Greensboro, NC -- Holiday shopping can quickly turn from joyous to dangerous if you are not careful.
According to police, women are often a target for muggers and attackers.
Statistics reveal most women fight back. However, if you allow an attacker to take you away from the spot of the first confrontation, you only have a 20% chance to survive. So, more women than ever are taking a self defense class in Greensboro to make sure they're ready.
Thirty-Six women learned self defense at Essentials Martial Arts studio in Greensboro. That's triple the normal amount.
"We had a lady who attended the class once who was attacked two days later and it actually did save her life," explained Women's Self Defense Instructor Monty Hendrix.
The escape drills performed were all too familiar for Veronica Harris. Five years ago, just one week before Christmas, she said she was mugged in Greensboro in a Wal-mart parking lot.
After completing her first self defense class, Harris said next time, she'll be ready.
"I wasn't thinking straight, so that's why I wanted to take this class, so that I can have more control and hopefully, it never happens again," said Harris
Here's a tip for moms. It's important to make sure your kids are on the same page as you. You need to have a plan.
For instance, your kids should know to go back inside the store and get help if you are being attacked.
The women's self defense class at Essential Martial Arts Studio is offered every six months.
Since the amount of participants increased, Hendrix is considering offer the his classes twice as often by holding them every three months.
WFMY News 2