July 12, 2009

FOUR MARTIAL ARTISTS COP 14 TOP AWARDS

Four martial artists from Barrie recently represented their dojo, RMA Karate, at the Steel City
Karate Tournament in Hamilton on Saturday (11th) bringing home top awards in every division
they entered.  

Orange belt Codie M did extremely well at the event.  With him being the lone competitor
in the intermediate divisions he opted to move up to the advance division where he found himself
competing among brown belts.  The 14 year old did an amazing job placing first in kata, first in
sparring and second in the weapons division.  

Younger sibling Samantha M also gave her strongest showing to date.  The 10 year old has
taken on extra training sessions since securing her spot on the 2009 Canadian national sport karate team
and her efforts are showing positive results. One judge at the competition made a point of telling
Samantha she had the strongest form for a kyu belt (under black belt) that he had ever seen.  The
purple belt placed first in kata, second in musical weapons, second in traditional weapons and third
in sparring.  

Black belt Tressa Young, an instructor at the karate school, impressed high-ranking judges as well. 
The judges commented on how they have witnessed the 14 year old grow up through the martial arts
and how she never fails to impress.  Also a member of the 2009 national sport karate team headed to
Ireland this fall, her extra training continues to hone her karate skills. Young placed first in musical open,
first in traditional kata, first in traditional weapons, second in musical weapons and second in sparring.  

RMA owner and instructor Linda Young surprised her students by competing at the event as well.  The
45 year old second degree black belt competed among higher ranking black belts including some who hold
world titles. Young entered into two divisions winning top awards.  She placed first in traditional weapons
and second in traditional kata.  

"It was great competing and giving my students a chance to see me among my peers. I haven't competed in
over three years and it felt really good." Young stated. "We have over 100 students at our school with only a
small portion who choose to compete.  When students are interested in competing we take the extra time to
help prepare them.  Choosing to compete myself and showing my students to go out and have fun while
giving their best helps them understand there is value in competition beyond the awards."