A St. Louis police detective demonstrated how a user could fend off a mugger using a cell phone. He says, "If a mugger grabs you by your shirt, you can ram the corner of your smartphone into the back of his hand and press it between the bones."
According to Mayberry's wife, an increasing number of women are joining the classes to learn this technique.
"As a woman, you can learn the same techniques to protect yourself from muggers that a man can. This technique is simple and important. Women should learn it, as it is not difficult," he said.
Recent retiree Lamar Rieves says, "This technique teaches you to protect yourself quickly. It also keeps you alert. Self-defence is all about being aware of what is happening around you."
Mayberry says, "One of the best ways to protect yourself against a mugger is to stay alert. You may have heard it many times before, but staying alert is more important nowadays, because the use of mobile phones while walking down the street has increased dramatically, so this advice is worth repeating."
"People keep their eyes on their phone screens, with earbuds in. They cannot hear what is happening around them. Muggers take advantage of their lack of awareness, attack them, and rob them of their money and other valuables," Mayberry says.