Andalusia Isshinryu members competed in the 2023 Bryan College Open Karate Tournament which was held at Dayton, Tennessee, on Saturday, February. 18.
The tournament, an IIKA sanctioned event, was attended by 160 competitors from various forms in martial arts. “All of them appeared very good over the weekend. This was their first event in 2023. Even though they were it was a small number the students represented the dojo as well as Andalusia with great grace, skills, excellent sportsmanship and a respectful manner,” Coach Mark Rudd stated.
AIK students had a solid display, including the black belt Taj Patel taking the lead with first-place finishing on black belt weapons and kata and combat. Patel also won the title of Youth Grand Champion, earning the title over all other youth fighters and kata champions from other divisions.
“I’m thankful to have had the privilege to participate in tournaments for karate since I’ve been able to take part in something I’ve enjoyed doing. Karate has been a part of my life for 13 years now and it’s now my primary activity,” Patel said.
The tournament was Patel’s final youth competition due to his imminent 18th birthday. “Closing my youth-related career is very important to me. Being aware that everything is shifting now and that my time in the field is coming to an end is very touching,” he said.
The next event he will compete in is in the adult division.
“One of the primary ways my youth karate journey has prepared me for my next decade is the fact that it taught me to stay determined to achieve my objectives. If I remain focused on my goals I’ll be able to achieve those goals. I am looking at being a professional athlete in the near future since it will let me challenge the athletes I’ve idolized and admired for a long time,” Patel said.
Rooker was second in second place behind Patel for black belt weaponry, kata and fighting. Johnathan Rudd was first for brown belt weaponry as well as brown belt combat. Lane Cook competed in the beginner’s division and finished fourth in Kata.
“Taj was a formidable player through the years of his teenage, and so winning every single one of the final tournament of his youngster was a extraordinary. It was an exchange of the torch because his fellow black belt and teammate Nathan Rooker was right behind him.” Rudd added.
Andalusia black belt Camille Holley, who is an undergraduate pupil of Bryan College and competes on the Bryan College competition team, took the first prize in the black belt women’s weapons including kata, fighting and weapons. She was awarded Black belt for women. Grand Championship in fighting.
Andalusia Isshinryu provides classes to everyone within Okinawan Isshinryu. For information on classes, contact us or text 334-488-3104.
“We are going to see many of our pupils at work soon , and we are getting ready to host the annual 24th South Alabama Karate Open to be held at Straughn High School on June 10,” Rudd said.
The article AIK is a success with a strong performance in Tennessee; Patel closes youth Karate career was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
