In Beyond Self-Defense, Shihan Michelle has written a book about self-defense and how to hopeful prevent an attack. Her background is she is the founder and leader of Self Defense Services and holds a six degree in Black Belt Karate. She begins the book by explaining what sexual assault is and how it basically means any nonconsensual sexual act. She started the book with a story about Lynn and her older brother was left alone when their parents went out of town. Lynn and her friend wanted to go to a party. At the party, they chose to go smoke a joint. Two guys noticed them and offered them a ride. When they woke up, they were beaten, bruised, and sexually assaulted. This story was based on someone in her family and her mother warned her about the dangers.



In the book, she looked at the studies and how it is reported that 80% of people sexually assaulted have known their attackers beforehand. It mostly isn’t strangers. She discussed the topic of context and used two different stories to convey the importance of understanding context. This can lead us to seeing the world differently in different settings. She also gave you a powerful lesson about how we can discover how a person handles rejection when we tell them no and set a boundary. She explained how she has yet to meet who is confident to say no to anyone at any time. In the book, she touched on lightweight and strong-weight movements in order to stand up against someone else. She enclosed tips on how to perform simple actions to display strength in self-defense.




I would recommend this book to anyone who is needing to learn how to stand their ground and they are fearful of the world even. I liked how she discussed context and how we see our environment and the world around us. I liked how she shared some of her background in her karate and what it taught her on standing up for rape victims. The book contained much more than just techniques to use if you have to, it went deeper into the recognizing signs and triggers and provides you with the knowledge to handle any situation.

This is a great resource book and it’s not one to read over several days - this took me weeks as I was processing more of the idea of this book. It’s not all about self defence but about how women can feel stronger and more resilient. Really useful guide.

The concept of "self-offense" is SO great! Lots of useful techniques, strategies, and things to look for to help prepare yourself for bad things before they start.

This book is truly brilliant and provides so much insight into the little-known realities about self-defense. Prior to reading this, I didn't even know that "Self-Offense" was a real thing and now feel that Self Defense classes are too glorified. It felt good that the author validated the "sixth sense" of just knowing when someone doesn't have positive intentions. I think this book provided me with interesting ways to be alert without compromising on my mental health, judging whether a person is a 'green flag' and the most useful- learning to say NO. This easy to read, well thought out self-help is no nonsense and easy to apply (coming from someone who doesn't read much of nonfiction) and is a must read.

Thank you North Atlantic Books, Shihab Michelle, and Netgalley for an arc of this book. I love the information and validation you get in this book. Its very informative and gives great advice and life skills to help you be safe.

I didn't know what to expect from this book and thought it would be full of the same self defense tactics that I have read before

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of the book focused on how to set boundaries as part of your "self defense" and not let other people disregard those boundaries.

Full disclosure as someone who has been in a dangerous situation before that did not end well, I acknowledged, as I have before, that not trusting my gut was a huge part of why things ended the way they did.

The author gives you very practical and reflective steps that you can use in a multitude of situations, whether it is deciding to move forward with someone you are interested in, or you find yourself in a potentially threatening experience.

I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants tips on how to set your emotional and physical boundaries as a form of "self defense." I would love to see a part two that delves more into how to practice the skill, or if there were worksheets included.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion from NetGalley and the publisher for which I am grateful.

This book should be recommended to young people as a part of the curriculum, so they are aware of everything before they start being young adults.

I didn’t know what to expect from Beyond Self-Defence, but I was very impressed with it. I felt a real connection with the author and could relate to what she said. It is written in a very down to earth way. I have issues which cause me to be hyper vigilant when I’m outside and this book has really given me a lot of positive things to consider. I especially enjoyed the reflection and practice sections at the end of each chapter.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

An excellent book on protecting yourself both emotionally and physically.

This should be required reading for every high school Senior / young college student, so they develop these invaluable skills that will help keep them safe (or definitely safer) throughout their lifetime.

I think putting your best foot forward and always looking ahead not behind is such an important trait for any human being to have. Now, this is easier said than done, but something that we can all work on. Working and redefining ourselves is the epitome of being human. I think that sometimes we become so caught up on the hype and trying to please others before we please ourselves is so detrimental.

This author was able to bring out those lessons that we need to hear and learn in order to become our best selves!

1. The concept is clear.
2. The voice in the writing is quite strong.
3. Specific.

However, I feel the presentation/each chapter is quite tedious to read. I would suggest you to take your time and pick up this book when you do have time to read.

The book deals with sensitive topics on sexual assault and what are we doing about it.

The book itself is short. As we go on reading the book, the content becomes better and better with more specific/practical exercises and techniques we can do/learn.

I appreciate that such books are being published. Looking forward to more such books as such topics are still hushed and not discussed enough.

Thank you, North Atlantic Books, for the advance reading copy.

4.5 stars- Upon reading 'Beyond Self-Defense', I felt an immediate connection to Michelle's approach to safety. Her genuine personal stories resonated deeply, making it more than just a handbook—it's a journey of empowerment. Michelle's background in Full Contact karate and her passion as the founder of Self Offense Services shines throughout, offering readers more than techniques, but a mindset shift. The chapters on recognizing emotional triggers and rethinking societal biases about safety are especially poignant. This isn't just about avoiding danger, it's about reclaiming our space and voice in the world.