El Paso County self-defense class teaches women how to fight back

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. -- If someone attacks you in a parking lot or while walking at night, would you know what to do?

Police say the interaction someone has with their attacker is typically less than 2 minutes, meaning you have seconds to react.

When neighborhood watch groups began asking for resources to protect themselves, the El Paso County Sheriff's office wanted to offer real skills for women.

"Something happened to me that really left me powerless," said Kiara Christensan, a student in the class.

The three-hour class starts with a short lecture followed by real-life scenarios women may encounter, such as someone coming up from behind or grabbing their arm while trying to drag them away.

"I want to really be aware of what's around me… and what I need to do because they can take you just like that," said Tamera Berg.

The teachers are certified Krav Maga experts and they work for the El Paso County Sheriff's office.

"A lot of these things your body kind of naturally does anyway and it doesn't take a whole lot of training," says Deputy Keenan Dukes.

He showed these women, no matter their age or height, they can get away.

"I trust that if they walked out in the parking lot tonight and somebody came up from behind them they would have that initial knowledge base of 'here's what I need to do to keep myself safe.'"

Berg says she's walking out of the class with power.

"The techniques work, anybody can use them," she said.

Christensan says, "I'm going to stand up for myself and say no."

The free classes are offered through the Sheriff's office quarterly. The 2020 schedule has not yet been released.