Andalusia Isshinryu Karate black belt Taj Patel and Kila Owens traveld to Meridian, Miss., recently and made strong showings in the Mississippi Karate Association Open.

The duo teamed up to win first place in the team kata competition.

Owens won first place in the women’s black belt fighting and second place in women’s belt kata.

She then won the women’s fighting grand championship by defeating the winner of the other women’s black belt division.

Owens was awarded a Japanese Sword Set for the Grand Championship Award.

Patel had fourth place finishes in youth black belt weapons and youth black belt kata.