Revised and approved by PAWMA Board of Directors December 7, 2008

Statement of Inclusion added June 23, 2018

Mission

Short version

Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists:
Uniting and empowering a diverse community of women and girls* in the martial arts.

Long version

The Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists:

• Brings together female martial artists of diverse styles, skills, ages, and cultures to train together and learn from each other in events throughout the Pacific region.
  
  
• Promotes among female martial artists an environment of respect, appreciation, and learning of the variety of martial arts styles and skills.
  
  
• Fosters friendship, connection, and peaceable coexistence in our lives and in our communities.

• Mentors young martial artists and new martial arts teachers and school owners while recognizing and honoring our elders.

*Statement of Inclusion

We welcome all women and girls including individuals who are transgender, non-binary or self-identify as female. We aim to make our training spaces as accessible and inclusive as possible for our diverse community. Please contact us if you are wondering if this is a good program for you or your youth.

Vision Statement

PAWMA inspires, informs, recharges and energizes, connects, validates, and supports female martial artists of all ages, cultures, and abilities; specifically:

We come together at our annual Camp, and other events held throughout the Pacific region, to share our joy in the martial arts, our stories, our challenges, and expand our skills and knowledge, and to recharge our energies for our work in the world.

We connect women and girls who are training in isolated or unsupported environments with a larger women’s martial arts community, supporting them to continue on their path.

We work to enhance the visibility and recognition of women’s contributions to the martial arts.

We support women who are martial arts teachers or school owners, providing networking opportunities and sharing practical information about business planning and marketing.

We refer and connect members with questions with those who can provide insight or who have skills with particular tasks.  

We provide essential scholarships to women and girls in difficult circumstances who might otherwise not be able to train in their art.

We provide information to women and girls just discovering the martial arts, to assist them in finding a style, a school, or an instructor that fits their needs.

We offer women a vision of the possibilities available to them, and offer the world a view of the vast diversity of women martial artists.

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission defines the fundamental purpose of an organization or an enterprise, basically describing why it exists.

What is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement defines the desired or intended future state of a specific organization or enterprise in terms of its fundamental objective and/or strategic direction. Vision statements describe outcomes that are five to ten years away, although some look even further out. A vision statements should be based on the best possible outcome.

The purpose of the vision statement is to inspire, energize, motivate, and stimulate your creativity, rather than to serve as a measuring stick for success; that is the job of objectives and goals.

Values

Values are beliefs shared among the stakeholders of an organization. Values drive an organization's culture and priorities.

Our Values

• Respect
• Inclusion
• Service
• Integrity
• Mindfulness
• Practice