Leta Krieger graduated from Old Dominion University in 1994 with a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice. During and following her years at ODU, she had the privilege to study Chishin Ryu Karatedo, as well as Aikido, under the instruction of Hiroyuki Hamada Sensei, and traveled to Japan to enhance her training. She also served as the President of ODU's Martial Arts Club while she pursued her degree. She worked for several years in the Washington, D.C. area as a paralegal and in 1996, she accepted a position with the Virginia Beach Police Department where she continued her career until retiring in February of 2016. Leta’s 20 years of law enforcement experience includes a variety of assignments as a street officer, School Resource Officer in both middle and high schools, a detective, and finally a Crime Prevention Officer. Leta holds a certification as a Crime Prevention Specialist with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Leta has conducted numerous presentations and seminars on crime prevention and security-related topics to audiences ranging from community groups to businesses, as well as military organizations, including NATO. She mentored children and teens in at-risk communities and has a passion for teaching those that are more vulnerable how to stay safe. She is the founder and owner of “A Harder Target, LLC,” a Virginia Beach business that offers personal safety and self-defense classes to women and girls. Leta received her certification as a trainer with “Just Yell Fire” in 2014. She is a mother of two and a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Leta has conducted numerous presentations and seminars on crime prevention and security-related topics to audiences ranging from community groups to businesses, as well as military organizations, including NATO. She mentored children and teens in at-risk communities and has a passion for teaching those that are more vulnerable how to stay safe. She is the founder and owner of “A Harder Target, LLC,” a Virginia Beach business that offers personal safety and self-defense classes to women and girls. Leta received her certification as a trainer with “Just Yell Fire” in 2014. She is a mother of two and a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
TESTIMONIALS:
"This past Saturday, girls came together to learn essential life skills while having a blast. Their enthusiasm and commitment to empowerment were truly inspiring.
Huge thanks to everyone who participated and made it such a memorable experience! An extra special thanks goes out to our trainer for the day- Ms. Leta Kreiger founder of A Harder Target, LLC
Keep an eye out for the next session—don’t miss out on the chance to join the fun and learn valuable skills!"
July 20, 2024-Private Class
Marissa Adams, Director
Sisters In Service Inc.
Huge thanks to everyone who participated and made it such a memorable experience! An extra special thanks goes out to our trainer for the day- Ms. Leta Kreiger founder of A Harder Target, LLC
Keep an eye out for the next session—don’t miss out on the chance to join the fun and learn valuable skills!"
July 20, 2024-Private Class
Marissa Adams, Director
Sisters In Service Inc.
"Our salon staff spent a couple of great hours with Leta, learning the basics of self-awareness and self-defense. She was informative and patient, and gave each participant the attention they needed! We feel empowered and stronger! Thanks a million, Leta!"
May 19, 2024 - Private Class
Gayle K., Owner, Signature Styles Salon
"Today ,I participated with my salon , in a class with Leta . It was a fantastic experience. She was very informative and I feel that I truly benefited from this class. I recommend Leta's class to all women. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to meet Leta and learn from her!"
May 19, 2024 - Private Class
Stacie M., Signature Styles Salon
"After a frightening experience where I found that I froze up while being threatened, I wanted to obtain some self-defense training. I signed up for the 'Just Yell Fire' course and brought five of my female friends and family members with me. The training was extremely informative and empowering. Leta gave us a number of useful techniques for making ourselves less attractive targets for attack, and worked with us to develop skills that will be very useful if defending ourselves physically became necessary. The yells of Eyes! Ears! Groin! Bite! were especially memorable.
I could see everyone's self-confidence increasing as the class went on, and I feel much more comfortable with my ability to defend myself should the need arise. I cannot recommend Leta and 'Just Yell Fire' highly enough!"
Jacqueline R.
April 20, 2024 Class at Running Etc.
May 19, 2024 - Private Class
Gayle K., Owner, Signature Styles Salon
"Today ,I participated with my salon , in a class with Leta . It was a fantastic experience. She was very informative and I feel that I truly benefited from this class. I recommend Leta's class to all women. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to meet Leta and learn from her!"
May 19, 2024 - Private Class
Stacie M., Signature Styles Salon
"After a frightening experience where I found that I froze up while being threatened, I wanted to obtain some self-defense training. I signed up for the 'Just Yell Fire' course and brought five of my female friends and family members with me. The training was extremely informative and empowering. Leta gave us a number of useful techniques for making ourselves less attractive targets for attack, and worked with us to develop skills that will be very useful if defending ourselves physically became necessary. The yells of Eyes! Ears! Groin! Bite! were especially memorable.
I could see everyone's self-confidence increasing as the class went on, and I feel much more comfortable with my ability to defend myself should the need arise. I cannot recommend Leta and 'Just Yell Fire' highly enough!"
Jacqueline R.
April 20, 2024 Class at Running Etc.
"Dear Leta,
It was such a wonderful experience getting to take your class with my daughter last Friday. I wasn't sure what to expect but we were so impressed how much you covered and how manageable all of the movements seemed to be. It really was reassuring to leave with knowledge on how to protect myself and very comforting to know that if my 13 year old were to be confronted, she would know what to do. Thank you for being so kind to us and for making things seem so comfortable. It left us with lots to talk about and lots to go home and share with the rest of the family. Thank you. Additionally, I will look forward to being back in touch as I think this would be a good class to be offered at school or at our church.
Warmly,
Katina"
October 22, 2021 Private Class at Running Etc.
