Five Barrie martial artists have continued to train during the tournament off-season over the winter to prepare
for the upcoming Ontario regional trials taking place next month.

RMA Karate students Samantha M, Tyler M-Z, Jacob G and Brooke Z along with black belt instructor Tressa
Young have stepped up their training to  help prepare for the April 17^th event in London.

The local karate school will be well represented when the five step onto the mat to compete in their respective
divisions.

15 year-old Young, a 16 x international medalist and 2 x world gold medal champion will be competing in 10
divisions with the goal to medal in all divisions.

11-year-old Samantha M, a 2 x bronze world medalist, will be competing in 7 divisions, 15-year-old
Tyler M-Z will be competing in 6 divisions, 12-year-old Jacob G will be competing in 5 division and 9-year-old
Brooke Z will be competing in 2 divisions.

“All 5 show real talent, determination and are fearless about competing among black belts.  The regional competition
is an all black belt event, however lower belts are permitted to enter the competition to vie for their advancement to
nationals in May,” head instructor Craig Ridout said.  “All 5 have a strong possibility of advancing to the nationals. 
They never give up, they come to every single training session on top of their regular classes and they give everything
they have,” Ridout continued.

Only the top 8 from every division advance to the Canadian nationals taking place in Ottawa in May.