The titles “Dr. Schwab” and “Schwab Sensei” both belong to Northampton resident Jonathan Schwab. As a pediatrician at Northampton Area Pediatrics and karate instructor at Northampton Karate, he connects the two practices through a love of wellness and a constant state of growth.
“Both involve the pursuit of health and well-being,” he said. “Both focus on striving for excellence in their practice, and always trying to improve getting stronger or perfecting a move in karate or keeping up with the literature and providing the best possible care for my patients in pediatrics.”
The Bethesda, Maryland, native’s interest in strength, health and wellness began with his father, who in the 1960s would ride his bike to work despite his busy schedule.
“This was many years prior to our current understanding of all the physical and mental benefits exercise can provide,” Schwab said.
Schwab has been in pediatrics for 29 years. He was inspired to join the field by his uncle Robert Abrams, who practiced in Holyoke for many years.
“He was a great mentor and showed me how fulfilling and rewarding a life dedicated to pediatric medicine could be,” Schwab said.
Schwab graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and did four years of residency at Tufts Medical Center.
Karate came into Schwab’s life 28 years ago, when he began his training under Sensei Jeffrey Brooks.
“He was a great teacher who was instrumental in my appreciation for and understanding of karate,” he said.
When not in the office, reading, doing community service or spending time with his sons, Schwab spends his Thursday nights and Saturday mornings as an instructor in the dojo.
Full name: Jonathan Schwab
Nickname: In college it was “Q-tip” or “Q” if we were close.
Date and place of birth: July 31, 1959, in Washington, D.C.
Current place of residence: Northampton
Best line from a book you’ve read: “What the hell is water?” spoken by two fish. This line was written by David Foster Wallace and appears in his novel “Infinite Jest” and also in a graduation speech he gave at Kenyon College in 2005. I like it because it reminds me to be mindful of everything around me.
Best part of being a pediatrician: The kids! Helping them stay healthy and happy and the smiles on their faces. It is very rewarding work.
Favorite meal to fuel you for a workout: I do my fueling after a workout, and my favorite would be grilled swordfish.
Unlikely pastime: Binge-watching a good TV show with my wife.
Describe living in Northampton in one word: Enlightening.
Hardest karate move to master: The one move you are doing at that moment.
Favorite song to sing in the car: “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam
Earliest childhood memory: About 3 years of age sitting with my mom looking out a window waiting for my older brother to return from school. I have no idea what we were doing other than sitting and waiting.
Favorite thing to do with your kids: With Zachary — talking about what he is reading and writing. With Alec — going for a run.
Pre-karate lesson ritual: I often have a short meditation.
What gets you prepared for a day in the office: I exercise early every morning with an indoor bike or rowing machine and then have my much-needed cup of coffee.
Favorite way to enjoy the winter season: I actually like shoveling snow and have a snow plow for our long driveway. I also love skating on a frozen pond.
Dream vacation: Anything I can do with my family. The beach is always great.
Your hero in sports: Patrice Bergeron, assistant captain for the Boston Bruins. He is a person who combines generosity, humility and leadership with his magnificent talents and often talks about his devotion to family.
The best fall sport: Hockey – it’s a sport for all seasons.
Favorite color to wear: Black-and-Gold (I consider that one color.)
Best thing about being a black belt: We have a sign on the door in our dojo: “The best things in life are not things.” Learning these types of lessons are among the best things about being a black belt.
Hardest thing about being a black belt: Maintaining consistent training and focus.
Favorite way to keep your mind active: Reading both fiction and nonfiction and keeping up with the medical literature.
Favorite day of the week: Saturday. I love my job but also love my play.