Pi Beta Phi hosted a self-defense and safety education course for Hopkins women through a national affiliate organization on Saturday.
The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation (T.A.K.E.) Defense Training Program was created in 2002 by Roger and Kathy Kemp when their daughter, Alexandra Kemp was murdered at the age of 19 while working at a local pool in Johnson County, Kansas. The program was piloted in 2004 with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
It consists of a two-hour program that includes training on how to prevent dangerous situations and how to respond to a physical attack.
In 2007, Pi Beta Phi, which was Kemp's sorority, Alpha Delta Phi and Sigma Phi Epsilon began bringing the T.A.K.E. program to college campuses across the U.S. Since then almost 40,000 women have received the free self-defense training on college campuses and in communities around the country.
"They taught a lot of simple self-defense moves and practices that women can use on a day to day basis to protect themselves," said Pi Beta Phi Chapter President, junior Natalie Copeland. "The chapter was really satisfied. They all had fun and really enjoyed it. I think it was a great experience for everyone who came."
Sisters and non-members alike practiced reactions and defense skills in pairs while the two workshop leaders, Bob and Jill Leiker, ran through various hypothetical scenarios and drills. The physical techniques addressed everything from indicating personal space to actually fighting off an attacker.
"Most people have never thought about this stuff," Bob Leiker told the group.
In addition to addressing basic physical safety points, the couple also gave their views on carrying defensive weapons like pepper spray and other items. At the end of the presentation they shared personal stories and talked about their experiences traveling around the country and teaching self-defense.
"It went really well," Copeland said. "Now when I'm walking home and I'm taking my keys out I think, ‘these aren't just my keys they're a weapon.'"
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