Way of the Shieldmaster monks prioritize defense over attack. They focus on redirecting attacks, lessening damage taken, and protecting their friends.

Grappler

When you take this tradition at 3rd level, you can make your second Flurry of Blows strike a grapple instead. You can also use Acrobatics instead of Athletics to grapple.

Iron Clad Defense

At 3rd level, you can spend 1 ki point to cast Shield.

Defensive Maneuvers

Starting at 6th level, you learn how to better defend yourself and your friends. As a reaction to you or an ally within 5 feet of you being attacked, you can spend 1 ki point to take half of the incoming damage. You can spend an additional ki point to suffer no damage and instead, if it's a melee attack, direct half damage back at the attacker.

Magic Redirection

Starting at 11th level, you learn to store magic used against you for later use. As a reaction to taking magical damage that isn't bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing, you can spend 2 ki points to store some of that energy in your fists. Your next unarmed strike does half of the same type of damage you took in addition to your regular damage.

Unbreakable

At 17th level, your skin becomes almost impenetrable. When you would be hit by an attack, you can spend 4 ki points to have the attack do no damage. Additionally, if the attacker is in melee range, you can use your reaction to either grapple them or attack them with an unarmed strike.