UW-Eau Claire campus hasn’t seen much violence throughout the years. The U.S Department of Education reported only 7 total on-campus student housing criminal offenses from 2011 through 2013.

Due to the stabbing of Jarod T. Sabaska on the 800 block of Water Street, Jan. 25, safety has been questioned and awareness of self-defense measures heightened.

The stabbing occurred in front of a home of Eau Claire natives and students. Residents were shaken up after the attack, including tenant Nate Pientok.

“It hit home realizing he was a friend I grew up with that almost died from a violent attack outside of my own house. We wish we could have taken the steps to prevent situations like this from happening,” Pientok said.

Students on campus have a variety of options for preventative methods regarding violence. Many martial arts clubs and groups are offered on and around campus.

Ellen Mahaffy, communications and journalism professor, runs the Shotokan Karate Club, a traditional Japanese martial arts group on campus.

She explained the importance of self-defense while reiterating the positives that come from karate and martial arts.

“Karate simulates life and teaches you how to be a better person,” Mahaffy said.

Classes involve technique, sparring and basic move patterns. These promote everything from health and mental focus to strength and physical ability.

“If you know how to do basic things, such as punch and kick, as well as know where vital lines are, you know it would be devastating to any attacker,” Mahaffy said.

LeBrenda Street, an Eau Claire alumna, and Jonathon Luczak, a current student, both took martial arts classes while attending Eau Claire.

“I was only able to take karate for a semester, but during that time I learned techniques on how to get out of a hold, blocking and attacking and anticipating an enemy’s next move,” Street said. “I feel more confident about defending myself now than before karate.”

Luczak, senior geology major, feels similarly.

“I would recommend karate to other students because it is good exercise,” he said.  “Also, karate helps to improve one’s motor skills and coordination.”

Learning about self-defense is something people can benefit from, Mahaffy said. This is especially true for students due to recent events on campus, even if it is only one hour a week.

“As soon as you tune out to what is going on around you, then you leave yourself vulnerable,” Mahaffy said.

Classes are offered from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Chancellor’s Room in Davies Center. They are open to anybody and free of charge.