A trip to Gatineau, Quebec
proved to be a successful one for the martial artists of RMA Karate
Centres. The Barrie athletes participated in the Canadian
Open martial arts tournament competing among martial artists from across Canada
and the United States. The event had them putting their training to
the test and all fared well.
Purple belt Shamus Berube had
the opportunity to test his traditional sword form for the first time in
competition at the event and he wowed the crowd winning first place in the
division. He further went on to win first place in traditional kata and
second in point fighting.
Purple belt Ella Zenon came
back to the ring after a three year hiatus from competition winning fourth in
the weapons division and fifth in traditional kata.
Green belt Jaxon Jones gave a
strong performance among the more seasoned competitors in his division
finishing as a finalist in both the traditional kata and sparring divisions.
Junior black belt Sale Berube
finished second in creative weapons, second in point fighting, fourth in
musical weapons and was a finalist in the traditional kata and traditional
weapons division.
First degree black belt Tara
Graham has demonstrated that hard work pays off and continues to improve with
every competition. Competing among several world champions, Graham left
her mark winning fourth place in traditional weapons and finalist in
traditional kata.
Second degree black belt Tara
Krale pushed her own limit trying the continuous fighting division. A new
experience for her she gave everything she had leaving her with a third place
win in the 35 years plus division. She also went on to win first
place in musical weapons and was a finalist in the traditional kata,
traditional weapons and point sparring divisions.
RMA instructor Tressa Young
spent the day of competition supporting her students being ring side to coach
them through their divisions. Not competing is an unusual factor for the
multiple world champion but she wanted to be there in a supportive role
giving her students her full attention. After much persuasion from other
judges, competitors and event organizers, and with only five minutes of
preparation for the division to begin, the third degree black belt borrowed a
uniform and belt to compete. She entered the ring for the Elite Creative
division and did so with domination. The only division she entered at the
Canadian Open was left with her mark when she won first place.
Several RMA students will be headed to the provincial trials on April 18 in hopes of advancing to the national team trials in May.
