Martial Artists Bring Home The Bling

The WKC World Karate & Kickboxing Championships recently took place in Orlando, Florida and four martial artists from RMA Karate Centres took part in the event as part of the Canadian national karate team.

 

Second degree black belt Tara Krale, an instructor at the Barrie karate club came home with four gold medals after competing in seven events.

 

Brown belt Shamus Berube competed in three events and for the first time in the traditional weapons division where he won a bronze medal.

 

Eden McGuire competed for the first time as part of the national team and was beaming with joy after demonstrating her Chinese Wushu forms where she won one gold and one bronze medal.

 

Third degree black belt Tressa Young, who was at the event as an official, was asked to be part of Canada’s women’s fighting team.   An unexpected call to be part of the 5 woman team but the RMA school owner was pleased to take part and came away winning bronze.

 

Junior black belt Sale Berube gave a strong performance as part of the national team among a large group of young martial artists.  Despite representing our country well, she just fell short of medaling. 

 

In total the RMA martial artists came home with 4 gold and 3 bronze medals and are ready to prepare for next year’s team trials.

 

---

RMA DUO WIN IN WINDSOR!

Eleven-year-old black belt Sale Berube and her father, purple belt Shamus Berube, gave a strong performance at the Southern Ontario Open Championships in Windsor.  The duo, who train under world champion Tressa Young, attended the event on May 3rd giving it their all among tough competition from Ontario and the United States.  

Daughter Sale won 3 third places and 1 fourth place while Dad (Shamus) won 2 first places, 1 second place and had his chance at the Grand Champion division.  The Berubes along with 6 others from Tressa Young’s RMA Karate Centres in Barrie are headed to the national team trials in Ottawa this Victoria long weekend.  It is there they hope to qualify for the national team who will be headed to the world karate and kickboxing championships in Florida this fall. 

For more information please call Tressa Young at 705-796-1994 or email info@rmakarate.com. 

RMA DUO WIN IN WINDSOR!

Eleven-year-old black belt Sale Berube and her father, purple belt Shamus Berube, gave a strong performance at the Southern Ontario Open Championships in Windsor.  The duo, who train under world champion Tressa Young, attended the event on May 3rd giving it their all among tough competition from Ontario and the United States.  

Daughter Sale won 3 third places and 1 fourth place while Dad (Shamus) won 2 first places, 1 second place and had his chance at the Grand Champion division.  The Berubes along with 6 others from Tressa Young’s RMA Karate Centres in Barrie are headed to the national team trials in Ottawa this Victoria long weekend.  It is there they hope to qualify for the national team who will be headed to the world karate and kickboxing championships in Florida this fall. 

For more information please call Tressa Young at 705-796-1994 or email info@rmakarate.com. 

RMA Martial Artists Score Medal Haul at Ontario Qualifiers

Nine martial artists from RMA Karate Centres in Barrie were in London taking part in the World Karate & Kickboxing Commission’s Ontario qualifiers.  Held at the London convention centre the RMA students competed in several individual events for the chance to advance to the national team qualifiers next month in Ottawa.

The Ontario qualifiers were tough with some divisions having as many as 40 competitors vying for top spot and wanting to come home with some hardware.  Only the top eight of each division advance to the national team trials and every martial artist there traveled to London in hopes of being one step closer to being on Canada’s team. 

Second degree black belt Tara Krale gave her best performance to date in the women’s 35 years and over divisions winning gold in Chinese forms, gold in Korean forms,  gold in freestyle forms, gold in creative weapons, gold in point sparring, silver in musical weapons, silver in continuous sparring, and fourth place in both the traditional weapons and traditional forms divisions.  

First degree black belt Tara Graham gave a strong demonstration of skill in the women’s 35 years and over divisions winning silver in Chinese forms, silver in Korean forms, bronze in Traditional weapons and placed fifth in traditional forms.

Eleven-year-old junior black belt Sale Berube won gold in Korean forms, silver in Chinese forms, silver in creative weapons, placed fourth in the traditional weapons, fifth in traditional forms and sixth place in musical weapons.

Purple belt Shamus Berube continues to fine tune demonstrating his skill in the men’s 35 years and over divisions winning gold in traditional weapons, gold in traditional forms and silver in the point sparring division.

Wushu student Eden McGuire gave proof her flair for the Chinese martial art (Wushu) was difficult to challenge in the girls’ 16/17 age group winning gold in the Chinese forms and silver in the traditional weapons.

