She\u2019s a knockout \u2014 and she\u2019ll knock you out. <\/p>\n
A martial-arts expert in Brooklyn named Crystal is getting a kick out of her Big Apple adventures by becoming a real-life Warrior Princess on social media.<\/p>\n
Armed with bulging biceps, taut traps and lats and leg muscles aplenty, Crystal \u2014 who, like Cher and The Undertaker, needs no last name \u2014 is capable of protecting herself against the occasional slimeball on city streets and subway platforms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Called \u201cNinja Crystal\u201d by fans, the no-nonsense New Yorker shares her best practices for staying safe on the subway. Stefano Giovannini for NYPost<\/p>\n
But the steely siren isn\u2019t going around Gotham looking to get her kicks by kicking others down. Instead, she\u2019s promoting self-defense skills to women who struggle to feel secure in a world that isn\u2019t always safe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been the victim of abuse and harassment, in my personal life and in everyday life here in New York City,\u201d Crystal, 34, told The Post. \u201cMy goal is to help others, especially women, understand the importance of awareness and preparedness in everyday scenarios, so that fighting for their lives is the last resort.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s this noble ethos \u2014 combined with flirty fashions like plunging V-necks and teeny skirts \u2014 that recently propelled Crystal into viral fame with a kickass video<\/a>, which reached nearly 15 million viewers online.<\/p>\n The self-nicknamed \u201cninja\u201d is trained in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali weapons, self-defense and boxing.<\/p>\n But the millennial martial goddess told The Post that there\u2019s a clear distinction between her skill set as a professional bruiser and the simple safety tactics she teaches her in-person students \u2014 and her half-a-million internet fans.<\/p>\n \u201cMartial arts is a discipline. It\u2019s more like a competitive sport,\u201d Crystal explained to The Post. \u201cSelf-defense is for the streets. It\u2019s real. There are no rules in life-or-death situations.\u201d<\/p>\n Her trending clip and survival tips come amid an unfortunate series of crimes against women in and around the boroughs. From\u00a0random curbside assaults<\/a>\u00a0to fatal\u00a0stabbings in Times Square<\/a>\u00a0to the recent Cornell assault <\/a>accusations, the threat of violence has made even New York\u2019s most zen residents a little more skittish.<\/p>\n As an abuse and harassment survivor, Crystal says having self-defense skills is crucial. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n As an influencer, Crystal hopes to impart her warrior wisdom to those feeling vulnerable \u2014 not to promote fear and hyper-vigilance, but to school everyone on how to feel more secure on the streets.<\/p>\n \u201cSelf-defense starts with being prepared. The more ready and aware you are every time you\u00a0leave the house, the better your chances are at avoiding potentially dangerous situations,\u201d she tells The Post, urging folks to rely on their senses for support.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUse your eyes to scan your surroundings. Take mental notes of anything or anyone out of the ordinary. Use your ears to listen out for footsteps approaching you from behind, or someone saying or doing something inappropriate,\u201d Crystal advised.\u00a0<\/p>\n The martial arts instructor\u2019s high kicks and hard-hitting punches recently achieved viral acclaim across the internet. Stefano Giovannini for NYPost<\/p>\n She warns against turning into a phone zombie or zoning out to music and podcasts \u2014 especially while walking or commuting via mass transit.\u00a0<\/p>\n Instead, the guru recommends keeping eyes up and ears open at all times, staying ready to make a speedy escape or take physical action, if necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n And what should you do if danger strikes?<\/p>\n Crystal says most of her fighting techniques come from years of training. Stefano Giovannini for NYPost<\/p>\n When face-to-face with an attacker \u2014 be it on the sidewalk or train stop \u2014 Crystal suggests holding your arms out in front of your body, creating distance between yourself and the perp.\u00a0<\/p>\n Then yell,\u00a0\u201c\u2018Stop! Stay back! Do not come close to me!\u201d as loudly as you can.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they continue to approach, your goal is to distract them and get away as quickly as possible,\u201d Crystal said, pointing to easy-access accessories as the next line of defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n As a content creator, Crystal dedicates her posts to showing women how they might be able to protect themselves in sticky situations. Stefano Giovannini for NYPost<\/p>\n \u201cHave a bag \u2014 either a purse, a tote or a computer bag. It can be used to swat them away,\u201d she encouraged. \u201cEven if you swing and miss, you\u2019ve now disoriented them for at least two seconds, which can be used to escape the situation, or to create a barrier between you and their grasp or weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf all you have is a water bottle, your high heels, a jacket, a book, a pen, a key or a hairpin, use that thing to save your life,\u201d she said calmly.<\/p>\n When all else fails, Crystal says, \u201cKick them in the b\u2014s and run. Stomp their toes and run. Jab them in the eyes and run. Punch them in the throat and run.\u201c<\/p>\n The dynamo tells The Post that her martial arts and self-defense journey has transformed her physical, mental and emotional health. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Crystal tells The Post she wasn\u2019t always so confident.<\/p>\n The swinging stunner may be a former model, but it wasn\u2019t until she began practicing martial arts during the pandemic that her anxiety and childhood trauma began to feel less overwhelming.<\/p>\n Crystal even admitted that as a teen, she had \u201cno self-worth\u201d and suffered from \u201csevere body dysmorphia and disordered eating,\u201d and credits her sparring expertise with her renewed outlook on life.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cStudying martial arts and self-defense is empowering,\u201d Crystal said. \u201cI can wear what I want, walk and talk with power,and carry myself with controlled preparedness. I\u2019m not a shy, timid girl anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Crystal hopes to inspire other NYC women to walk, dress and talk with confidence. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Crystal says the stylish outfits that helped her become a social media sensation reflect that new outlook.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s great to be able to go out, dress cute, and not be in fear for my life,\u201d said Crystal.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s like a fashionable \u2018f- -k you\u2019 to the notion that you can\u2019t be girly and know how to throw a serious punch or kick some butt at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be that example for women.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Crystal\u2019s top 5 self-defense tips for New Yorkers:<\/p>\n Scan your environment Locate your exits Stay alert\u00a0 Remove yourself from the situation Take action \t\t\t\t\t\t
\u201cLook around to make sure you\u2019re not being followed, and no one is encroaching on your personal space.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways plan escape routes, especially in enclosed spaces like a subway car.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t have both earphones in. Keep an ear unoccupied in order to hear what\u2019s happening in your vicinity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEscape as quickly as possible. But if you can\u2019t, make a noise. Don\u2019t be afraid to get loud. Bring attention to yourself that can deter attackers from further harassing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting physical is the last resort. But when all else fails, use your body and personal belongings against the attacker. Then run.\u201d<\/p>\n