This book is easy to read, it gives readers the knowledge and confidence to protect and defend themselves.

In She Fights Back: Using Self-Defense Psychology to Reclaim Your Power, Joanna Ziobronowicz offers a powerful and comprehensive guide that goes beyond the scope of traditional self-defence manuals. As a former IBJJF World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a seasoned security industry expert, Ziobronowicz draws from her extensive experience, making this book an essential read for anyone seeking to reclaim their sense of safety and confidence.

What distinguishes She Fights Back is its holistic approach. Ziobronowicz explores not only the physical techniques of self-defence but also the psychological and linguistic components, creating a well-rounded and deeply insightful resource.

Her writing is both empowering and relatable, enriched with personal anecdotes and real-life case studies that connect with readers on a meaningful level. This accessibility enhances the book's practical value, offering strategies that are both actionable and inspiring.

Like a lot of women, I find myself feeling a bit anxious about personal safety in a world where it seems violence against women and girls is inevitable. This book doesn't promise to make the reader invincible but what it provides is a lot of insight into the simple steps we can take to increase our safety. There are lots of insights into how perpetrators choose their victims and how to make ourselves less vulnerable, tips on how talk our way out of trouble, safety planning and self defence moves for when we are physically attacked. There is also a section on how to manage the trauma of an attack. All of this is done in a way that empowers the reader, at no point is the reader made to feel like a victim. Overall this is the sort of book I would buy my daughter and female friends. I finished it feeling that I am not completely helpless in the face of violence and that is very reassuring.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In “She Fights Back: Using Self-Defence Psychology to Reclaim Your Power,” Joanna Ziobronowicz delivers a compelling and empowering guide that transcends traditional self-defense manuals. As a former IBJJF World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a seasoned expert in the security industry, Ziobronowicz brings a wealth of experience and insight to this book, making it a must-read for anyone looking to reclaim their safety and confidence.

What sets “She Fights Back” apart is its holistic approach to self-defense. Ziobronowicz doesn’t just focus on physical techniques; she delves deep into the psychological and linguistic aspects of self-defense. 

Ziobronowicz’s writing is both empowering and relatable. She shares personal anecdotes and case studies that resonate with readers, making the content accessible and engaging. 

The book is rich with practical strategies, including ten last-resort physical techniques for common attack scenarios. This blend of practical advice and personal experience makes “She Fights Back” not just a guide, but a source of inspiration and empowerment.

“She Fights Back” is a call to action for women to reclaim their power and safety. Joanna Ziobronowicz’s unique blend of psychological insight, practical advice, and personal storytelling makes this book an invaluable resource for women everywhere. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, learn self-defense techniques, or simply feel more empowered in your daily life, “She Fights Back” is a book that delivers on all fronts.

For anyone who has ever felt unsafe or unsure of their ability to protect themselves, this book is a game-changer. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of women, and a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to fight back and reclaim our power.

An engaging an informative book that looks at the concept of self-defence. It's easy to read and insightful and the examples and prompts really engage you in the process. It gave me lots of food for thought and it's given me lots of practical advice to help me feel less vulnerable in the world. A much-needed book.

Some decent points in this and good to have them all in one place, though it did feel a little victim-blaming in places (if you shuffle or are ungainly you are picked out as a victim, if you don't have good self-esteem you will get victimised) and it switches between stranger danger and incursions into your house in a moment. Also there are some factual errors on names which I'm feeding back to the publisher. But a handy guide to assessing danger and some ways you might be able to protect yourself.

Asa a martial arts girl myself, I loved this and that it touched on ptsd and realities that aren't simply solvable. I still felt some bits in the second half could be made clearer in that exact same way, but overall a helpful book.

TW: references to sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, abuse, gendered violence

A really informative book written in a concise and accessible manner about the impact of self-defence. Flew through this quite quickly as it was sectioned into digestible chunks. Really liked that this has a workbook element to it, with exercises and prompts to engage your brain - definitely makes each chapter memorable. Great advice given and gave me lots to think about in terms of how I hold myself in public and things I could and should do for my own personal safety without it coming across as fear mongering. Very practical and would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about self-defence and feeling less vulnerable whilst out and about.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review

A book that needs time to process after reading it, and could be an interesting one for book clubs. I like how psychology and crime stats are woven into personal accounts and stories, I'm sure there's something there for every marginalised or vulnerable person to relate to. I will definitely keep in mind some of the top tips in this book and have already thought more about my posture, facial expressions, surroundings and eye contact when I'm out and about. It was also great to see some self-defence tips and it's prompted me to look into classes in my local area. It's a timely book and one that will be handy for many of us!

Oh my goodness, thank you Joanna for this amazing book. I love the combination of physical and mental preparation to stand your ground and defend yourself as a women. As Joanna states we have been programmed from an early age to "be a good girl" and to people please / fawn to smooth over situations that push our boundaries because we are scared, or do not want to offend.

