The Way of Empowerment: Elicia Ybarra on Finding Strength Beyond the Dojo

Lifelong martial artist Elicia Ybarra joins the Shugyō Podcast to share how she transformed her personal challenges into a mission to empower women through self-defense, confidence-building, and setting healthy boundaries. With black belts in Taekwondo and Hapkido and years of experience teaching empowerment self-defense, Elicia speaks openly about creating safer training environments, recognizing unhealthy power dynamics, and the mindset work that helped her rebuild strength beyond the dojo. Shugyō—the way of disciplined, lifelong training—is at the heart of her journey. ⚠️ This episode contains discussion of abuse and trauma. Connect with Elicia Ybarra & Pretty Hands, Hard Punches Website: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyhandshardpunches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prettyhandshardpunches/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyhandshardpunches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrettyHandsHardPunches TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prettyhandshardpunches?lang=en Free Resources from Elicia Free Safety E-Guide: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/product-page/boundaries-bravery-self-defense-strategies-for-women-everywhere Promo Code: EmpowerHer Free “Ideal You” Worksheet: https://www.prettyhandshardpunches.com/product-page/creating-the-ideal-you Promo Code: IdealYou Support the Shugyō Podcast If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help the podcast grow. Follow us on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and future episodes: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/Shugyo.Thewayoftraining/