Awareness
Learn to read people, places and patterns so you notice what is happening around you long before a situation turns.
Self defence for women · Durham & Simcoe
Real-world self defence taught from real experience
It's a LifestyleAwareness and mindset first. Learn to recognize danger, trust your instincts and stay safer in real-life situations — from a former Close Protection Agent with over two decades of teaching.
17 years in close protection · 20+ years teachingIf it's already physical, you've missed what happened before it
That's why my foundational workshop spends four full hours on the skills that help you avoid dangerous situations altogether.
Mindset
Build a strong, positive mindset and the mental tools to stay calm, trust your instincts and act with confidence.
Decision-making
Practise clear choices under pressure so you can avoid, de-escalate or leave a dangerous situation altogether.
About Raven Protection
Empowering women with awareness, confidence and practical tools
I have been teaching self defence for over two decades. My greatest desire is to equip women with a strong, positive mindset alongside practical mental tools that truly empower everyday life.
Many programs jump straight into physical techniques without much thought for context. I teach theory first — awareness, mindset and decision-making — so you can recognize problems early and avoid them. Physical defence comes after, in Part 2.
As a bodyguard, the goal was never to fight — it was to remove my client from danger. If I had to do battle, I had already lost control.
What makes it different
First-hand knowledge, not a textbook
A proven approach built on a career spent detecting and avoiding problematic situations.
Theory first
Every woman starts with a 4-hour Awareness & Mindset workshop. Physical skills come later, with context.
Self defence, not martial arts
No specific style and no martial arts techniques — just practical, real-world personal protection.
17 years in close protection
Taught by a former Close Protection Agent who protected families and their children from credible threats.
Anti-terrorism certified
Training shaped by professional security knowledge, not a textbook.
Small groups
Workshops are capped at 10 women so every question gets answered and every voice is heard.
Context is everything
Understand what leads up to an incident — because by the time it's physical, a lot has already been missed.
Workshops & sessions
Training that fits your life
Join a regular 4-hour foundational workshop, or bring a tailored course to your home, workplace or screen.
Part 1 · 4 hours01
Awareness & Mindset Workshop
The foundation. Four hours on awareness, confidence and decision-making. Held regularly, 10 women max.
Part 2 · 3 hours02
Physical Techniques & Scenario Drilling
A little more theory, then practical physical defence and realistic scenarios. Part 1 is required first.
Home or workplace03
Custom Workshops at Your Location
Tailored to the topics and concerns your group wants covered. 60, 90 or 120 minutes — or the length you need.
In person or Zoom04
One-on-One Sessions
Private sessions focused on theory or physical skills, built entirely around you and your situation.
Linda Langerak · FounderMeet Linda
I teach what I've lived
My desire to teach self defence was born from once feeling like I had nowhere to turn for help and answers. I read and studied everything I could — and The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker literally changed my life.
While co-owning a martial arts club in Mississauga, I joined a Close Protection team in Toronto, entrusted with protecting a family and their children. I went on to lead a protection detail for a second family facing a credible threat, and became certified in anti-terrorism along the way.
Background
- 20+ years teaching self defence
- Close Protection Agent for almost 17 years
- Led protection details for families with credible threats
- Certified in anti-terrorism
- Former co-owner of a martial arts club in Mississauga
Approach
- Avoidance before engagement
- Awareness you can use every day
- Tools for real-life situations
- Confidence that lasts beyond class
Take the 4-hour Awareness & Mindset workshop (Part 1).
Learn to spot warning signs and trust your instincts.
Move on to Physical Techniques & Scenario Drilling (Part 2).
Practise realistic scenarios in a safe, supportive group.
Carry it with you every day — it's a lifestyle.
Pricing
Clear, simple pricing
Start with Part 1. Continue with Part 2. Or ask about a course built just for you.
Part 1 · 4 hours
Awareness & Mindset Workshop
$75per person
The foundation every woman takes first.
- Awareness, confidence & decision-making
- Recognizing warning signs early
- Avoidance and de-escalation strategies
- Small group — 10 women max
Part 2 · 3 hours
Physical Techniques & Scenario Drilling
$75per person
Requires completion of Part 1.
- Theory review before physical work
- Practical physical defence
- Realistic scenario drilling
- Adapted to every fitness level
Custom individual or group workshops — in-home, workplace, virtual or other — please get in touch for pricing.
It's a Lifestyle
Awareness isn't something you switch on. It's how you live — and it can be learned.
Book a WorkshopWhat women are saying
Walk away feeling empowered
Sample reviews — real participant stories coming soon.
“I walked out seeing everything differently — parking lots, my commute, even my own instincts. I feel so much more confident.”
“Linda teaches from real experience. The focus on avoiding danger first made so much sense to me.”
“We brought Linda into our workplace and she tailored everything to our team's concerns. Highly recommend.”
FAQ
Questions you may have
Book or enquire
Tell me what you're looking for
Reserve a spot in an upcoming workshop, or share what you'd like covered and I'll tailor a course specifically for you, your family or your workplace.
Service areaBased in the Township of Brock, Durham Region. Serving Beaverton, Cannington, Sunderland, Orillia and Simcoe County — and virtually by Zoom.