Karate black belt Tressa Young completed a proud achievement this past long weekend by securing her spot on the Canadian National Karate Team.
Young competed at the Canadian Nationals where martial artists from across Canada were competing for their spot on Canada's team which could only be secured by placing top three in their divisions.
Young, only 13, duly entered the 13-17 year-old divisions at the prestigious World Karate Association (WKA) National Championships in Hull, Quebec. Into the first two days of competition and rounds of elimination, Young started off strong, securing her spot in three out of four of her divisions for the final round on Sunday.
On the last day of emilination rounds, the Barrie karate kid won silver in traditional weapons and fourth place in both the musical open form and musical weapons divisions. Young will be donning the Canadian team colours at the world karate championships in Florida, representing our country in the traditional weapons division while also being an alternate for the musical divisions.
Young trains at the RMA Karate Centres under Sensei Craig Ridout and Shihan Stuart VanLuven. Ridout stated “Tressa is a very dedicated competitor who is naturally competitive and very motivated. She competes with the calmness and intent of someone much older."
Young is no stranger to competition on the provincial, national and international level, as she was a Canadian team member in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Her challenge to be able to represent our country at the upcoming 2008 international world karate championship event has only just begun.
The grade eight Emma King School student is responsible for all her own travel, training, team uniform and entrance fee expenses. Competing at previous world championships were made possible through sponsorship from local companies and she is hoping for a little help once again.
Sensei Ridout said of the black belt "She is a great role model, not only for our students at the club but also for the youth of Barrie. We will be doing a couple of fundraisers in the karate club but are in need of corporate sponsorship to help her with the majority of the expenses."
Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring Tressa Young may call 733-5762 or email info@rmakarate.com.
