Andalusia Isshinryu members brought home 18 first place finishes in the 36th Annual Isshinryu Hall of Fame Banquet and Tournament at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

 

The Isshinryu Tournament held during the IHOF is the largest closed Isshinryu tournament in the world, and draws in the top Isshinryu competitors from as far away as Okinawa, where Isshinryu orginated.

 

Each year, the IHOF banquet recognizes Isshinryu practitioners for their contribution to the art and for accomplishments in different areas of karate. Nominations are sent in worldwide for the awards, and the reviewed by the IHOF board, who then select finalist in each award category.

 

Three students from Andalusia Isshinryu Karate were selected as finalist for awards at this year’s IHOF banquet, and were recognized during the banquet.

 

Allen Butler was nominated for Young Male Karate-ka of the Year (13-17 yr) and Young Male Competitor of the Year.

 

Taj Patel was nominated for Young Male Karate-ka of the Year (12-and-under), and Landon Caldwell was nominated for Young Male Competitor of the Year (12-and-under).

 

“While this year’s winners were from other dojos, to be selected as a finalist is a great honor,” Andalusia Isshinryu’s Mark Rudd said.

 

Eleven members of Andalusia Isshinryu competed in the tournament, and came back with 18 first place finishes.

 

Taj Patel, (black belt) finished in first place in weapons, kata and fighting.

 

Dalton Spears, (brown belt) finished first place in weapons, kata and fighting.

 

Landon Caldwell, (brown belt) finished first place in weapons, kata and fighting.

 

Sarah Williams, (green belt) finished first place in weapons and fighting, and third place in kata.

 

Konner Owens, (green belt) finished first place in weapons and fighting, and third place in kata.

 

Dixon Fite, (green belt) finished third place in kata.

 

Kila Owens, (brown belt) finished second place in weapons and fighting, and third place in kata.

 

Rex Butler, (black belt executive) finished third place in weapons.

 

Rexanne Butler, (black belt youth girls) finished fourth place in kata.

 

Allen Butler, (black belt youth boys) finished first place in fighting and kata, and second place in weapons.

 

Mark Rudd, (black belt masters 6th degree-and-up) finished first place in weapons, kata and fighting.

 

Fall classes are now enrolling at Andalusia Isshinryu Karate. For more information, call 488-3104.