A studio on the Upper West Side teaches Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense system, where students on a Monday evening evaded simulated knife attacks.

Founder and owner of Krav Maga Experts, Tsahi Shemesh, said there's an increase in calls from people interested in taking classes, particularly people "afraid of taking the subway or taking public transportation, even to come to class, which has never been the case before, so this is definitely a freak out in the city."

Emilee Martichenko joined the studio in March, a few weeks after she moved to New York, from Florida, and was interested in taking a self-defense class.

The NYPD is recording increases in violent attacks compared to the year the pandemic hit.

"It’s on the brain a lot, not gonna lie," Martichenko said. "I’ve been safe in New York so far, but it’s nice to just now going to see friends, going on the subway knowing that every week, I have maybe one more small tool in my back pocket."

This year through Sunday, the city saw a 19% increase in felony assaults compared to last year and a 30% increase from 2020.

Misdemeanor assaults are also up nearly 28% compared to last year and up nearly 23% from 2020.

Robberies have also increased this year compared to the same period in each of the last two years.

Shemesh, the studio owner, said that since the pandemic he is noticing more questions from clients about specific violent scenarios.

"I get a lot of questions about what to do when someone is approaching you," Shemesh said.

Even long time practitioners of Krav Maga at the studio like Paul Mandel are finding the lessons useful.

"Being prepared and staying alert is probably something that is just important for all of us to do," Mandel said. "Coming here improves that sense of self awareness and situational awareness."