Redefining Self-Defense: Elicia Ybarra on Taking Back Your Life with 'Pretty Hands Hard Punches'

Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

Host KL Wells welcomes Elicia Ybarra, founder of Pretty Hands Hard Punches, for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and empowerment. Drawing from her upbringing in a family affected by addiction, Elicia shares how martial arts became her refuge and ultimately her life’s passion. She opens up about navigating postpartum depression, ADHD, and trauma, and how therapy, boundary-setting, and self-education have been essential in her journey. Elicia’s work focuses on redefining self-defense for women, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, authenticity, and storytelling in healing from the impact of addiction.

Key Discussion Points:

• Growing up in a household affected by addiction and chaos
• Finding safety and self-worth through martial arts
• The challenges of boundary-setting in dysfunctional environments
• Navigating postpartum depression and seeking effective therapy
• The impact of ADHD and trauma on personal growth
• The importance of changing environments and support systems
• Redefining self-defense beyond physical techniques to include emotional and mental boundaries
• The role of authenticity and storytelling in healing and empowering others

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was your early childhood like, and how did you find your way out of that environment?
• How did martial arts become a refuge for you?
• What led you to seek therapy, and how did you find the right support?
• How did your experiences with postpartum depression and ADHD shape your healing journey?
• What are the foundational tools you use for managing trauma and triggers?
• How do you teach your students about boundaries and self-defense beyond the physical?
• What advice do you have for those loving someone with addiction?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How childhood experiences with addiction can shape self-worth and boundaries
• The transformative power of martial arts as a tool for healing and empowerment
• Practical strategies for managing trauma, including EMDR and grounding techniques
• Why changing your environment can be critical to mental health recovery
• The importance of finding the right therapist and being intentional about healing
• How to identify and set healthy boundaries in all areas of life
• The value of authenticity and sharing your story to break cycles of isolation

Resources:

• Connect with Elicia Ybarra:
• Instagram & Social: @prettyhandshardpunches
• Website: prettyhandshardpunches.com
• Free Resource:
• Download Elicia’s “Ideal U Worksheet” to help you define your boundaries and envision your empowered self. Get the worksheet here (Get it Free! Use promo code: IdealYou).
• Recommended Reading:
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Podcast Host:
• Learn more about KL Wells and the podcast at Voices InCourage

Ready to take back your power?

Connect with Elicia, download your free worksheet, and start setting boundaries that honor your worth. If you found this episode meaningful, share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.