Elicia Ybarra

Empowering Audiences with Real-World Self-Defense, Resilience, and Confidence

As a lifelong martial artist, abuse survivor, and advocate, I’m not just here to teach techniques—I’m here to equip women with the skills and mindset needed to stand strong and navigate life’s toughest situations. My journey, marked by resilience and a commitment to overcoming adversity, fuels my passion for empowering women to protect themselves, set firm boundaries, and rebuild confidence from the inside out.

My Story and Purpose
Having experienced and overcome manipulation, abuse, and exploitation within the martial arts industry, I know the importance of standing up for oneself. This journey shaped me into an advocate and instructor who genuinely understands what it means to reclaim power, and I’ve built my career on teaching others to do the same. I founded my business, Pretty Hands, Hard Punches, to create a safe, supportive space for women to learn practical self-defense strategies and the deeper skills of boundary-setting and confidence-building. My sessions offer more than physical techniques; they provide a path to resilience, strength, and self-worth that can be applied in every area of life.

What Audiences Will Gain
In my presentations, I offer practical, immediately usable tools for self-protection, both physically and mentally. Audiences don’t just walk away with self-defense moves—they gain a renewed sense of self-assurance and clarity that can transform their approach to challenges, relationships, and personal goals.

After hearing me speak, your audience will be able to:

• Implement effective, accessible self-defense techniques that can be used right away
• Recognize and navigate red flags in relationships and professional settings
• Strengthen their self-worth through boundary-setting skills and assertive communication
• Build a foundation of confidence, resilience, and personal empowerment

Popular Programs:

• Empowered Boundaries: Self-Defense and Beyond
  (Learn self-defense techniques and strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries in every aspect of life)
• Red Flags and Real Talk: Avoiding Exploitation in the Real World
  (Gain insight into identifying manipulation tactics and protecting yourself mentally and emotionally)
• Building Resilience Through Martial Arts and Mindset
  (Discover the confidence and discipline that martial arts can bring to both physical and mental resilience)

Client Testimonial: "This is the first self-defense class I have ever taken where I have felt empowered and confident. I felt like Wonder Woman.  While taking the class I felt powerful and confident in my ability to protect myself should I ever need to."  - Adele C. 

A Proven Advocate and Expert
With years of experience as an instructor, a background in overcoming adversity, and a lifelong dedication to martial arts, I bring authenticity, expertise, and a message of empowerment that resonates deeply with audiences. Meeting planners can trust that my presentations are engaging, impactful, and filled with actionable insights. I offer an experience that inspires participants to reclaim their power, face challenges with confidence, and leave ready to live boldly.