When Women Embrace a Life of Badassery

Many women have had moments when they felt mentally burned out, beaten down, or like they might crumble under pressure. At that point the question becomes one of resiliency; a leveling up in order to turn these setbacks into secret weapons. 

Nationally recognized keynote speaker, health and empowerment coach, and a 3rd-degree black belt in Hapkido Jennifer Cassetta knows that life all too well. After a close call with death on September 11th, 2001, three blocks south of the World Trade Center, followed by a brush with an attacker months later, Jenn began martial arts training where she discovered how to harness the power of mind, body, and spirit. 

Today, in her book, “The Art of Badassery: Unleash Your Mojo with Wisdom of the Dojo” Cassetta teaches women in the business and academic worlds how to unleash their inner badass by using dojo wisdom as a metaphor for life. 

Whether battling a financial hardship, an unexpected health event, a challenging boss, or a narcissistically manipulative relationship, Jenn offers readers a pathway for flexing their mental muscles, rising above fear, and converting setbacks into superpowers.

Her siren call to women……

“….while you may bend, you will not break because you have the power within to rise up and stand tall.” 

The book delivers a solid kick from the dojo mat comprised of these chapters:

Chapter 1: WHITE BELT: Embrace the Suck

Chapter 2: YELLOW BELT: Bounce Back

Chapter 3: ORANGE BELT: Block the Bullshit

Chapter 4: GREEN BELT: Find Your Roar

Chapter 5: BLUE BELT: Elevate Your Energy

Chapter 6: RED BELT: Connect with Your Warrior Within

Chapter 7: BLACK BELT: Take the Lead

What are some of the most common barriers that women commonly express when it comes to owning their power?

JC: There are too many to list here but the most common barriers that the women I work with commonly express come from outside forces like societal pressures tied to how women should live their lives. For example, many women are taught either consciously or unconsciously that a "good woman" grows up to find a husband, get married and have children. And that our worth is skin deep. Then there are women who I work with who have been verbally, mentally, emotionally and even physically abused. 

With that said, there are many women whose own worst enemy when it comes to owning their power is themselves. We allow people from our past (and sometimes present) to drain our power. We give away our power consciously and unconsciously to people who don't deserve it. 

The principles in The Art of Badassery allow women to examine how much power they may have "misplaced" over the years and gives them a chance to reclaim it all. Every single drop.

Besides martial arts, what are some other practices that women should take into consideration in terms of feeling strong, safe, and powerful?

JC: The Art of Badassery isn't about martial arts, per se. It uses martial arts as a metaphor to create a structure for self empowerment. Chapters walk readers from white belt to black belt with mental and written exercises to help strengthen their spirit. The aim is to give readers the tools to build resilience from heartaches, to set boundaries, use their voices powerfully and become powerful leaders in their communities.  

How has martial arts impacted your own life? 

JC: Martial arts is what has made me, and many women I know feel strong, safe and powerful but this book is about developing the inner strength it takes to get back up after a takedown, no matter what life throws at you.

I believe that women should have some type of practice in their life that makes them feel strong. That can be lifting weights, doing yoga, cycling, journaling, meditating or working on a car. Anything that makes you feel competent, capable and confident should become something that you make time for in your daily life. The mind and body connection is powerful so choose something that keeps them both active and growing.

What is your greatest hope in terms of what readers walk away from your book with? 

JC: I hope that this book helps women stand up for themselves, their needs and their wants. I hope that it gives women the tools to communicate boundaries and develop affirming self talk. I hope this book encourages women to practice radical self care so they have the energy to go after the life of their dreams. And I hope this book helps women realize their importance in community, society and in the world as leaders. I know this is a tall order from a book, but if it helps just one woman realize how powerful she is, then it's all worth it!

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