FIND YOUR STRENGTH: The Essential Self-Defense Guide for Every College Woman is more than a book focusing on physical techniques to thwart an attacker. While written in a style with teenage girls and young college-bound women in mind, the knowledge Jodi Harrison-Lee shares is valuable to women of all ages—and even boys and men. Parents, with daughters about to leave the nest, will find this book helpful in discussing precautions about life in the real world. The book is easily accessible, conveyed in a conversational style, accented with drawings, stories, tips, and observations.
Drawing on her 25 years of martial arts training and teaching, and alarmed by the startling statistics of sexual assaults of women during their college years, Master Lee was moved to help women stay safe. To empower as many people as possible, she compiled her knowledge into writing FIND YOUR STRENGTH and supports readers with online demonstration videos, bonuses, a Facebook community, and a blog. The book delves into topics beyond physical techniques of self-defense. She examines the roles a woman’s MIND and SPIRIT play, in order to stay safe and be strong, so that basic self-defense techniques, governed by the role of BODY, are used only if necessary.
In the MIND section, knowledge is sharpened as Master Lee discusses topics that include:
• Walking on campus at night
• Everyday objects that could be used as a weapon
• What a young woman may encounter at parties and other social situations
• Alcohol and its dominant role in sexual assault cases
• Date-rape drugs and being aware of one’s drink
• Natural-born ‘weapons’ a woman has at all times
• An attacker’s weak spots
In the BODY section, the focus is on a woman’s physical abilities:
• How a woman can use her natural weapons and the best targets on an attacker
• Tips that display confidence and may discourage an incident
• How to use your voice and the importance of communication
• Photos show techniques and a link is provided to online demonstrations
In the SPIRIT section, Master Lee leads you on a journey of self-reflection covering such topics as:
• Learning to respect and love oneself
• Teachings in the era of #MeToo
• Personal integrity and hearing one’s inner voice
• Seeking friends and mates and never settling for less
FIND YOUR STRENGTH should be required reading for teen girls and young women as they prepare to leave home for new academic and life adventures. Parents, in using the book as a discussion starter, can feel less anxious when their daughter leaves home and ventures out into the world. High schools as well as colleges and universities can make it highly recommended reading for students, likewise sororities and their members.
