Nick Chamberlain, who heads Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense, has been practicing martial arts since he was a child and has since studied under martial arts experts from all over the world. For Chamberlain, who operates 21st Century Chiropractic with his wife, balance is a core value. Chamberlain often hosts free self-defense courses geared toward women in the community.
How did you get into martial arts and, eventually, open Chamberlain Studios of Self-Defense?
My interest in the martial arts began as a teenager from watching action movies, but I didn’t start my martial arts training until high school. I took my first class after I hurt my back lifting weights, and the orthopedist recommended a program of stretching and exercises. I had trouble staying on a regular schedule at home, but the group motivation of a structured class seemed like a good way to get it done and turned out to be a great way to keep me on track. I found that I not only enjoyed the Kenpo karate classes but also had a talent for helping others learn as well. After I graduated high school, I started my studio just outside of Boston, which I ran for 12 years [before moving] to Dallas for chiropractic college.
Why are the martial arts important to you?
Martial arts have enabled me to develop as a teacher, which, in turn, has helped me in my career as a doctor. I spend much of my day as a doctor, teaching my patients lifestyle changes and rehabilitation strategies to help them get on the road to better health. Martial arts has also exposed me to many new friendships and cultures over the years. For example, I had the opportunity to train in Boston with an old Chinese instructor who had been asked to move his school just outside the gates of Chinatown because he was teaching white and black students. He felt that the benefits of martial arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their race, and that left a big impression on me and how I run my businesses.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means finding a balance between all aspects of your life—balancing work, family, friends, exercise, prayer, good nutrition, sleep, and all of life’s daily stressors. It’s easy to let one aspect take over your life, which is OK, at times, but having a long-term a balance is the goal. I’m very fortunate to have two jobs that I love. I see patients three days a week, and I teach Kenpo karate three days a week. My schedule keeps things active, diverse, and interesting. It’s balanced.
How do you live “well?”
Make time for the things you love. My wife, Kimberly, and I love to cook meals together. We also have our dog, Radar, that we need to walk three times a day, so we stroll together through the neighborhood (no phones allowed) and discuss the day.
What’s your favorite healthy restaurant in Dallas?
My wife and I love clean, tasty cooking and enjoy The Kozy Kitchen. They work hard at their trade. For an occasional walk on the wild side, we head to Highland Park Soda Fountain for a tuna melt and Coke float.
Any tips for beginners looking to learn a little bit of self-defense/martial arts?
The best way to learn some self-defense is to take a short course or workshop. We offer free self-defense training four times a year in conjunction with the Dallas Police Department. A workshop like ours will get you started as you find the right martial arts school to practice regularly.
How did you get into martial arts and, eventually, open Chamberlain Studios of Self-Defense?
My interest in the martial arts began as a teenager from watching action movies, but I didn’t start my martial arts training until high school. I took my first class after I hurt my back lifting weights, and the orthopedist recommended a program of stretching and exercises. I had trouble staying on a regular schedule at home, but the group motivation of a structured class seemed like a good way to get it done and turned out to be a great way to keep me on track. I found that I not only enjoyed the Kenpo karate classes but also had a talent for helping others learn as well. After I graduated high school, I started my studio just outside of Boston, which I ran for 12 years [before moving] to Dallas for chiropractic college.
Why are the martial arts important to you?
Martial arts have enabled me to develop as a teacher, which, in turn, has helped me in my career as a doctor. I spend much of my day as a doctor, teaching my patients lifestyle changes and rehabilitation strategies to help them get on the road to better health. Martial arts has also exposed me to many new friendships and cultures over the years. For example, I had the opportunity to train in Boston with an old Chinese instructor who had been asked to move his school just outside the gates of Chinatown because he was teaching white and black students. He felt that the benefits of martial arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their race, and that left a big impression on me and how I run my businesses.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness means finding a balance between all aspects of your life—balancing work, family, friends, exercise, prayer, good nutrition, sleep, and all of life’s daily stressors. It’s easy to let one aspect take over your life, which is OK, at times, but having a long-term a balance is the goal. I’m very fortunate to have two jobs that I love. I see patients three days a week, and I teach Kenpo karate three days a week. My schedule keeps things active, diverse, and interesting. It’s balanced.
How do you live “well?”
Make time for the things you love. My wife, Kimberly, and I love to cook meals together. We also have our dog, Radar, that we need to walk three times a day, so we stroll together through the neighborhood (no phones allowed) and discuss the day.
What’s your favorite healthy restaurant in Dallas?
My wife and I love clean, tasty cooking and enjoy The Kozy Kitchen. They work hard at their trade. For an occasional walk on the wild side, we head to Highland Park Soda Fountain for a tuna melt and Coke float.
Any tips for beginners looking to learn a little bit of self-defense/martial arts?
The best way to learn some self-defense is to take a short course or workshop. We offer free self-defense training four times a year in conjunction with the Dallas Police Department. A workshop like ours will get you started as you find the right martial arts school to practice regularly.
