Rondeau’s new location a knockout

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Traffic was a bit heavier than normal at 609 Killingly St. Saturday morning, where a half-dozen or so vendors were setting up canopy tents at which they would display a variety of women’s wares and essentials.

There were congratulatory hugs and well-wishes from a number of people, but perhaps no one was more excited – and appreciative of what was going on – than Mayor Joseph Polisena.

“I like this site,” Polisena told those who came for what was a monumental event. “Congratulations to Christina; she has filled another once-vacant store front.”

After 27 years, Christina Rondeau – the premier teacher and operator-owner of famed Rondeau’s Kickboxing and Fitness – decided to move uptown, as the old saying goes, to the main road on Killingly Street.

Rondeau’s move was made possible when Cumberland Farms, which has developed two ultra-modern locations in Johnston, built a new state-of-the-art convenience-gas store further north on Killingly Street.

“I downsized a bit,” Rondeau told Polisena. “There’s 1,700 square feet in this building and no room for the (boxing) ring; but people actually like that it’s outdoors.”

Amid admirers, staff and those curious folks who wanted to see what was going on, Polisena helped Rondeau perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open her new site where she continues teaching and offering her award-winning fitness and kick-boxing classes to Johnstonians of all ages.

“My passion is teaching people the right way to punch and kick while helping them become fit,” Rondeau explained while being joined by her son David. “We have beginners in all our classes; I love out of shape and uncoordinated people because I help change their lives.”

Rondeau is well-known for her free self-defense classes, which she offers throughout the year. She also hosts events to raise money for men and women that need some help in tough times in their lives.

“We call them Fight like a Dad, Fight like a Girl and I also offer kids kickboxing known as Fight back Kids,” Rondeau explained. “We love getting people in shape here.”

Prior to a mini-tour of her new and colorful awards and photo filled facility, Rondeau enjoyed a lighter moment with Polisena when she armed him with shiny red boxing gloves and stood back holding a punching glove.

“OK, Mayor,” Rondeau said to the Johnston leader, “let’s see what you’ve got!”

Almost instantly, people holding cell phones began snapping pictures as Polisena took it all in good fun while wishing Rondeaau well and thanking her for re-inventing in the Town of Johnston.

“I am honored to extend sincere congratulations to you upon the opening of your re-located business in the Town of Johnston,” Polisena said. “I would like to express the hope for success and best wishes now, and in the future years to come!”

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