Tressa Young is not your
typical 20 something in university, working, traveling or partying.
Instead, she owns two successful karate schools in the city of Barrie with
locations in both the north and south ends of the city.
A martial arts instructor since
2005, the third degree black belt operates Tenshi’s RMA Karate Centres
sometimes working 12 hour days seven days a week. This is also done
while managing to be a stunt performer for film/TV and attend tournaments
across the globe. Ask her and she would tell you she would not trade it
in for anything.
Tenshi, a Japanese word,
meaning angel was a nickname Young’s mom gave her and the name stuck. So
much that she decided to make it part of her business name.
Part of her motivation for
operating her own karate schools, was to teach the martial arts to kids and to
share her expertise with all who are willing to learn. Young is a 10 time
Canadian national karate team member and has earned multiple world titles. The
fit blonde has also trained national and world champions helping many of her
students make the national team every year since 2009 including 4 this year.
Easing the workload at both
locations are her 14 volunteer instructors and assistants who dedicate their
time helping in class, all of them wanting to give back to the students.
Young’s bubbly personality
along with her two pets are always there to welcome everyone as they come into
the dojo. “The younger students especially love petting the dogs before
they start their class. It’s become a ritual for many of the students to
say hello to the dogs while chatting with me before class begins. The
dogs have become the RMA mascots”, Young stated.
Today, Tenshi’s RMA Karate
Centres has more than 150 students ranging from three to over 50 years old. The
students have the benefit of training in karate at both locations covered under
the same price. The Barrie locations also offer a range of programs
including kickboxing, Chinese Wushu, fitness, weaponry and self-defense.
Young has worked hard to build
the image of the business outside the club including supporting the Women &
Children’s Shelter of Barrie and hosting free self-defense classes.
The RMA north Barrie location
will be hosting free self-defense training for ages 13 years and older on
Thursday June 25th at
7pm. For more information about the self-defense class or other programs
call Tressa Young at 705-796-1994 or visit www.rmakarate.com .