Purple belt Ella Zenon was all smiles after competing in the girls 11/12 age group winning gold in the Korean forms and placing fourth in the Chinese forms division. 

Purple belt Jacob Allen thought he would give the Ontario qualifiers a shot and his effort gave positive results in the boys 13 to 15 age group placing fifth in the traditional weapons division.

In the 10 and under girls traditional weapons, blue belt Alyson Caron demonstrated determination placing eighth in the division.

His first competition of the year blue belt Wesley Wu gave his personal best in the largest divisions of the event.  Wu was a finalist in both the traditional forms and creative weapons divisions.

The eight who will be traveling to Ottawa next month have no time to rest on their medal haul as they continue to train even harder for the national team trials.  They are already back in the karate school training in preparation for next month’s event.

For more information about martial arts classes in Barrie visit www.rmakarate.com .

CANADIAN OPEN WIN

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.

RMA SUCCESSFUL AT FALLS EVENT

It was a quick trip to the falls for 5 Barrie martial artists as they competed at the SMAC Internationals in Niagara Falls, New York this past weekend (March 6/7).  The five who train out of RMA Karate Centres in Barrie were among hundreds of martial artists from across the USA and Canada competing for top spot.

Third degree black belt and RMA instructor Tressa Young gave a strong performance competing alongside her fellow men and women black belts winning first place in Japanese forms, first place in creative forms, first place in creative weapons, first place in sparring and second place in choreographed musical weapons.

Junior black belt Sale Berube did amazing competing for only her third time as a black belt and at an international event.  The eleven-year-old found herself competing among many seasoned black belt competitors and through a strong performance won first place in creative weapons, first place in Kempo forms and second place in musical weapons.

Intermediate Wushu student Eden McGuire gave a strong performance for her first competition of 2015.  The sixteen-year-old trains in the Chinese martial art of Wushu under the direction of Tressa Young and the SMAC event gave her the opportunity to test her skill resulting in her winning first place in creative forms and finalist in the creative weapons division. 

Purple belt Shamus Berube continues to tweak his form and sparring skill testing his abilities at the Niagara Falls event winning second place in men’s sparring and second place in traditional forms. 

It was the first international event for thirteen-year-old Jacob Allen who took everything in not only giving his best in his own divisions but watching all the other martial artists in attendance.  The blue belt finished the competition winning a finalist position in the traditional forms division.

The five martial artists not only attend their regular weekly training but also commit to additional competition training to help improve their skill and abilities.   The competition team training is run by RMA black belt instructors Tressa Young, Craig Ridout and Linda Young who volunteer their time to provide the students the extra classes at no extra cost.  For more information about RMA Karate Centres visit www.rmakarate.com .

RMA ENDS 2011 WITH A BANG

RMA ENDS 2011 WITH A BANG

It was the last competition of 2011 for the martial artists of RMA Karate Centres in Barrie.  They entered the Hershey Centre in Mississauga early Saturday morning (26^th) to compete alongside their peers who had traveled from across Ontario and the United States.

RMA Karate instructor Tressa Young moved up an age group to compete in the adult women’s divisions at the Toronto Tournament of Martial Arts Champions and despite being 16 years old, she left her mark - literally.  The second degree black belt competed in forms, weapons and sparring divisions winning 4 first place and 2 second place finishes.  After winning her first fight, the petite girl of only 118 pounds advanced to the final round.

The final fight to determine who would take first place had Young up against a competitor from London who wanted the win just as bad and was able to answer every kick and hit the Barrie native gave.  Young literally left her mark on the London fighter giving her a bloody nose from a hit to the face.  The return of exchanges between the two gave the crowd a show but Young ended up placing second in the adult women’s fighting division after being defeated 9-8.  For her first time competing in the adult categories Young did well for herself.

Advanced brown belt Samantha M also proved that hard work and dedication can pay off.  The 13-year-old pushed herself beyond her limits to compete in the Kung Fu divisions against seasoned Kung Fu practitioners.  Samantha had only learned her Kung Fu form from her instructor (Tressa Young) just one week before but that didn’t stop her from showing the judges and her fellow competitors what she was capable of.  She was all smiles after placing 2^nd in the Kung Fu division and went on to win first in musical forms, first in sparring, third in Korean forms, fourth in traditional forms and fifth in weapons.

Brown belt Jacob G continues to give no surprises when competing.  The 13-year-old placed first in weapons, first in forms, first in sparring and third in Korean forms.

