About Us

Pretty Hands, Hard Punches is led by Elicia Ybarra, a 4th dan black belt in Taekwondo, 1st dan in Hapkido, and a passionate women's self-defense instructor with over 20 years of martial arts experience. After surviving abuse within the martial arts world, Elicia turned her pain into purpose and launched her mission to empower 1 million women through confidence-building, boundary-setting, and practical self-defense.

As a public speaker and advocate, she shares her story to raise awareness, educate communities, and help women recognize red flags before abuse happens. Her classes are trauma-informed, inclusive, and focused on real-life scenarios, not sport-based sparring.

Elicia is a proud wife, mom, Cub Scout den leader, and active member of her local community. When she’s not teaching or speaking, she’s hiking, painting, or cheering on her son at his soccer game.

Through partnerships, workshops, and events, Pretty Hands, Hard Punches is creating a ripple effect of strength, safety, and sisterhood.