The Reality of Abuse and the Need for Awareness
Over a decade ago, I read a Time magazine cover story about the prevalence of sexual abuse in United States colleges. The statistics were alarming, yet when I mentioned it to my brother, he brushed it off unable or unwilling to confront the reality of our childhood environment. I knew my nieces confided in me about the serious, real-life experiences they faced. They had friends who lived in homes where physical abuse was normalized, and others who gave over their bodies just to fit in. The patterns of trauma were deeply ingrained, but awareness was the first step.
A Martial Artist’s Presence: Strength and Respect
Ironically, my sister-in-law’s brother was ahead of the curve. He enrolled both his son and daughter in martial arts training, understanding the statistics surrounding childhood abuse and wanting his kids to be empowered. Over the years, I would see his daughter at family events and every time she stood out.
Her presence was striking. She had an unmistakable auric purity, walking with the grace of a princess yet carrying the strength of a trained fighter. Her father once told me, “She may look lean and gentle, but she can take me down.” It wasn’t just her physical alignment or gait it was how she carried herself. She had incredible self-respect, cultivated through years of training her body and mind.
The Psychology of a Predator & Practical Tools for Defense
I later discovered a martial arts center that offered two-hour workshops focusing on the psychology and energy of a predator. In addition to physical techniques, they taught students to carry a simple tool: a pen. Something small, unassuming, yet potentially lifesaving. My older niece once told me, “Before this, I would have frozen if approached out of nowhere. Now, I understand my patterns and know how to protect myself.” Awareness transforms fear into readiness.
Trauma and the Masks We Wear
Years later, I worked with a client who carried deep generational trauma. She had a little girl energy a fragile innocence hidden beneath a tough exterior. At first glance, she projected strength, but when I introduced the idea of self-defense, something unexpected happened. She couldn’t hold a gun without shaking. This moment taught me how deceiving outward personas can be the world may believe in the mask we wear, but predators? They sense trauma.
She started taking martial arts but eventually confronted her teacher with a bold act of using her voice. Though the instructor didn’t fully grasp trauma, he shared something revealing: “My wife wakes up in sweat from severe CPTSD.” His words confirmed what I already knew trauma isn’t erased by muscle alone. True resilience comes from addressing the wounds stored within the temple of the body. Without healing, outward strength is just surface level.
Empowering Our Girls to Make Better Choices
Self-defense isn’t just about fighting, it’s about knowing who you are. When a girl learns how to defend herself, she builds respect for her body, confidence in her energy, and discernment in her relationships. She won’t be drawn to men based on appearance or money she’ll recognize who truly respects her and who carries darkness.
This is why I teach group CPTSD eight-week sessions online. If you’re interested in joining the next class or seeking private Zoom coaching, reach out at youmatter108@gmail.com.
Self-Defense Includes Energy Protection
Beyond physical training, self-defense is also energetic. Protecting your energy before bed ensures that no one physically or spiritually can enter your space. We fortify our bodies, our minds, and our spirit. That is true empowerment.
