Andalusia Isshinryu Karate continues to have a strong year as three students recently competed in IIKA Youth Karate Games in Crossville, Tenn., and came away with a pair of grand championships.

Taj Patel and Kila Owens each won the Grand Championship for their respective age categories.

Dalton Spears narrowly missed winning the Grand Championship as he finished runner-up to his teammate Patel.

It was the third grand championship for Patel, and for Owens, it was her first.

The Grand Champions were determined by having all the winners of all divisions in an age category competing for an overall winner.

In addition to the pair of grand championships, Andalusia Isshinryu brought home seven first place trophies.

Patel won the 11-14 year old Youth Black Belt Grand Champion Kata/Weapons, first place in kata, first place in weapons and first place in kumite.

Owens picked up the 15-17 year old Youth Black Belt Gradn Champion Kata/Weapons. Owens also finished in first place in kata, weapons and kumite.

Spears had a strong day with a first place finish in black belt kata and a second place finish in weapons.