Andy Isshinryu bring home big finishes
Published 12:05 am Friday, August 4, 2017
Andalusia Isshinryu Karate students made a strong showing with several medal finishes at the 38th Annual Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament recently in Gatlinburg.
“The Isshinryu Hall of Fame is host the largest closed Isshinryu tournament held worldwide,” Mark Rudd said. “It attracts top Isshinryu competitors from all over North America, and from as far away as Okinawa, where Isshinryu originated.”
There were seven Andalusia Isshinryu students that competed in the tournament.
All Andalusia Isshinryu students medaled in their respective events, including eight first place finishes.
Taj Patel picked up a first place finish in black belt kata, a second place finish in black belt fighting and third place in black belt weapons.
Landon Caldwell brought home a pair of first place finishes in black belt weapons and fighting. He finished second in black belt kata.
Kila Owens came away with a clean sweep as she picked up first place finishes in women’s black belt weapons, kata and fighting.
Mack McIntyre had a strong showing with a pair of first place finishes in yellow belt weapons and kata.
Allen Butler finished second in black belt men (third-fifth degree) kata and third in weapons.
Rudd came away with a pair of second place finishes in black belt masters (sixth degree and up) weapons and kata. He finished third in fighting.