Self-Defense, Safety & Real-World Strategies with Cesalina Gracie

If you've ever walked to your car at night with your keys in your fist, avoided a situation because you didn't know how to handle it, or stayed quiet when someone crossed a line — this episode is for you. CEO Amanda Tress sits down with Cesalina Gracie — women's self-defense expert, keynote speaker, and granddaughter of Grand Master Carlos Gracie Sr., the pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a founding force behind the UFC — for one of the most empowering and practically life-changing conversations the FASTer Way Podcast has ever had. Cesalina has taken a lifetime of martial arts mastery and turned it into a mission: helping everyday women build the physical skills, mental fortitude, and emotional tools to move through the world safely — and confidently. This one goes way beyond a few self-defense moves. Cesalina breaks down why size has nothing to do with being a target (serial killers never cited it — distraction and compliance are what predators actually look for), why your gut instinct is non-negotiable and you should stop negotiating with it, and the one elevator mistake almost every woman makes that puts her at risk. She and Amanda also get real about something every woman has faced: what to do when a colleague is too touchy, a situation feels uncomfortable, or someone crosses a line — and you don't know what to say. You'll learn: Why self-defense starts with strategies, not strength — and how Cesalina's method uses leverage, not size The elevator mistake almost every woman makes — and exactly where to stand instead How to use your voice as your first and most powerful line of defense — in uncomfortable social situations and beyond Why distraction is what makes you a target — not your size — and how to flip the script The one question to ask an approaching stranger that immediately puts you back in control How physical strength and self-confidence build on each other — inch by inch, brick by brick Cesalina's message is simple but profound: the skills to protect yourself are already inside you. The training just takes you home. Whether you're a seasoned FASTer Way client who trains hard or a woman who's never stepped foot in a gym — this episode will change how you carry yourself, how you read a room, and how you show up in the world. Remove the hesitation. Because at the FASTer Way, we don't just build strong bodies — we build women who know exactly what they're capable of. Join FASTer Way: fasterwaytofatloss.com Don't forget to check out our merch, supplements and other great deals: fasterwayshop.com Subscribe: youtube.com/FASTerWaytoFatLoss Follow us on Instagram: Amanda Tress: @amandatress Cesalina Gracie: @cesagracie FASTer Way to Fat Loss: @fasterwaytofatloss Connect with Cesalina: Website: cesalina.com Online Self-Defense Course: safety.cesalina.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cesalinagracie YouTube: youtube.com/cesalinagracie