Dawn Gallenstein, AP Physics teacher at Timber Creek, has been practicing karate at Chamberlain Studios of Martial Arts with her husband and daughter for ten years, all three of them in possession of a 2nd degree black belt, exceedingly close to the highest possible rank. Gallenstein credits karate with helping her out of her comfort zone to try something she never thought she could do.
Gallenstein was first introduced to karate when she and her husband enrolled their daughter into the program, initially hoping for it to build her self confidence. Gallenstein’s husband quickly grew excited himself and joined shortly after their daughter’s enrollment.
It wasn’t until she was sitting sideline one day, watching her husband and children, that Gallenstein’s interest was peaked. The sensei was trying to teach her husband a move known as the shoulder throw, and decided it would be easier if Gallenstein were to step in for demonstrating the moves, informing her that her smaller height and mass would actually be advantageous in this situation. After a few moments of self doubt, Gallenstein finally found the courage to get into position, her husband standing behind her.
“He was teasing me,” Gallenstein said. “So I put good effort into the throw and sent my husband to the ground in a beautiful flip. We were both surprised, and I was seriously hyped! I signed up that day.”
Now, Gallenstein practices karate mostly in the summer, fitting in as much self practice as possible from home, her husband and oldest daughter often participating in the sport with her. Aside from the common skills karate educates its practitioners on, such as unarmed combat and patience, Gallenstein also uses her knowledge of karate to assist her in teaching physics, as it applies in all aspects of the martial art. She also uses her hobby as a life lesson to teach others about and remind herself of when needed.
“Karate reminds me that it is okay to fail and fall, and that success comes from getting back up and trying again.” Gallenstein said. “Believe in yourself and keep going.”
