TAKE Defense

Ackerman Grand Ballroom was filled to capacity
with girls from every sorority on campus!

“On average, before a man assaults someone, he will watch her between 6 and 12 times.” This was just one of the many tidbits that girls learned on Monday, February 27th, during Pi Beta Phi’s annual philanthropy, T.A.K.E. Defense. Girls from all different sororities came to Ackerman Grand Ballroom to learn facts as well as self-defense moves. Jill and Bob from Kansas travel around the country teaching all ages about the importance of self-defense. The program started 4 years ago and is in honor of Ali Kemp, a former Pi Phi that was murdered. 

Becca is practicing screaming!
 It can be a woman's best and first defense.

Dorian and Alexis are practicing how to escape different holds
a bad guy may use.

Girls were cautioned to be aware at all times and to realize that the bad guy doesn’t often look like we would expect. The event was a huge success with over 450 girls in attendance. It was the largest group that Jill and Bob have ever had. The ladies learned a variety of techniques to escape different grabs and what actions to take in worst case scenarios. “It was a bit scary to think of yourself in those situations” said Kendall Shifflett, a member of Pi Beta Phi, “but I know that if I didn’t think about it, when it actually happened my automatic reaction would be to freeze. I feel much more prepared now.” 

The class incorporated humor into a pretty intimidating topic and made learning the techniques fun. Each girl paired up and got to try these techniques, albeit gently, on her partner. The ladies left feeling more confident and much more alert to handle any situation.