HOW SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING EMPOWERS TRAUMA RECOVERY
- rachel4225
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A Conversation with Rachel Mahloch & Peg Shippert, LPC
Recovering from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and no single approach works for everyone. But body-based practices—like self-defense training—can play a powerful role in healing.
In this conversation, Peg Shippert, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Rachel Mahloch, founder of Battle Woman®, discuss how trauma-informed self-defense supports survivors in reclaiming strength, reconnecting with their bodies, and restoring confidence.
“The smallest physical movement can have a huge impact.” – Rachel
Peg explains that trauma recovery often involves four components: calming the nervous system, reconnecting mind and body, reactivating the thinking brain, and rediscovering a strong sense of self.
Rachel shares how some martial arts and targeted defense drills train women to regulate breathing, manage heart rate, and stay calm under stress—all of which directly support resilience and healing.
The Approach
Rachel emphasizes:
Simplicity – Skills must be easy to recall under pressure.
Prevention – Awareness and communication can avoid or de-escalate most confrontations.
Confidence – Women must empower themselves to defend without apology.
From Timid to Empowered
Many women arrive hesitant to hit, strike, or kick. Rachel starts with conversation, real-life scenarios, and pad work.
Once students connect with their inner warrior, they begin striking with focus and intention. This physical empowerment often mirrors an emotional shift: confidence, conscious awareness, and self-worth.
Skills That Build Confidence
Threat recognition and recognizing red flags
Breathing to remain calm under pressure
Using your voice to set boundaries
Building physical attributes
Pad work, footwork and bag training
Balance, coordination, and timing
Grab escapes and ballistic maneuvers
Scenario practice to develop muscle memory
“There are no wrong answers in self-defense. The only rule is: do what you need to get away safely.” – Rachel
Workshops & Programs
Rachel offers:
Intro Workshops (2.5 hours): awareness, boundaries, breathwork, grab escapes, strikes/kicks and scenarios
Classes for women & teens: scenario-based training, deeper dive into each skill, consent education
Private coaching: customized individual or group sessions
Corporate/community programs: Customized, trauma-informed personal safety seminars integrated into wellness initiatives
Rachel’s Background
20+ years of martial arts experience
2nd-degree black belt in hybrid Japanese Jujitsu system
3rd-degree black belt in Shaolin-American Kempo
Apprentice in JKD instructorship program
Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, Boxing, BJJ
Training in combat skills, emotional content, crisis communication, and situational awareness
How to Get Started
Ways to connect with Battle Woman®:
Visit the Battle Woman website for workshops & classes
Invite Rachel to speak at your conference, workplace, or event
Closing Thoughts
Peg: “Thank you, Rachel. It’s inspiring to see how self-defense can be more than physical—it can be healing."
Rachel: “When women reconnect with their strength, they don’t just protect themselves—they reclaim a vital part of who they are.”
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