Anniek Wieferink: "How to help the helpers: teaching ESD to ambulance crews" Webinar 2026

“From Roots to Reach: A Pioneer’s Story, New Audiences, and the Shift to Online ESD” is our fourth Advanced Learning Webinar, organized by ESD Europe, on July 2 with host Anat Errel, Mentor Coordinator, ESD Europe. We are proud to introduce Anniek Wieferink, presenting: "How to help the helpers: teaching ESD to ambulance crews" (The Netherlands). Anniek introduced herself: Anniek Wieferink is a 29-y.o. martial artist and Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) practitioner. She has been training in Shuri Ryu Karate since 2019, where she was first introduced to ESD through a presentation by the head of her style in the Netherlands. Inspired by this approach, she went on to complete her training as a self-defense instructor in Prague in 2022. Anniek is particularly drawn to ESD’s integration of both physical and verbal skills, and to its emphasis on personal boundaries, self-awareness, and confidence. She is passionate about supporting others in developing a stronger sense of their own values, strengths, and agency. In addition to karate, Anniek practices capoeira and enjoys continuously challenging herself by learning new skills, including motorcycle riding and chess.