Self-defense class serves dual purpose for U-46 teachers

Elgin Area School District U-46 teachers are going "hi-ya!" in support of a wounded colleague.

At 1 p.m. Saturday, instructors from Elgin-based Kim's Black Belt Academy will host a self-defense class schooling educators on basic martial arts moves from karate, Aikido and judo at Eastview Middle School in Bartlett.

Proceeds will benefit Carolyn Gilbert, the Elgin High School family and consumer science teacher who lost her eye in a Jan. 18 knife attack by a student.

The event has two purposes, said Eastview principal Don Donner.

"First, we wanted to reach out to (Gilbert) as a building and let her know we're behind her," he said. Second, he said, the martial arts theme "allows us to also focus on teachers who do have safety concerns."

Donner first began thinking about the fundraiser when his 6-year-old son's Kai Judo instructor approached him about Gilbert's attack.

"He said he'd heard what happened, and would love to try to help out." Donner mentioned the idea during a subsequent faculty meeting.

"I asked who might be interested," he said. "At least a dozen hands went up."

Two instructors from Kim's volunteered to teach the program "at cost, which is basically nothing," said Donner, who then distributed fliers to other U-46 schools.

The class can accommodate 66 individuals and 20 were signed up as of Monday, Donner said.

Donner, who has taken martial arts classes in the past, said Saturday's lesson will focus on getting away or defending oneself from an assailant.

"You're not going to be walking away with a black belt," Donner said. "Hopefully, it will give teachers a little more peace of mind."

Since Gilbert's attack, Donner said he hasn't noticed any changed behavior among his staff. Still, he said, "It hit us all pretty hard. You really feel something when it happens close to home."

The class costs $20 and U-46 teachers can bring their spouses and adult children, Donner said.

Call (630) 213-5550.

If you go:

Where: Eastview Middle School gymnasium, 321 N. Oak Ave., Bartlett

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $20 donation

Info: (630) 213-5550.