Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman
Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman is a powerful, story-driven exploration of safety, survival, and self-empowerment that reframes fear, silence, and adaptation not as weakness, but as intelligent responses to threat. Set in an ancient world that mirrors modern life, it follows Lucy, Leona, and Gavin as they navigate belonging, power, and the quiet erosion of voice under physical, emotional, and manipulative abuse—always affirming that responsibility for harm belongs solely to the abuser, never the victim.
Through lived experience rather than lectures, the story reveals how control is normalized through promises, loyalty, and shifting rules, how comfort can replace true safety, and why leaving is rarely simple when choice itself has been distorted. Written by a survivor of childhood abuse, the book offers a compassionate, unsparing answer to the question “Why do people stay?”—honoring resilience, restoring clarity, and inviting readers to reclaim boundaries, self-respect, and the truth of who they are.a profound story about belonging, becoming whole, and remembering who you were before fear taught you to hide. Choosing to stand in your own truth, when you can say: I know who I am!
Endorsement by Cynthia Rothrock
John Kraft’s Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman is a powerful reminder that true strength begins within. This book beautifully blends timeless principles with practical guidance for today’s woman—helping her stand with confidence, clarity, and purpose in every area of life. Just like in martial arts, mastery comes from discipline, balance, and self-awareness, and this book delivers all three. A meaningful and inspiring read for any woman seeking both inner peace and personal empowerment.
Philip A. Holcombe, Ph.D., ABPP - Clinical Psychologist, ‘American Board of Professional Psychologists’, Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret’d. -- John Kraft's 'Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman' is a quick and light read that makes profound nuggets of empowerment wisdom accessible for all to consider. All readers who feel stuck at the individual or community level underneath the weight of various kinds of abuse will find thought sparks to help them get unstuck and consider how to begin a journey to safety and freedom.
Dr. Jessie Bowen: International Best-Selling Author | Publisher | Life & Leadership Coach. Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman is a timely and deeply inspiring work that bridges the sacred truths of the past with the realities women face today. John Kraft has crafted a thoughtful, empowering guide that speaks to the heart, mind, and spirit—offering clarity, strength, and purpose in a fast-paced modern world.
This book reminds us that true wisdom is timeless. Through insight, reflection, and practical application, it encourages women to reconnect with inner power, spiritual grounding, and authentic leadership. It is both affirming and transformative—an invitation to live with intention, confidence, and grace. A must-read for women seeking depth, balance, and direction—and for anyone who values the enduring power of ancient principles applied to modern life.
Al Dacascos, Honolulu, Hawaii, Senior Grandmaster, head of the International Kajukenbo Association. At its heart, this is not a book about becoming someone new. It is about becoming whole again and remembering who you were before fear taught you to shrink. Honoring the intelligence of how you survived. And choosing—when the time is right—to live from that place again. And in the spirit of Aloha, that is how healing begins—not through force, but through understanding, respect, and care for one another. I am honored to stand behind this work
Rob Castro, Sacramento, California, Senior Grandmaster, head of the International Shaolin Kenpo Association. A must-read for any woman of any age! There is something for everyone here. Strength, practical solutions for health and healing, I completely and wholeheartedly endorse John’s talent, and I’m very proud of him
Master Sonny Pabuaya, Winnipeg, Canada, head Instructor, Iron Fist Martial Arts. On the mats at Iron Fist, students often freeze during their first spar. It's the body’s way of protecting you. As an instructor and fighter, John understands that when safety is absent, silence and compliance are not signs of weakness—they are tactical, intelligent survival responses. John’s work shifts the focus from "Why didn't you leave?" to "How did you survive?"
Bill Hunter, 8th Dan Shotokan Karate-Do, 7 time World Champion. BC, Canada. I have known John Kraft for many years now and have always been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his ability to communicate that knowledge to others. I wholeheartedly recommend this work as I feel it will be an excellent resource for modern women.
Other Books and Mentions
If you want autographed copies of the books above, John will be happy to provide them for only a few dollars more. Place your order, and John will personally autograph them and ship them directly to you.
John Kraft Signed Hardcover Book
- Author Club Member
- $100 Hotel Saving Card
John Kraft Signed Softcover Book
- Author Club Member
- $50 Hotel Saving Card
About John Kraft
My friend Grace asked, "Do you know a lot about women?" My reply was "No, I know something about abuse. Like too many others, I was a victim of it."
My martial arts began in fifth grade with boxing, which continued through junior and senior high school. Taekwondo in high school, various self-defense classes in the US Navy, and then Ralph Castro's Shaolin Kenpo in my mid-twenties.
Fighting and motion have always intrigued me, but I would not advise anyone to fight unless all other options have failed. There are better options.
I have been a student and an instructor. I've owned my own school, teaching men, women, and children. I've assisted in teaching nationally and internationally, and I've taught locally and nationally. I will always have the mindset of a student; there is always more to learn.
My 10th-grade English teacher encouraged me to write while I lived in upstate New York. I didn't take her up on it until I was in my 40's. I've written small works in several books. This full book began when I was approached by a local Native American tribe seeking help for ongoing Domestic Violence situations. After two-plus years of study and research, Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Woman is my answer to helping those living in abusive situations.