Brooke Z has steadily improved throughout the 2011 competition year and this recent event was no exception.  The blue belt placed third in musical forms, third in sparring, fourth in weapons and fourth in forms.

Red belt Ella Z, giving her personal best in a division of 17 competitors placed fifth in weapons, fifth in sparring and was a finalist in the forms division.

Blue belt Alysha S-P continues to work hard and show steady improvement.  Half way through the 2011 competition year the 13-year-old moved into the advanced divisions proving to be a challenge but not an impossible feat to overcome.  She finished the year winning first in sparring, fifth in forms and fifth in weapons.

Red belt Keegan S-P held his own in a division of 25 competitors placing fifth in weapons, fifth in sparring and was a finalist in the forms division.

Red belt Asher A continues to prove he can handle a weapon placing third in weapons and fifth in the forms division.

Seven-year-old orange belt Liam N who only recently joined the RMA competition team, the Northern Dragons, performed with confidence placing fifth in forms, fifth in weapons and second in the sparring division.

New to the competition scene, orange belt Katie B was all smiles when performing in her forms and weapons division finishing fifth.

“ All 10 RMA martial artists gave their personal best and we are very proud of their accomplishments in 2011 and at this competition.  They are amazing to watch and it is our honour to help guide them in their competition journey through their dedicated training at RMA”, head instructor Craig Ridout said.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLXqQzgxUk

Tressa Young competed in the women's divisions although only 16. She won 1st in her forms and weapons divisions and second in her point sparring. She did amazing! Check out the video.

RMA - Day 5 of Worlds Competition and GOLD

Today was the last day of competition and Sensei Tressa still had her 16/17yrs -60kg fighting divisions to do.


Sensei Tressa was pumped and ready to go.  She blitzed fast and kicked hard in these two divisions with the results she wanted.  Sensei Tressa won gold in both the point fighting and continuous fighting divisions.

Congratulations Sensei Tressa!

Sensei Tressa has also been asked to perform at the closing night show for all competitors to have the chance to see her musical open form.


** A big congratulations to all 5 RMA who have represented our dojo and country well.  We are very proud of you.  Here are the 2011 WKC World Karate Championships results:

Sensei Tressa: 8 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze  

Sempai Samantha: 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze

Tyler: 1 bronze

Brooke: 1 bronze

Jacob:  1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze

RMA - Day 4 & First Day of Finals at Worlds

It's day 4 at the world championships in Spain and the first day of finals.

Sensei Tressa won gold in extreme forms, traditional forms, Chinese forms, Musical weapons and Korean forms.   She also won silver in creative open forms, traditional weapons and bronze in creative weapons.  Results for Sensei Tressa's team kata with Sempai Samantha and with her fighting, including team fighting, will be posted tomorrow.

Sempai Samantha has won gold in Korean forms, silver in musical weapons and bronze in Chinese forms.  Results for Sempai Samantha's team kata with Sensei Tressa will be posted tomorrow.

Tyler won bronze in traditional weapons.

Brooke won bronze in Korean forms.

Jacob won gold in Korean forms, silver in traditional weapons and  bronze in Chinese forms and continuous fighting.

Congratulations to all of you!  And good luck to Sensei Tressa and Sempai Samantha who still have more competing to do!

Pictures and more results to be posted soon.

GIRLS Team Fights Announce Captain

This just in from Spain....

Sensei Tressa's last fight was watched by many including Master John Douvris of Ottawa and World Class fighter Miss Chelsey Nash of Queenston (Hamilton).  Sensei Craig (Ridout) said it was the best fight she has ever fought and both Master Douvris and Miss Nash both agree she fought exceptionally well.

Sensei Tressa has been selected to be part of the girls fighting team and has been named team captain leading the way for our Canadian girls to win GOLD for Canada.

Sensei Tressa is already in the running for 11 medals and will now have the chance to earn herself a 12th gold medal for Canada!

Go Sensei Tressa!!!

RMA - Day 3 Fight Day at Worlds in Spain

It's Day 3 at the 2011 WKC World Karate Championships and that means another day of fighting for RMA.

Today Sensei Tressa fought in the girls 16/17yrs minus 60kg point fighting divisions and Jacob fought in the boys 13 to15yrs continuous fighting division.

It's the last day of preliminary rounds with all finals to determine medals starting tomorrow.

First up was Jacob who was ready to give his best.  Jacob won his first fight against an English competitor but lost his second fight to another competitor from England finishing him in the bronze medal position.


