Our Instructors

Clarissa Rumphs 3rd Dan

Ms. Rumphs is another long time Texins Karate member and is the school's 5th ranking instructor.

Ms. Rumphs was born in Dallas, Texas on September 26. In high school she is a member of the Student Council, HOSA Team, Track & Field Team, MST Program, National Spanish Society, Light Brigade, Beta club, and A/B Honor Roll. Ms. Rumphs' martial arts training began at the tender age of five under then Master Royce Young. She was his very first five year-old student to join the school. On September 24, 1998, she earned her 1st degree Black Belt at the age of 11, which made her the youngest female and the first African-American female to have received a Black Belt from Texins Karate.

Ms. Rumphs continues to teach and train at Texins Karate two different sites. She is an exceptional student and teacher of Tae Kwon Do. She is a quiet and humble young lady with incredible poise and grace. She is known for her control and her high kicks, her exemplary katas (forms), and amazing stamina and tenacity. She continues to strive for perfection and knowledge. Her parents say that Ms. Rumphs has never expressed a desire to discontinue her martial arts training. She knows that the martial arts have existed for many decades, which means that there is still so much more for her to learn and appreciate.

Ms. Rumphs credits her instructor, Grandmaster Royce Young for enriching her training, and all that she has learned about Tae Kwon Do. He is like a second father to her. He has watched her grow from a child to a very beautiful, intelligent, respectable and honorable young lady. She has the utmost respect for Grandmaster Young and his family and will gladly say to anyone who is considering becoming apart of the Texins Karate family, that it is truly an environment that promotes the highest level of structure and teaching. It also promotes discipline, self-control, unity, honor, pride, integrity, and respect for all.

On February 21, 2004, Ms. Rumphs received a 1st degree black-belt in Kobudo Weapons from Grandmaster Keith Yates and Master Proctor. The Kobudo weapons class is a 2½-year, well-balanced and structured program, which takes a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication. Ms. Rumphs continues her training and teaching in Kobudo weapons.

Over the years, Ms. Rumphs has inspired others to follow in her footsteps, including her peers and her biggest fan Celeste, her sister. In her young life as a martial artist, Clarissa has accomplished and been awarded so much. With all the awards and accomplishment that she currently holds, it has never changed her personality or character. Ms. Rumphs credits her success to God, her parents, and of course Grandmaster Royce Young and all of his senior instructors.

Ms. Rumphs most memorable event was when she met Chuck Norris in 1999 and appeared in her first TV drama - "Walker Texas Ranger: Rise to Occasion" episode.

She is the Texins Karate most decorated female student. Her tournament awards count stands at 61 and counting, consisting of medals, trophies, plaques, and award jackets. She owns a total of five consecutive Texas State champion medals; two back-to-back gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Clarissa also holds the honor of being the first student/instructor at Texins Karate to earn a Black Belt in Kobudo weapons. She also received her Certificate of Teaching from Grandmaster Young, which made her the youngest person ever to have received that honor from the American Karate Black Belt Association.

Ms. Rumphs was promoted to 3rd Dan in January 2003 upon nomination from Master Ottis Wooten, Grandmaster Royce Young and Grandmaster James Toney, and by vote of the High Dan Board. Ms. Rumphs was also promoted to 1st Dan Kobudo in February 2004 upon nomination from Master Proctor and Grandmaster Keith Yates.