People Learning "Krav Maga" to Defend Themselves Against Attackers

People Learning "Krav Maga" to Defend Themselves Against Attackers


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Samantha Hayes reporting The woman robbed and attacked in an Orem check cashing store is talking about her ordeal.

Surveillance video showed in great detail her reaction to the sudden attack, and her struggle to get away.

We visited a self- defense class Wednesday night that teaches people how to deal with such situations.

People Learning "Krav Maga" to Defend Themselves Against Attackers

The question is: If it happened to you, what would you do?

Certainly Angie Hirsche was not expecting anything out of the ordinary the day she was attacked. If you have seen this surveillance video before, you have the benefit of knowing what is coming. But imagine being Angie Hersche; one moment she bent down to put her purse under the desk..

Angie Hershe, Survivor: "The next thing I know I'm attacked by an overpowering large man."

The man tried to tie her up with duct tape, and held a gun to her head.

Angie Hershe, Survivor: "I told him I'm a mom and have people who needed me. I thought maybe that would have some bearing on him emotionally."

Police arrested the man, and Hirsche is okay.

People Learning "Krav Maga" to Defend Themselves Against Attackers

But take another case just last week, when a woman was attacked and raped at a gas station bathroom. The attack was unexpected, and happened in front of her children.

Lori Baldwin: "There's crime everywhere."

That's why Lori Baldwin is learning Krav Maga: A style of self defense based on real-life situations.

Paul Evans, Instructor: "With Krav Maga, the techniques are instinctive and what really empowers people, especially women is they get in the best shape of their life."

Lori Baldwin: "I have two young kids, it gives me confidence knowing I can defend myself."

Because you don't know when you will have to.

In the middle of being attacked, Angie Hersche's husband called the store. He heard her struggling and called 9-1-1.

But luck like that is not something to depend on.

Angie Hershe, Survivor:: "I had no idea my husband was on the line and he could hear me scream and reason with him."

Instructor Paul Evans says stories like this recent one usually bring people into his classes.

That style of self-defense does not require experience in Karate. Its really very simple maneuvers you can learn quickly.

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