Later in the day it was Sensei Tressa's turn to give everything and she was determined to fight as well as yesterday's matches (Tressa advanced yesterday in continuous for the gold match). 

Tressa was a powerhouse and gave a repeat of yesterday's performance.  She fought well with winning combinations defeating her US opponent in the first fight and now moves on to the gold medal match in the finals!  

Another great day of performances by RMA!

All final divisions for medals start tomorrow and we wish all 5 RMA the best of luck.  Go for GOLD everyone!


**Special Note:  Thank you to Sensei Craig and Sensei Tressa for working so hard and helping prepare the RMA students for this moment.  You are amazing- thank you Senseis!

RMA - Day 2 Fighting rounds at Worlds in Spain

It was day 2 of competition at the 2011 WKC World Karate Championships and for the 3 RMA athletes that meant fight day.

Sensei Tressa competed in the 16 to 17yr girls minus 60kg continuous fighting division, Sempai Samantha competed in the 8 to 12yr girls point fighting division and Jacob competed in the 13 to 15yr boys point fighting division.

The fighting divisions are tough at worlds. Many of the toughest fighters, who come to this world class event just to fight, are vying for their title and to be called champion winning gold in their division.

First up were Sempai Samantha and Jacob for the point fighting divisions.  Despite both of them putting a great effort into their first fight they lost to their opponent removing them from advancement in that division and to the medal round on Friday.


Next up was Sensei Tressa in the continuous fighting division. Sensei Tressa fought well in her division and has advanced to the gold medal round on Friday where she will be giving everything to win gold for Canada!  Good luck Sensei Tressa.

Tomorrow - fighting divisions continue. 

Sensei Tressa & Sempai Samantha Advance

As promised here is an update for the team forms division.

Sensei Tressa and Sempai Samantha have advanced in the team forms!  This is a big accomplishment considering Sempai Samantha was put into the team division last minute.  With only 2 weeks left before leaving for Spain, Sensei Tressa and Sempai Samantha practiced diligently before they left and then again once they arrived in Spain.

Congratulations Sensei Tressa and Sempai Samantha for advancing in team forms.  We are very proud of you!!

RMA - First Day of World Competition Results

It's been pins and needles for the families of the athletes here at home in Barrie, waiting for information on how their children are doing.  Even for me!

Athletes competed in Forms divisions today.  For Sensei Tressa that meant 8 divisions, Sempai Samantha 4 divisions, Tyler 1 division, Brooke 2 divisions and Jacob 4 divisions.  Only the top 4 of each division advance to the medal round.

Results are in......

Sensei Tressa advances to the final gold medal round for all 8 of her forms divisions.  She is first in five divisions including Extreme forms, traditional kata, musical weapons, Korean forms and Chinese forms.  She is currently in second place for traditional weapons and creative forms and third in the creative weapons division

Sempai Samantha advances in 3 of her divisions.  She is currently first in Korean forms, Musical weapons and is in third place for Chinese forms.

Tyler advances in his division.  He is currently placed in fourth division for the traditional weapons.

Brooke advances in the Korean division currently in fourth place.


Jacob advances in 3 of his divisions.  He is currently in first place for Korean forms, 2nd in Chinese and third in traditional weapons.


Team forms results with Sensei Tressa and Samantha have not been provided yet.  Once we have those results we will post them!

Good luck to all in the medal round for their forms! 


Thank you to all 5 of the RMA athletes for putting a fantastic effort and representing RMA well.  We are very proud of all of you! 


Good luck to Sensei Tressa, Sempai Samantha and Jacob in their fighting divisions (point and continuous). 

Stay tuned as pictures will follow shortly.

RMA Karate Athletes make weight

The martial arts athletes from RMA Karate Centres in Barrie have registered for their events at the 2011 WKC World Karate Championships.

3 out of the 5 athletes who are competing in the fight divisions includes RMA's own Sensei Tressa Young and  all 3 have met their weight class.  This means that the weight class that they qualified for at the Canadian nationals is the same as what they are fighting in for the world championships.

The rest of today will be left to a trip to the beach, chatting with other martial artists from other countries, a healthy dinner and plenty of rest to help be ready for tomorrow.

All 5 amazing athletes are ready to start competing tomorrow in forms.  We wish Sensei Tressa, Sempai Samantha, Tyler, Brooke and Jacob good luck tomorrow.  Stay tuned to this blog for world competition updates and pictures!