Angela And Walt Harris Host Self Defense Class On "Aniah Day"

Walt Harris, Aylah Harris, Elijah Blanchard, and Angela Harris

"Most people think self-defense starts from a physical place. But in reality, being physical is a last resort. Self defense is being aware of your surroundings. Being aware of who's next to you. Not being distracted. That's the beginning of self-defense."

This is how Walt Harris opened up the Self-Defense class in honor of Aniah at the Homewood Recreation Center this past weekend.

Angela Harris told attendees that the class was created to honor the type of person Aniah was known as. "One day I heard Aniah's voice say to me: Mom, you can't let this happen to anyone else," she recounted. "And as soon as I heard that I said out loud, I won't baby. That's just who Aniah was. She cared about everyone."

Elijah Blanchard Helps Attendees With Maneuver

Over the course of the afternoon, Walt, Angela, and Elijah (Blanchard) gave practical advice about personal awareness and kidnapping, as well as several defense maneuvers to employ if grabbed by an attacker.

WATCH: Walt and Elijah Perform A Self-Defense Maneuver For Class

Walt emphasized how criminals prioritize individuals who are distracted, and how that makes them an easy target to be picked off. "A person looking to kidnap someone is looking for the easiest target possible. They are not looking for a fight. So if you're out walking, and looking down at your phone with your headphones in, you're an ideal victim."

Angela re-emphasized Walt's point, and also noted the sad reality that even with taking precautions, criminals are still a threat. "There was an Augusta University student by the name of Laken Riley," she told the class. "Laken went on a run one morning. Laken did everything in her power to be safe. Laken went running at a reputable location. She told people where she would be. She gave people her location. Unfortunately, Laken was still killed on that run.

The point is this. Evil exists all around you in this world no matter what type of person you are or what you are doing. We hope that you never, ever find yourself in a situation like Aniah and Laken did. But if you do, we hope this class gives you every chance to make it out of that situation alive."

Angela and Walt also told attendees they are more than welcome to speak with them later on social media to answer any questions they may have.

They look forward to future events and growing the size of the class.