New York etiquette coach fights off attacker after going into 'mama bear' mode
A US-based etiquette coach says she went into "mama bear mode" when a man tried to mug her while she was out walking with her toddler daughter.
Myka Meier, 38, was leading her three-year-old down a New York street at approximately 9am when a man dressed as a ninja tried to grab the handbag looped around her shoulder.
"My attacker came from behind and I felt empowered to defend myself," she tells 9Honey following the attack.
The etiquette expert fought off the attacker while on a morning walk with daughter. Instagram @mykameier
It turns out this is no ordinary mum; Meier has attended self-defence classes, and is also an etiquette teacher. Although, self-defence overrules any attempts at good manners in this situation.
"I'm feeling proud that I could defend myself but very anxious and alert too," she says.
Meier was left with bruises and a torn thumbnail after the attack, which involved a "little tug of war" over her handbag.
The etiquette expert has been taking self-defence classes. Instagram @mykameier
She told New York Daily News the man started running once he saw others coming to her aid.
"He started running, once I think he saw the attention coming. The doorman and the two construction workers did their thing and just grabbed him and held him," she told the publication.
RELATED: Davina Smith on not losing her cool during daughter's 'toddler tantrums'
"I think I was more aggressive than he intended. But I train for this stuff. I leave my manners classes and I go kick-box."
Meier, who teacher etiquette at the Plaza Hotel, says she began talking self-defence classes so she wouldn't be a "helpless victim".
Her attacker was arrested and charged with robbery, with authorities saying he had several prior arrests in New York and New Jersey dating back to 2014, however Meier tells 9Honey she is "distressed" to learn her attacker has since been released.
"I learned today my attacker was released from prison only after one day until his trial in a few months so it's not only scary to know he is back on the streets, for my family and for others too."
Myka Meier works as an etiquette expert in New York. Instagram @mykameier
She says her daughter was left "shaken".
"My little girl was very shaken but I also think my husband and I made sure she knew that mommy was protecting her and she was safe."
She says she doesn't want her daughter to "feel fear" so they have been talking at home about how "Mommy & Papi are strong and we will always protect her".
She says her daughter was left 'shaken' by the attack. Instagram @mykameier
Meier recommends women sign up for self-defence classes.
"Even in one class you will learn what to do if someone attacks you and their weak spots," she says.
"We can be elegant and powerful at the same time."
Most viewed in Lifestyle
The four-year experiment that created Australia’s best sausage roll
Meghan gives first look at Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s new UK life
It costs more than $150k to raise a kid, but half a million Aussies do it with no savings. These are the money mistakes to avoid
Prince William and Kate back return to official duties with subtle nod to Prince Harry
