Hidden Gems: Meet Tanea McClean of Surreal Self Defense

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanea McClean. 

Hi Tanea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story starts from childhood, growing up on the Eastside of Tacoma, WA back in the ’80s & early ’90s when people still read newspapers, and unfortunately, the headlines were filled with unsolved murders, kidnapping, gang banging, and investigators searching for serial killers whom one would later be identified as Ted Bundy. So situational awareness and surviving violent encounters were drilled in us starting as early as kindergarten. Especially for kids like myself that walked to school, loved being in the park, and very active at the local Boys & Girls Club- We were taught to travel in groups, to let adults know our whereabouts, and how to run & scream if something wasn’t right! 

Did we take martial arts classes, boxing, or conflict resolution courses? NO, not the majority of us, however, we did tussle in the backyard, stick up for ourselves against neighborhood bullies, and we always looked out for each other – and I mean the entire community looked out. We were able to enjoy living and being children without being stressed out because of the violent nature of the society we lived in. The securing of our safety was intentional – and that’s what I want to bring back safer communities. 

For most people, it takes a traumatic situation to happen before we take initiative to be prepared for an attack, especially women and children. There are too many stories about violence against innocent people over material things, misunderstandings, or criminal activities. A situation that has gone too far and you are just hoping to survive the encounter. It’s not until that moment someone has their hands around your throat, that knife in your back, or that gun to your head that you realize you are at a disadvantage and your life is on the line. This moment is terrifying, and for the ones that have gone through something similar to this, like myself – the last thing we want is for the next person to experience such a moment and not be prepared for it. 

So, I began networking with martial artist, firearms trainers, therapist, parents, and regular people. we are working together to train & educate the people in our communities on properly defending themselves, being safe, and surviving violent encounters. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The learning curve is challenging on the business side and the training. As a busy person, you know parenting, running your business operations, and trying to have some kind of personal life that is independent of all the above is probably the biggest obstacle – you know THE JUGGLING ACT! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
This isn’t your average self-defense company. Our primary goal is not just to teach you to fight or shoot a gun, it’s to teach you that you have the power to defend and protect yourself at any time, any place, and against any threat, and knowing that it starts from within. It requires a self-awareness about your strength, your power, and your courage. It requires you to embrace the superwoman inside you that has been there all along. 

Surreal Self-Defense is here to show you how to set her free. We offer private classes for individuals, couples, and small groups. Teaching about Firearms Fundamentals & Safety is my expertise. I do offer simulation trainings with firearms and the option of an indoor or outdoor range experience. Youth classes will begin in the Spring of 2022. 

I enjoy working with women specifically because of the connection and understanding of the feelings that come with purchasing and handling a firearm. Past traumatic experiences that involved guns in a negative way may discourage people from firearms, so we offer alternative methods of defense. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Confidence and patience are huge in this journey. The industry is definitely male dominant; however, the female market is leading in growth. It is very competitive and there are a lot of other great players in the game. So, I have to keep my confidence in check. Continuous training for myself, keeping my skill set up to par, and investing back into my business are necessary for sure. Being patient enough to see the vision through is super essential, realizing that the vision is bigger than myself, and the end goal is for a safer community. 

Pricing:

• One on One All-Inclusive Training $150.00
• All-Inclusive Couples Training $$225
• Private Group Sessions Starting at $399

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Instagram: @surrealselfdefense
• Facebook: Surreal Self-defense

Image Credits
Ashley Payne
Tee Wilson