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Self-defense class has dual purpose

Elgin Area School District U-46 teachers are getting their kicks by supporting a wounded colleague.

At 1 p.m. Saturday, instructors from Elgin-based Kim's Black Belt Academy will sponsor 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 teacher who lost her eye in a Jan. 18 knife attack.

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

"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 escaping an attack or, if necessary, 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.

Self-defense class

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

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $20 donation

Info: (630) 213-5550

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