Karate class brings home 1st place awards

Published 12:03 am Thursday, March 22, 2012

Andalusia’s Isshinryu Karate class brought home nine first place finishes from the USYKA Ryuken Classic in Montgomery. | Courtesy photo

Thirteen Andalusia Isshinryu Karate students competed in the USYKA Ryuken Classic in Montgomery on March 10 and won nine first place finishes.

Caleb Blackston, Kyle Burgans and Tyler Martin all won two first place awards each to lead the group.

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

Results of the entire team are as follows:

• Allen Butler – second place in youth black belt weapons, black belt kata and black belt fighting; and first place in black belt musical forms;

• Caleb Blackston – first place in green belt weapons and fighting; and second place in green belt kata;

• Kenny Blackston – first place in brown belt weapons; third place in brown belt kata; and second place in brown belt fighting;

• Tyler Martin – first place in green belt weapons and kata; and third place in green belt fighting;

• Rexanne Butler – fourth place in youth black belt weapons; third place in youth black belt fighting; and second place in black belt musical forms;

• Dev Patel – third place in green belt fighting;

• Garrett Blackston – second place in green belt weapons, kata and fighting;

• Kristen Kelley – first place in green belt fighting;

• Kyle Burgans – first place in yellow belt kata and fighting;

• Marie Josey – fourth place in black belt youth weapons; and second place in yellow belt kata;

• Paulk Smith – fourth place in yellow belt kata; and third place in yellow belt fighting.

Instruction in Okinawan Isshinryu Karate is available at the USA Gym and Fitness Center. Classes are taught by Mark Rudd.