Lovely to meet you! I’m Rebecca Ahn (she/her).

A multi-passionate entrepreneur, writer, traveler, and all-around warrior dedicated to empowering all of my fellow woman+kind.

A lifelong tomboy, I grew up an athlete, dancer, performer, and martial artist, as well as a sort of unofficial bodyguard to my friends. As an adult, I’ve channeled that foundation into jobs in lifeguarding, firefighting, filmmaking, and stunt performing/coordinating. I’ve always been drawn to fields dominated by men, determined to break those glass ceilings for myself and other women+. Over time, I developed a passion for powerful female-driven stories.

Yet when I found myself faced with my own real life story in my first major romantic relationship, I was shocked to discover how ill-prepared I was to handle the full scope of what violence and abuse would do to me. Not just the physical struggle (though I was able to fight him off), but the emotional aftermath. The lingering fear, and anger, and shame.

It took me years to come to terms with what happened. To admit it to myself, let alone others. But little by little, it opened the door for conversations with other women+ about their (often far worse) experiences. And it amazed me to see just how many others there are out there who relate.

This led me to discover my true calling.

I slowly realized that all of my skills and experiences had perfectly primed me for the world of self defense. At first, it wasn’t even about being the one to teach these skills. I just wanted to be the best equipped I could possibly be, and make sure others were too. So I began researching what classes were out there and taking as many as I could. I was shocked to discover a serious lack of self defense training that really spoke to a woman’s experience from a woman’s perspective. Sure, there are plenty of self defense classes marketed to women, but the vast majority are taught by men. And even those with women instructors are designed by men. The flaw was in the foundation. So I began leading my own self defense workshops for friends, coworkers, friends’ coworkers, anyone who was willing. And those teachings have evolved into the Tough Cookie Self Defense Course you now see here.

As a woman who has been through it, and has felt that fear walking alone at night or being unexpectedly approached, I know that defending yourself requires so much more than just knowing how to kick ass. It’s as mental as it is physical. And it demands a great deal of you before and after the assault, as much as it does during. What shocked me most was how few self defense instructors seemed to understand that and address the full scope of that. Or teach you the foremost lesson that self defense is NOT about fighting, but rather about escaping to safety – whether or not you have to fight to achieve that.

It’s still self defense if you don’t fight at all.

Women+ need and deserve training that can show them how to use both their body and mind to stay safer before, during, and after an assault. Not just how to fight back (though that’s important too), but also how to stay alert, be aware, and avoid dangers long before they start. And then how to recover, heal, and talk about what happened after the fact.

To be honest, I struggled for a long time with the idea of being the one to teach you all this. My days on camera were long over and performing was well and good in my past. I had little desire to revisit all that and put myself out there again in such a public way. So the process of filming this Course was a little rocky and ridiculous…

But I truly believe the world needs this. Women+ like you and me need this. So if I want this to exist, then I guess I gotta make it. If I can find the courage to do this, then I hope I’ve inspired you to find your courage as well!

Which brings me to you.

I’m doing this for you. Because you deserve women’s self defense training that’s as practical, intuitive, and well-rounded as you are. My Tough Cookie Self Defense program is built on a bedrock of compassion and camaraderie. On both strength and sensitivity, including how the latter actually improves the former. Fierce and feminine. Assertive and aware. That’s what it takes to fight back like the tough woman+ you are.

Through my online training program, accompanying blog, and anything else I may offer – I’m in this to make a difference for you. To help you not only survive, but thrive. Whether you’ve already had tons of self defense training or never done anything like this before in your life, I’m here to teach you how to safely and effectively defend yourself in any situation. Whatever your situation and comfort level. Sure, this is a business. Sure, we sell things. And sure, the goal is to earn a living doing so. But I will also make sure I’m always providing a plethora of free content for you as well. My ultimate goal is to help you become the strong, safe, and resilient Tough Cookie I know you can be.

I designed this program FOR YOU. So you do you, boo. I’ve got your back.

Now I’m not the greatest expert in the world on this and I don’t have all the answers. I make mistakes too, and have moments of darkness and fear and self-doubt, just like the rest of humanity. But my commitment to you is to bring the very best of what I’ve learned and continue learning every day in everything I share with you, while keeping it real and honest as I go. So please don’t expect perfect poise and polish. I’m too plain-spoken and rough-around-the-edges for that. But do expect honest and compassionate communication, simple and practical advice, a bit of tomfoolery, and an unwavering devotion to help you live your life as fully, freely, and safely as possible.

The way I see it, we’re all doing the best we can and giving whatever we can. This is what I have to give you, and it can change your life. I know you also have a lot to give this program, this community, and yourself, if you are up for it.

If you’ve read this far, thank you.

I hope this is just the beginning of our relationship. Now I’d love to hear from you and learn more about you too. Come join my email list and let’s continue the conversation together. I’ll tell you all about my travel-tested safety tips, favorite stories and case studies, recommended gear, and insider deals for my Tough Cookie Self Defense Course and other trainings.

As for the rest of our online presence, I’m not a huge fan of social media. So I am only on a few select platforms. That means primarily Instagram and Pinterest. Feel free to come find me on those! I’m also very minimally on Twitter and (begrudgingly) Facebook, but be forewarned that I check those nearly never. While this is a digital-based company, I do like to spend as much time offline as humanly possible. After all, if we aren’t out there enjoying our life, then what’s the point in defending it?

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I’m thrilled you’ve connected with me and so excited for your journey ahead. I have much hope for you, Cookie-san.

With gratitude and grit,

Rebecca Ahn
(Hint: it’s pronounced like “On”)