ages 12 and up). I have also taught self defense and violence prevention to various at-risk groups and extensively within the LGBT community. Some of the groups I have partnered with include: the Boys & Girls Club, Valley1N10, the Youth Empowerment Project, BBYO Jewish Youth, and Women Beyond Borders. I have been hosted by numerous private groups and individuals through the program I created called "Forget the Tupperware, Host a Self Defense Party!"
It is my goal to make self defense instruction as accessible as CPR. One of the main things that turned me off concerning standard martial arts based self defense was the intimidation factor of having to set foot in a dojo and the time commitment it would take to master most martial art forms. 
I am not a formal martial artist, I don't even pretend to be. With 1 in 5 women facing sexual assault within their lifetime, I believe all women should possess the knowledge to successfully defend themselves should the event of an attack arise. I believe women should also be able to gain this knowledge in an empowering manner, in a comfortable, non-threatening setting. 
Being a survivor of violence myself, I understand the need to empower those that have already been hurt. I do so with a delicate balance of realism,compassion, and techniques I've created to address the specific concerns of those that have previously faced violence. One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I've had as an instructor, has been teaching self defense to survivors on the Kayenta Navajo Reservation in Arizona.      
I believe in a multi-faceted approach to self defense. There is never a "one size fits all" solution . Interpersonal violence has many facets, therefore the solution and response must be equally as dynamic.

"Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them."-Albert Einstein

Self defense is one of my life's passions. It is a driving force. The ability to help and heal people through my self defense work has sustained me through many challenges and fuels me toward greater victories. Please feel free to peruse this site for further information on my work or just drop me a line with any questions at girlpowerselfdefense@gmail.com
I'd love to help you on your own path toward empowerment!

...As for the other parts of my life, my busiest and most devoted role is being a "mom" to a preschooler. I am also married to a man that I love. I am an entrepreneur at heart and have run several small business ventures, always looking for the next opportunity to be innovative. I LOVE baking (and eating!) sweet treats and creating in all ways. I enjoy supporting local coffee shops but also consider myself an "espresso connoisseur" and own two espresso machines myself.  I am a definite foodie. I am a musician, who formerly did vocals with three musical acts in my hometown of Phoenix, AZ. Currently I am working on a solo project involving my other love, the accordion. I have a passion for fashion,makeup and hair, and love retro stars of the 20's-60's. I love to collect, sell and photograph vintage clothing. Almost anything "with age" appeals to me. I care about historic preservation and community building. I enjoy fixing up mid-century furniture and LOVE old cars. Joy to me is traveling with my family and playing with our two dogs and four cats :)