From the left: Carol Buma-Beauchamp, Kyoshi Norm Beauchamp, and Dan Gasser.  Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – With a combined experience of approximately 110 years in the field of martial arts, Norm Beauchamp, Carol Buma-Beauchamp, and Dan Gasser are committed to developing self-confidence and leadership skills in their students at Therien Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, North Dundas.

People of all ages can study martial arts as well attend fitness classes at the Therien Martial Arts & Fitness. They provide concurrent classes which give parents and their children the chance to attend classes at the same time. Norm, Carol, and Dan all stressed the importance of ensuring personal safety for all participants in their classes, which are designed to assist in the realization of personal goals.

“Our goal is to make our students better than ourselves,” commented Dan, noting the students often provide the teachers with learning opportunities. Norm, Carol, and Dan all stressed the importance of being a role model while encouraging their students to excel.

Beauchamp explained he began studying martial arts in the mid-1970s at the Therien organization in Vanier, a school that started in 1968, and eventually he went on to becoming a second generation Therien Black Belt. Kyoshi, a designation of being a Master of Masters, Norm began teaching  Martial Arts in the gym of North Dundas District High School, as well as Chesterville Public School before opening a dojo, or martial arts school, in the former Chesterville Legion in January 2000. With the move to the present location in October 2021, Gasser joined Carol and Norm in the organization as co-owner and teacher. Norm holds an 8th Degree Black Belt, with Carol and Gasser each holding a 5th Degree Black Belt.

When studying martial arts, students begin as a white belt and follow a fixed curriculum to progress through yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown belts before achieving the black belt level. Norm explained there are 10 degrees of black belt. Dan mentioned that when students progress to the senior levels, they are encouraged to expand their knowledge through participating in competitions, and attending seminars.

Carol mentioned the Therien organization is part of the World Kobudo Federation which provides the opportunity to meet and learn from others in the Martial Arts’ field, either in Canada or other countries throughout the world. Dan mentioned how studying Martial Arts gives people the opportunity to grow, with Kyoshi Norm expressing it helps people develop leadership skills and self-confidence.

Kyoshi Norm explained Martial Arts evolved from personal self-defence into community self-defence in Asia. Therien Martial Arts & Fitness Centre offers six different programs including Brazilian, Jiu-Jitsu, Children and Adult CAN RYU Jiu-Jitsu (a Canadian form of self-defence), Little Dragons, Kickboxing, Circuit Fitness and Yoga. Kyoshi Norm, Carol and Dan are committed to increase the knowledge of their students and create a larger team of local teachers in the field. They also seek to educate the public on what martial arts are, by engaging in community events providing demonstrations as well as martial arts’ camps during school vacations.

While there is a lot of work and time commitment for the owners, they all agree it is rewarded by being able to witness the growth of their pupils. More information can be found on their Facebook page and website located at www.therienmartialarts.com.

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