She’s a knockout — and she’ll knock you out.
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.
Armed with bulging biceps, taut traps and lats and leg muscles aplenty, Crystal — who, like Cher and The Undertaker, needs no last name — is capable of protecting herself against the occasional slimeball on city streets and subway platforms.
But the steely siren isn’t going around Gotham looking to get her kicks by kicking others down. Instead, she’s promoting self-defense skills to women who struggle to feel secure in a world that isn’t always safe.
“I’ve been the victim of abuse and harassment, in my personal life and in everyday life here in New York City,” Crystal, 34, told The Post. “My 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.”
It’s this noble ethos — combined with flirty fashions like plunging V-necks and teeny skirts — that recently propelled Crystal into viral fame with a kickass video, which reached nearly 15 million viewers online.
The self-nicknamed “ninja” is trained in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali weapons, self-defense and boxing.
But the millennial martial goddess told The Post that there’s a clear distinction between her skill set as a professional bruiser and the simple safety tactics she teaches her in-person students — and her half-a-million internet fans.
“Martial arts is a discipline. It’s more like a competitive sport,” Crystal explained to The Post. “Self-defense is for the streets. It’s real. There are no rules in life-or-death situations.”
Her trending clip and survival tips come amid an unfortunate series of crimes against women in and around the boroughs. From random curbside assaults to fatal stabbings in Times Square to the recent Cornell assault accusations, the threat of violence has made even New York’s most zen residents a little more skittish.
As an influencer, Crystal hopes to impart her warrior wisdom to those feeling vulnerable — not to promote fear and hyper-vigilance, but to school everyone on how to feel more secure on the streets.
“Self-defense starts with being prepared. The more ready and aware you are every time you leave the house, the better your chances are at avoiding potentially dangerous situations,” she tells The Post, urging folks to rely on their senses for support.
“Use 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,” Crystal advised.
She warns against turning into a phone zombie or zoning out to music and podcasts — especially while walking or commuting via mass transit.
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.
And what should you do if danger strikes?
When face-to-face with an attacker — be it on the sidewalk or train stop — Crystal suggests holding your arms out in front of your body, creating distance between yourself and the perp.
Then yell, “‘Stop! Stay back! Do not come close to me!” as loudly as you can.
“If they continue to approach, your goal is to distract them and get away as quickly as possible,” Crystal said, pointing to easy-access accessories as the next line of defense.
“Have a bag — either a purse, a tote or a computer bag. It can be used to swat them away,” she encouraged. “Even if you swing and miss, you’ve 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.”
“If 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,” she said calmly.
When all else fails, Crystal says, “Kick them in the b—s and run. Stomp their toes and run. Jab them in the eyes and run. Punch them in the throat and run.“
Crystal tells The Post she wasn’t always so confident.
The swinging stunner may be a former model, but it wasn’t until she began practicing martial arts during the pandemic that her anxiety and childhood trauma began to feel less overwhelming.
Crystal even admitted that as a teen, she had “no self-worth” and suffered from “severe body dysmorphia and disordered eating,” and credits her sparring expertise with her renewed outlook on life.
“Studying martial arts and self-defense is empowering,” Crystal said. “I can wear what I want, walk and talk with power,and carry myself with controlled preparedness. I’m not a shy, timid girl anymore.”
Crystal says the stylish outfits that helped her become a social media sensation reflect that new outlook.
“It’s great to be able to go out, dress cute, and not be in fear for my life,” said Crystal. “It’s like a fashionable ‘f- -k you’ to the notion that you can’t be girly and know how to throw a serious punch or kick some butt at the same time.”
“I want to be that example for women.”
Crystal’s top 5 self-defense tips for New Yorkers:
- Scan your environment
“Look around to make sure you’re not being followed, and no one is encroaching on your personal space.” - Locate your exits
“Always plan escape routes, especially in enclosed spaces like a subway car.” - Stay alert
“Don’t have both earphones in. Keep an ear unoccupied in order to hear what’s happening in your vicinity.” - Remove yourself from the situation
“Escape as quickly as possible. But if you can’t, make a noise. Don’t be afraid to get loud. Bring attention to yourself that can deter attackers from further harassing you.” - Take action
“Getting physical is the last resort. But when all else fails, use your body and personal belongings against the attacker. Then run.”
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