Members of the Andalusia Isshinryu Karate recently traveled to Tennessee to compete in the Battle of Lenoir City tournament.

Taj Patel made a slight detour on his way to compete in the 2019 National Spelling Bee to compete with his team in the Battle of Lenoir City.

The detour paid off for Patel as he earned the Youth Black Belt Grand Championship.

Patel also earned first place finishes in youth black belt weapons and kata.

On Tuesday, Patel advanced to round three for the National Spelling Bee.

The first three rounds of the spelling bee may be streamed online on ESPN.com.

Part one of the final round will be broadcast on ESPN 2 on Thursday from 9 a.m., until 1 p.m.

Part two of the final round will be from 7:30-9:30 p.m., on ESPN.

Kila Thompson also had a big day for the AIK as she earned the Women’s Black Belt Fighting Grand Championship.

Thompson also picked up first place finishes in women’s black belt weapons, kata and fighting.

Dhilan Patel put up a strong battle, but came up just shy of placing in the top three.

AIK will be hosting the 21st annual South Alabama Karate Open at Straughn High School on June 8.

For more information on the tournament of Isshinryu Karate, contact Mark Rudd at 488-3104.