Austin, TX
Breaking Boards and Barriers: Grandmaster Dawn Owens' Austin Impact
Austin, TX — In Austin, Grandmaster Dawn Owens is transforming lives through Taekwondo, a passion she’s nurtured for over 45 years. Starting her journey in a YMCA in Illinois, Owens achieved her 1st Dan black belt in 1983 and has been a beacon of dedication ever since. Now an 8th Dan black belt, she’s one of only a few women globally to hold this rank, and the fourth American female to earn such an honor.
Owens, who has taught at the Northwest Austin YMCA for over 21 years, emphasizes that Taekwondo is more than just kicking and punching. “Teaching people is not just about martial arts but about making them better individuals—more confident, self-aware, and resilient,” Owens explains. Her classes range from young children to adults, embodying her belief that self-defense is crucial for everyone. “I think it’s very important that everybody learns a sense of self-defense. It gives them confidence and makes them more aware of their surroundings,” she adds.
Through her teaching, Owens has seen firsthand the positive impact of Taekwondo. “I’ve had students who’ve grown closer to their families through this sport and others who have turned their passion into careers,” she says. Her dedication extends beyond the dojo, with her achievements inspiring many and her community involvement deepening her connection to those she teaches.
She encourages anyone and everyone to sign up!
Learn more about the YMCA’s Martial Arts programs here.
Here is list of Taekwondo classes/events coming up:
>Dawn will run a Taekwondo activity at the Northwest Austin YMCA’s annual Halloween event on Saturday, October 26, 5:30-7:30 pm Spooktacular: The Mysterious Trick-or-Treat Trail.
>Ongoing classes at the Northwest Austin YMCA: All Levels: Ages 6 – Adult, Monday & Wednesday: 6:45; Sunday: Beginners 3:30 pm and Advanced 4:30 pm.
Register to attend 1 time, 2 times, or 3 times a week
>Kids Club: Ages 6-10, Monday & Wednesday, 4:15pm
>The next Self-Defense Workshop is Saturday Nov 16th from 2pm-4pm at the Northwest YMCA. Sign up here.
Learn more about the Greater Austin YMCA here. Right now you can sign up for a 7-day trial pass at all 8 locations: $0 join fee (up to $49 value) until 9/30.
Financial assistance is available. Greater Austin YMCA is a nonprofit organization.
Video of new Texas Tech System chancellor home at historic Lubbock property
The Texas Tech System is acquiring the historic Tudor Revival ‘English Home’ in Lubbock to serve as the new chancellor’s residence.
Money and rankings don’t make a great university. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged students and protecting academic freedom, however, do.
Case in point: Michael and Susan Dell recently surpassed $1 billion in giving to the University of Texas at Austin, launching a plan to build a new medical center and advanced research campus in north Austin.
To be sure, this is a magnanimous gift that will fund important initiatives. While enormously grateful for this contribution, I am disappointed that this gift was not accompanied with a strong message from Michael Dell admonishing the University for gutting DEI and infringing upon academic freedom.
As a colleague of mine astutely observed: “Good luck recruiting doctors and med students. The attacks on DEI and political climates will mean a lot more than rankings and money long-term.”
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, referencing the Dell gift, is right: “We are transforming this site into a new campus the world has never seen before.” Yes, never seen, but in a very negative and dangerous way!
Last week, I received a message from the Texas Exes: “This is your last chance to show your support during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres, UT Austin’s Texas-sized fundraising event. Can we count on you?”
My answer: “No, absolutely not. I won’t give one dime to a university that no longer is committed to diversity and preserving academic freedom.”
Having proudly taught at UT for 41 years, I am sad to say this.
– Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D. is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and Founding Director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at The University of Texas at Austin.
How to share a letter to the editor
Want to share your voice in the A-J? We’d love for you to contribute to the thoughtful and civil conversation. Please send us a letter to the editor by emailing us at newmedia@lubbockonline.com or through mail: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 710 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401. Please keep submissions to around 250 words or less.
AUSTIN, Texas — APD SWAT responded to a barricaded subject in East Austin Saturday afternoon.
According to police, the incident took place near the 3400 block of Kay St., and officers responded to the call at around 1:30 p.m.
Once officers arrived, they made contact with a victim who “advised of circumstances that met the state law requirement of assault with a deadly weapon family violence.” Shortly after, the suspect barricaded themselves inside the residence.
ALSO: National Weather Service warns of storms with gusty winds
Austin Police officers, SWAT, hostage negotiators, and Austin-Travis County EMS were still on the scene and the suspect was still barricaded as of 6:15 p.m.
People are being encouraged to avoid the area due to increased police presence, or stay in a safe location if they are unable to avoid the area.
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This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
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