I have been in so many situations where I have wanted to stand my ground, "cause a fuss" or highlight unacceptable behaviour and I haven't due to being worried about causing a backlash or causing a scene. Joanna's book has given me the confidence to know when I can show my assertiveness without fear. I now understand where my feelings come from and how to tackle situations safely, and confidently.

And with a 3yr old daughter I am now better equipped to support her assertiveness at an early age, rather than having her be "a good girl". Thank you!

I have requested books from Watkins Publishing before and I have found them to be most useful. This book also proved to be just as engaging. I found the content really interesting. It is broken down into helpful chapters and I came away thinking positively about steps that I can take to increase my inner strength. Goodbye to the 'Good Girl' persona and all that. Here's to embracing a strong, resilient female warrior.

I expected a little more from this book, but found much of it was just common sense. It was well written and easy to understand. Not really aimed at my age-group, moreso teens and twenty-somethings.

Cards on the table, I am previous world knock out champion with over 30 years experience in around a dozen different martial arts and 25 years teaching experience - including very specifically women's self defense. I picked this up because I wanted to see how someone else did it. And it's a good book, a great resource. The mental dojo aspect is really important. Regardless of what one reviewer states, this is not a book that victim blames. There is both logic and power in learning to protect yourself. This does not diminish society's responsibility to legislate against violence and punish infractions, or other people's responsibility to not y'know attack women. However, you must be responsible for your own safety and take reasonable precautions. There absolutely are some scenarios where you may not win, but that's no reason not to learn to defend yourself for the majority of situations where being able to protect yourself will help. That's like saying there's no point wearinf a seatbelt because a bad enough crash will kill you even if you do wear one. Nothing is 100% gauranteed but it does improve your chances. In addition, I like the way this book acknowledges that self defense is only about 20% aboyt the physical; most of it is learning astute observational awareness. Finally, physically and mentally disabled people absolutely can learn self defense. I know. I have taught many disabled people. Learning a base line technique allows you to then adapt it so it works for you. Overall this a great book. No substitute for regular training but a great starting point.

I am really not here for any book that claims women have to act and be a certain way and that they can "protect themselves from any form of victimization." Meaning, if you don't do these things the author tells you to do, you're at fault for the abuse done to you. There is no acknowledgement that no matter how may defensive strategies I employ or how physically strong I get, there will always be someone able to overcome them. (Not to mention, some of us have physical disabilities that make the author's demands impossible.)

First of all, a trigger warning, but I suppose if you picked this book up, you are aware of the topics inside it.
My reasons for requesting to read and review this book were mainly twofold; one, to learn of and refresh my memory for physical fighting skills against strangers/potential attackers and in dangerous situations, two, to be able to understand women who have been in such situations and have experienced domestic violence, and to be able to recommend them a resource when asked. In other words, to be more resourceful.
I did not expect to see the psychological dojo and the workbook activities, which were a bonus. The balance between the information and the activity prompts is perfect.
I loved the illustrated explanations of the physical techniques.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, and I wish there was no need for it to exist in the first place, but I am glad it does. It is a much-needed guide.

She Fights Back is an empowering read that I would recommend to all women. Ziobronowicz shares personal stories along with many practical ways we can diffuse situations, stay alert in public, and protect ourselves from harm. It's always beneficial to have this information, whether you're out and about or whether you're traveling in another city/country. Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Martial Arts champion, Joanna Ziobronowicsz urges women to reclaim their power in her guide She Fights Back. Through going through the psychology and analysis of today’s culture, she explains how women are conditioned to be a “good girl” and to people please. She explains that this enables predators to be able to take advantage of us and how to notice red flags and to trust our gut in these circumstances in order to keep ourselves safe. She then explains different self-defense moves that women can use if they aren’t able to get away from these predators. Finally, she gives strategies on how to overcome trauma that can occur when faced with being attacked.

This book was well thought out in the whole spectrum of women’s self-defense. I loved the part where she analyzed our culture and how we have to beat this good girl conditioning that society forced into us. She writes that as toddlers and kids, we say “no” a lot but sometime in our early childhood we are taught to simply comply- I felt this so much as a parent raising daughters and hope to build my girls to clearly communicate their boundaries and to always make they prioritize their own comfort over anyone else’s. I wish the self-defense pictures were a little bit clearer as for some of them, I was confused by what the lesson was.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Watkins Publishing for an advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

"She Fights Back" is an incredible resource for women looking to feel empowered and safe in today's world. Joanna Ziobronowicz's approach goes beyond the usual self-defense techniques, incorporating psychology and linguistics into a comprehensive guide. Her insights offer invaluable skills for recognizing danger, setting boundaries, and tapping into the strength that every woman possesses. As someone passionate about women's empowerment, I found "She Fights Back" not only informative but also deeply inspiring. Ziobronowicz's approach to self-defense psychology makes this book a must-read for any woman wanting to boost her safety and independence.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks you to NetGalley, author Joanna Ziobronowicz and publisher for an ARC of this book.

This is the first book of this kind I’ve read, and I found it informative and thought inducing. This is likely a topic I will delve into deeper in the near future.