Press Release!

(reprinted from the West Seattle Blog)

Lisa Skvarla Named Chairperson for AWSDA
(Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement)

Lisa Skvarla has recently been elected the new Chairperson for AWSDA (Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement). A resident of West Seattle, Skvarla has been a member of AWSDA, an international organization, since 2004 and served as a Washington State Regional Representative. AWSDA promotes greater awareness about women’s self-defense and rape prevention through its quarterly newsletter, programs and conferences.  AWSDA is also in the process of developing a communications network to deliver information about organizations that assist women in dealing with sexual assault.

The co-owner of Lee's Martial Arts in West Seattle, Skvarla teaches classes in Tae Kwon Do to families, children and adults. A mother of two children, Kathryn and Stephen, she also teaches aerobic kickboxing, women’s self defense, Kids Self Defense and rape prevention.  Skvarla serves as a volunteer who works with high school seniors and students at grade schools. Recently, she taught a self defense workshop to a sorority at the University of Washington. "It is much needed these days" Skvarla says. "Statistics show that one out of seven women currently in college in the United States has been raped. However, nine out of 10 women raped on campus never tell anyone about it!"

“Those statistics are astounding. It is clear to me that women need personal safety education," Skvarla says. “Fortunately, there are opportunities to learn how to avoid dangerous situations, what to do if you are in one, and how to get out of them safely.  Above all, it’s essential that women report rape and sexual assault to the police."

Last year, Skvarla got a firsthand look at what it is like to be a victim of a violent sexual assault. A professional actress and stuntwoman, she appeared in the Discovery Health's TV special,  "The Worst Thing That Ever Happened to Me", in which she portrayed Debbie Puglisi, a survivor of a brutal violent attack which led to her being held captive for five days. This show was based on a true story.

“The role of Debbie Puglisi was challenging," Skvarla says. "It humbled me and made me realize the importance of what I teach when it comes to women's self defense."  Puglisi was very pleased with Skvarla's realistic performance. "We still talk to each other," Skvarla says. "In fact, I was so touched by the Puglisi story that I invited Debbie to be the guest speaker in November at the AWSDA conference in Dallas TX.  She will be an inspiration to all." 

Skvarla has attended numerous AWSDA conferences over the years, in Toronto, Phoenix, Greenville South Carolina, and Asheville North Carolina. "Those conferences were so beneficial and many of them changed my life,” she says. “Every time I came home I was pumped about the information I had received.  Teachers and members from all over the world, including Germany, South Africa, England, Denmark, come to the AWSDA conferences.

AWSDA welcomes anyone who supports the growth and improvement of a women's ability to defend themselves. Membership and involvement is relevant to everyone - housewives, teenage girls, self-defense instructors, law enforcement professionals, and rape crisis counselors.   All male teacher applicants are required to submit a brief resume plus a letter of intent explaining their reasons for applying for AWSDA. In conclusion Skvarla advises:  “I would encourage all women to get involved, empower themselves and improve their personal safety. It is a great honor to serve and to be a part of this organization."

For more information you can contact LMAWestSeattle@aol.com or call 206-938-3375.

Additional information about AWSDA can be found here.