Karate students earn 9 1st place awards at tourney

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Six Andalusia Isshinryu karate students competed in the 11th annual USYKA Albertville Karate Open tournament in Albertville on Oct. 9.

Competitors competed in weapons, forms and fighting divisions for their age and belt rank.

The Andalusia students placed in at least one division each, with nine first place finishes.

Allen Butler received four first place finishes, and Alex Myrick received three first place finishes.

The Andalusia students placed as follows:

• Alex Myrick — first place in green and brown belt weapons; green belt kata; and green and brown belt fighting.

• Allen Butler — first place in black belt musical kata; black belt youth fighting; black belt youth weapons; and black belt youth kata.

• Reese Burkhardt — second place in green and brown belt weapons; and first place in green belt kata, and green and brown belt fighting.

• Colin Marcum — third place in green belt kata, and green and brown belt fighting.

• Rexanne Butler — third place in brown belt kata.

• Rex Butler — second place in senior green and brown belt weapons, kata and fighting.

Instruction in Okinawan Isshinryu Karate is available at the USA Gym and Fitness Center.