Activist shares how her own story inspired her to teach others self-defense

Activist and author Rana Abdelhamid, a black belt in karate with nearly 17 years of experience teaching self-defense, recently shared her personal story with CBS Mornings about being attacked as a teenager, which inspired her to empower others through self-defense education. Abdelhamid explained that her journey into self-defense began after experiencing a traumatic assault during her youth, an event that not only left physical scars but also instilled in her a determination to help others protect themselves. In her interview, she emphasized that self-defense encompasses more than just physical techniques, encompassing mental awareness, boundary-setting, and confidence-building that extends beyond potential confrontations. The activist, who has made it her mission to democratize access to self-defense education, particularly for marginalized communities, also shared practical advice about what women should carry with them for personal safety, highlighting everyday items that can be repurposed as tools of protection when necessary.