May 18, 2009

KARATE GIRLS IRELAND BOUND!

The journey to the Canadian nationals began last month for 2 Barrie martial artists from RMA when they tested
their skill level at the Ontario regionals.  The national sport karate team pre-qualifier event was a black belt only
competition however martial artists who had not yet achieved the rank of black belt were welcome to participate.

Black belt Tressa Y and purple belt Samantha M advanced from the regionals allowing them to participate in the
national team trials.   The 2 martial artists from RMA Karate Centres attended the Canadian national sport karate
team trials this past long weekend where they competed along side other martial artists from each province vieing
for a spot on the Canadian national sport karate team.  Only the top 3 from each division were awarded their place
on the team and the competition was extremely tough.   After three days and three rounds of competition both girls
qualified for the Canadian national sport karate team.  

Tressa Y won silver in the musical extreme forms division, silver in the Chinese forms division, silver in the traditional
weapons division, bronze in the musical weapons division and bronze in the hard style traditional forms division.  Tressa
placed as an alternate to the minus 50kg point sparring division as well meaning if one competitor in this division
becomes injured she will take her spot.   

Samantha M won gold in the continuous minus 45kg sparring division.

"We are extremely proud of how well both girls did.  They handled themselves well, especially Samantha who was
competing against black belts" said head instructor Craig Ridout.   "Both young ladies showed excellent sportsmanship
to the judges and their competitors. They both made the national team proving their hard work and dedication to the
martial arts has paid off".   

Both will be representing Canada at the 2009 WKC world sport karatechampionships in Dublin Ireland this October.