College students are sometimes linked to their majors in every way, making it surprising when they share a hobby or talent that has nothing to do with their studies or future career plans.
Jenia Freewalt, a freshman art education major, has learned a skill not everyone would think of when meeting her. Since the age of 8, Freewalt has been involved in karate classes and tournaments where she quickly fell in love with the sport.
In 2010 and 2011, Freewalt was awarded most improved student at Lear’s Martial Arts Academy in Delphos, Ohio. In 2014 she earned her junior black belt and overall black belt in 2019. Since earning her black belt, Freewalt has been able to judge tournaments, teach kids and adult classes, and test other black belts. She even organized a workshop two years ago where she taught people how to successfully break a board.
Along with Freewalt’s knowledge of martial arts, she has taught multiple self-defense classes in the past, and plans to form a self defense club for the upcoming fall semester. She has taught a class at the Bluffton Junior High School this year, charging $10 per person for a 45 minute session, showing the kids the basics in self-defense.
“I get into scenarios like, say you were at this party and this happens,” Freewalt said. “How do I react to it in a way that’s okay? Not only to protect you, but that is going to be okay legally.”
When it comes to self defense, Freewalt likes to focus more on street techniques, using everyday objects to defend yourself, and specific scenarios where a person may need to defend themselves. She touches on what someone should specifically do in certain situations, as well as things people should carry with them to ensure safety if a situation was to occur. 
Freewalt has made sure to keep her self-defense classes aimed toward her audience, not always focusing on scenarios and tactics useful for women or for men alone. Teaching karate classes back at home, Freewalt is used to teaching classrooms full of boys. So, when girls started getting interested in karate and self defense techniques, she was eager to pass along her knowledge.
Being able to teach various classes and earn the respect of her fellow learners and sensei has given Freewalt a sense of leadership. According to Freewalt, karate takes a great deal of discipline, respect, organization and responsibility, which she has already been able to put to use as the captain of the Women’s Cross Country Distance team.
“I’m a very ‘don’t want to step on your toes’ kind of person,” Freewalt said. “But [karate] has helped me step up into those leadership positions and step out of my comfort zone.”
If you are interested in taking classes, learning more about martial arts, or want to be a part of Freewalt’s self-defense club next fall, send her an email at frejja[at]bluffton.edu.
