Covert Self-Defense

The Unexpected Advantage of Fighting with a Pen

Jean-Francois Truchon, Doug Marcaida, Tom Mandrake

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Paperback

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English

Atomic Bear Press
04 December 2025

Security & fire alarm systems; Safety in the home; Self-help & personal development; Home & house maintenance

OUTSMART DANGER. TILT THE ODDS. WIN THE FIGHT. PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM.

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

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, the pen 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.

FEATURING LEGENDARY CONTRIBUTORS Illustrated by acclaimed comic book artist Tom Mandrake and featuring exclusive techniques from Forged in Fire star and edged-weapons expert Doug Marcaida, this guide explores real scenarios, proven mechanics, and the simple movements that matter if forced into a fight.

This book goes beyond physical technique. You'll learn:

The Predator's Mindset:

How criminals select their targets and how to get off their radar. Stranger Protocols:

How to manage unknown contacts and recognize danger early. Adrenaline Management:

How to control your emotions when the ""freeze"" response hits. The Legal Shield:

Understand the principles of self-defense 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.

Leave vulnerability behind. Become someone who moves through the world prepared-calm, aware, and quietly armed with an advantage no one else can see.

By: Jean-Francois Truchon
Illustrated by: Tom Mandrake
Foreword by: Doug Marcaida
Imprint: Atomic Bear Press
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 513g
ISBN: 9781069888402
ISBN 10: 1069888400
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 04 December 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Covert Self-Defense: The Unexpected Advantage of Fighting with a Pen

""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.