Most of the time, the world feels safe—until suddenly it isn’t. When danger strikes and you are your own first responder, all you have is your judgment, your composure, and whatever you can get your hands on. Hope is not a plan, and uncertainty is not protection. What many people don’t realize is that they already carry a simple, powerful tool that can shift the odds: a pen . Legal, discreet, and always within reach, it becomes an unexpected advantage when you have to protect yourself or your loved ones. Covert Self-Defense reveals how to use this everyday object with confidence and precision. With guidance from edged-weapons expert Doug Marcaida, and vivid action illustrations by Tom Mandrake, you’ll explore real scenarios, proven techniques, and the simple movements that matter if forced into a fight. This book goes beyond technique. You’ll learn: How criminals select their targets - How to manage strangers safely - How to recognize danger early - How to control your emotions when adrenaline spikes - You’ll understand the legal principles that shape every self-defense encounter - How to protect not only your safety, but your freedom Clear, practical, and unexpectedly empowering, Covert Self-Defense is a modern guide to staying aware, prepared, and quietly capable in an unpredictable world. If you're ready to leave vulnerability behind and become someone who moves through the world prepared—calm, aware, and quietly armed with an advantage no one else can see—this book is for you. "A must-read for self-defense instructors and anyone developing real self-defense skills. Covert Self-Defense is truly mind blowing. It is a practical and eye-opening resource that shows just how much there is to understand about violence outside the cage." - Natan Levy , UFC veteran, decorated grappler, Karate & Kung Fu black belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, USDC Champion, self-defense & MMA instructor "A clear, practical guide to staying safe in unpredictable times. J-F Truchon's research and illustrations make every lesson vivid, real, and easy to absorb. Highly recommended." - Rokas Leonavicius , creator of the Ultimate Self-Defense Championship, black belt in Aikido, dedicated to exploring realistic and effective self-defense training. "Covert Self-Defense might sound like a niche manual, but J-F Truchon takes a 10,000-foot view of self-protection itself. Even if you never intend to fight with a pen, this book is packed with practical, field-relevant insights that truly shine. Highly recommended." - Craig Douglas , founder of ShivWorks, retired SWAT and undercover narcotics officer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and internationally recognized expert in close-quarters self-defense. "If confidence, not conflict, is your goal, Covert Self-Defense deserves your attention. It combines practical awareness with lawful, decisive action and simple, scalable tactics designed to keep you out of trouble and get you home safe. You don't want to skip this." - Michael Donvito , 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and founder of EliteYou, a close-combat instructor with over two decades of experience training military and law enforcement units. "J-F Truchon delivers an exceptional guide that draws on the experience of true experts and applies it to the realities of personal protection. He captures what matters most under pressure, rapid decision-making, controlled execution, and the will to prevail when it counts. Covert Self-Defense stands out for its practical and responsibly taught techniques, especially its innovative use of a pen as a defensive tool. More than a book about tactics, it's a well-researched, collaborative work on preparedness, awareness, and survival. A must-read." - Randy Turner , former Joint Task Force 2 Special Operations Assaulter, former professional MMA fighter ranked top 10 in Canada, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and founder of Direct Actions Combat Performance.