It was such a wonderful experience getting to take your class with my daughter last Friday. I wasn't sure what to expect but we were so impressed how much you covered and how manageable all of the movements seemed to be. It really was reassuring to leave with knowledge on how to protect myself and very comforting to know that if my 13 year old were to be confronted, she would know what to do. Thank you for being so kind to us and for making things seem so comfortable. It left us with lots to talk about and lots to go home and share with the rest of the family. Thank you. Additionally, I will look forward to being back in touch as I think this would be a good class to be offered at school or at our church.
Warmly,
Katina"
October 22, 2021 Private Class at Running Etc.
"Dear Leta,
I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you. Your class is beyond amazing. Yesterday I watched my daughter Meghann go from victim to empowered. I saw it in the way she yelled fire louder and louder each time. And I saw it in her walk when we left the class. I will definitely be recommending your class to others!!
Thanks again, Deb"
January 18, 2020 Class at Running Etc
I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you. Your class is beyond amazing. Yesterday I watched my daughter Meghann go from victim to empowered. I saw it in the way she yelled fire louder and louder each time. And I saw it in her walk when we left the class. I will definitely be recommending your class to others!!
Thanks again, Deb"
January 18, 2020 Class at Running Etc
"Awesome, awesome night! Thanks for your wisdom and passion for helping others. You did an amazing job with our team members. I look forward to working with you many times in the future."
- Ryan Conrad, J & A Racing
January 22, 2018 Class at Running Etc
- Ryan Conrad, J & A Racing
January 22, 2018 Class at Running Etc
"Leta, you did a fantastic job with this class and we all enjoyed it very much. I saw some of the ladies this morning at the track and they were still talking about how much they got out of it! Thank you so much!"
- J. Dobson
January 22, 2018 Class at Running Etc
- J. Dobson
January 22, 2018 Class at Running Etc
"We recently hired Leta at a Harder Target to teach a 2 hour self-defense class with Hope House Foundation, and we are beyond thrilled with the experience. The class provided a clear, concise overview of areas/things to look for and taught us much more than the physical components of self-defense. We talked about mindset and being aware of you environment. We then learned some basic strikes and were able to ask questions regarding the material. Then, we jumped right in to practicing strikes and defense techniques. Leta was incredibly knowledgeable and you could tell she has a passion for what she is doing. I left this session feeling more competent in my basic skills, and empowered. I feel this is a must class for any and all women."
-Stephanie Higginbottom Hope House Foundation
October 11, 2017
-Stephanie Higginbottom Hope House Foundation
October 11, 2017
"I just wanted to thank you for an excellent class. May God bless you and your family for the efforts you make to keep women safe. You are saving lives. Thank God!" Gloria M.
(August 17, 2017 Class for College-bound Girls)
(August 17, 2017 Class for College-bound Girls)
TCC Class - February 16, 2017
Class Evaluation Question: What did you like best about the class?
Answers: "Practicing techniques" "Yelling and making us be loud!" " Everything!"
"Interaction" "Instruction, statistics, real life scenarios, easy to relate" "The actual ability to make contact"
"Able to practice moves" "Clear instruction, effective techniques"
Other Comments:
"So glad you are doing what a great thing you are doing for women and young men"
"Learned a lot! Thank you for making this available and taking the time"
"Great course!"
"I am extremely grateful for A Harder Target for providing a Just Yell Fire class with our at-risk young ladies. They learned and practiced several techniques taught by Leta Krieger with her invaluable experience in crime prevention. The girls enjoyed the fast-paced, informative and fun class that left them feeling empowered with skills and techniques to keep them safe."
Vicki Stevens, Twin Canal Neighborhood Community Center Coordinator
"I am extremely grateful for A Harder Target for providing a Just Yell Fire class with our at-risk young ladies. They learned and practiced several techniques taught by Leta Krieger with her invaluable experience in crime prevention. The girls enjoyed the fast-paced, informative and fun class that left them feeling empowered with skills and techniques to keep them safe."
Vicki Stevens, Twin Canal Neighborhood Community Center Coordinator
"I thought the class was wonderful. As women we get lazy about our surroundings sometimes and this was a reminder to stay alert. My daughter Grace and I had fun and learned some valuable lessons. Thanks for doing what you do and bringing this to the community."
Karen L. (January 19, 2017 class)
Karen L. (January 19, 2017 class)
"A True Professional;
I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with Leta in various forums over the years. She is a highly capable and competent professional. As our Crime Prevention Officer, she’s provided invaluable training to our community to help keep us safe. She was personally sought out to make crime and personal safety presentations to our international community (NATO) Officers, staff and family members."
Teddy Baker
T Baker & Associates Ltd.
Landstown Community Civic League (Neighboorhood Watch Coordinator)
I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with Leta in various forums over the years. She is a highly capable and competent professional. As our Crime Prevention Officer, she’s provided invaluable training to our community to help keep us safe. She was personally sought out to make crime and personal safety presentations to our international community (NATO) Officers, staff and family members."
Teddy Baker
T Baker & Associates Ltd.
Landstown Community Civic League (Neighboorhood Watch Coordinator)
"In the summer of 2016, we were preparing to send our daughter to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY, so we contacted Leta to Inquire about self defense classes. She promptly set us up with a class for our daughter and she did a fantastic job working with her. We feel that the class was exactly what we were looking for and more. Leta went above and beyond to ensure that our daughter felt prepared to handle herself in an emergency situation. Additionally, she provided handouts and technique tips for her to study for a quick refresher, whenever she needed it. My daughter absolutely loved the course and even recommended it to her friends. Leta was easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and highly professional. We can now rest easy knowing that our daughter has some basic skills to defend herself and present a hard target. We highly recommend this class for any young women about to enter college." Kevin and Sophia Hackett