Beyond Self-Defense

A feminist-forward guide to setting boundaries, assessing safety, and defusing violence by a six-time karate world champion—tools and skills to build confidence, fight back, and live life on your own terms.

Disclaimer: this is not your average self‐defense book. As educator, martial artist, movement analyst, somatic therapist, and rape crisis advocate Shihan Michelle explains, “Self‐defense doesn’t work to prevent assault; it’s too late, you’re in a fight.” Instead, Michelle champions self‐offense, a preventative personal protection strategy invested in defusing trouble before violence becomes necessary.

Beyond Self-Defense empowers you to prevent and de‐escalate violence without resorting to physical contact. Including personal stories, interactive practices, and reflective prompts, this practical, accessible, and timely handbook teaches you how to craft your own unique protection protocols. Topics include how to:

• Use your body weight to fend off attacks
• Recognize the emotional triggers of others before they escalate
• Unlearn common biases about safety and vulnerability
• Use space and time to get the upper hand and control situations before they become unsafe

• Challenge patriarchal social standards and claim your voice—and your space

The founder and lead instructor of Self Offense Services, Michelle is a sixth degree black belt in Full Contact karate who gives workshops in assault prevention, boundaries, listening, de‐escalation, and bullying prevention.

FOR WOMEN, FEMMES, AND SURVIVORS looking for practical ways to anticipate and avoid harm.
FOR READERS OF Empowered Boundaries, Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu, and Set Boundaries, Find Peace.

NEW APPROACH TO PERSONAL SAFETY: Empowers readers to set boundaries that can help prevent an attack, while also encouraging more traditional self‐defense techniques in case a physical altercation is unavoidable.

TIPS AND TRAINING FOR SPLIT-SECOND REACTIONS: Gives you the grounding you need before you need it, so you have resources to draw on in charged situations.

HIGHLY TRAINED EXPERT AUTHOR: Michelle is both a sixth degree black belt and six‐time world champion in the art; achieved the status of shihan (or master teacher); and opened her own school in New York City. She is a Laban Certified Movement Analyst and Registered Somatic Movement Educator and Therapist.

PERSONALITIES BEHIND THE PROGRAM: The founders of Self Offense are a mother‐daughter duo with great chemistry. Michelle is the primary author, but their dynamics are highlighted in the text. Readers will resonate with their camaraderie and love in action in the book, on their social channels, and in their in‐person classes.