The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation is planning four separate self-defense classes known as T.A.K.E. Defense seminars in the Kansas City metropolitan area during July, August, and September.
Upcoming classes include sessions on: July 20 at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street, Overland Park, in association with the city of Overland Park; on July 27 at the Aubrey Bend Middle School, 12501 W. 175th St., Overland Park, in association with Blue Valley Recreation; on Aug. 17 at the
Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee; and on Sept. 28 at the
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, located at 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, both in association with JCPRD. Each session will begin at 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning and will last about two hours.
In honor of their namesake, 19 year old Leawood resident Ali Kemp who was murdered while working at a pool in Johnson County, T.A.K.E. Defense seminars focus on continually increasing safety for girls and women.
“Participants will be empowered with important education about their personal safety and be introduced to self-defense techniques that anyone can perform,” said JCPRD Wellness Manager Jill Leiker. “Everyone who participates will leave the class with information they are able to implement immediately to keep them safer.”
A donation of $12 per person is appreciated but not required at each class. Registering with a friend or family member is fun and encouraged. For more information or to register for these programs, go to
www.takedefense.org. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent/guardian signature.
The T.A.K.E. program began in mid-2004 and over the past 13 years, the program has reached more than 67,000 girls and women.