Several recent anti-Muslim attacks in the city have inspired a Queens couple to start offering specialized self-defense courses. As NY1's Leisha Majtan reports, the duo says it's important for everyone to know how to protect themselves - regardless of their faith.
Rahma Hassan wears a burka to show her commitment to her Muslim faith.
But, she says it has unfairly made her a target for attack.
"I've had coffee poured on me! It's extremely hurtful to the heart because regardless of ones’ ethnicity or social class or religion, the issue of being a decent human being should prevail over everything else," said Rahma Hassan, the Co-Founder of Sirat as-Sayf Martial Arts.
Now Hassan and her husband want to prevent other Muslim women from becoming victims.
The couple own a martial arts studio in Jamaica and they're teaching self-defense courses specifically for Muslim women.
"I want to teach them certain commands. "Back off!" Say it loud. "Back Off." And to keep their keys in their hands. Don't have earplugs in your ears, don't keep your phone in front of your eyes while you're walking down the street. Be vigilant," said Najee Hassan, the Co-Founder of Sirat as-Sayf Martial Arts.
In addition to traditional martial arts training, the courses are geared toward women who wear Muslim dress, even showing them how to use a head scarf as a life-saving tool.
"I dress like this, normally, so I'm not going to teach them in a t-shirt and sweats because that's not what I'm going to be attacked in. They have to be able to function in what they wear," added Rahma Hassan.
But regardless of race or religion, they say everyone could benefit from learning these techniques.
"I don't want to wait to see if something's going to happen, I'd rather you know how to defend yourself before it actually happens, before you get assaulted and become a victim," said Najee Hassan.
The classes begin Saturday, January 2nd.
For more information visit siratulsaifinternational.com.