Reimagining Women's Self-Defense: Protective Offense
By (Author) Teja VanWicklen
YMAA Publication Center
YMAA Publication Center
15th April 2026
United States
General
Non Fiction
Martial arts
Violence and abuse in society
Hardback
220
Width 152mm, Height 228mm, Spine 25mm
There is much more women can do to protect themselves from the rougher side of life-other than kicking and punching
Protective Offense (the focus of this book) is where self-defense meets common sense, where self-awareness, situational awareness, strategy, and problem solving coincide. Protective Offense is a new paradigm of empowerment for women who want to revel in the chess game of life, dismantle anxiety, see conflict as opportunity, and raise engaged, resilient children who won't become victims (or criminals).
Protective Offense is the culmination of thirty years of study in the martial arts and self-defense. It is a contribution to the overall project of equality, safety, and dynamic living for women and families. Fighting is only one tenth of self-defense, but it hoards ninety percent of the spotlight. There is so much more women can do to protect themselves.
Expect to learn how to:
As a generalization we could say women are more connected to their own mortality. Women are more aware of danger in everyday life than men are. Regardless of the reasons-our biological connection to life, that we are smaller, physically weaker, generally have less social or political power than our male counterparts, or that we are often responsible for others-we just worry about safety more often than the average guy. Ask a man how often he thinks about safety or worries about going out alone. Then ask a woman the very same questions.
be taught the same as self-defense for men.
TjaVanWicklen is a 30-year veteran martial artist with a background in edged weapons, firearms and wilderness survival. Shes seen martial arts though many lenses, as an instructor, personal trainer, EMT and manager of a stunt performance team. Shes trained with elite military and law enforcement personnel and was a founding member of Conflict Research Group, a blog and information site run by a collective of well-known safety professionals. Shes won several grand championships, been featured in magazines like Mademoiselle and Black Belt and interviewed on Television for ESPN, Good Day New York, Veria Living, and others. For more than five years, she managed a martial arts production company that created and performed over 100 stunt performances for major events, movie premieres, and film festivals worldwide.