Approximately 500 people were in attendance at the 16th annual South Alabama Karate Open Championships at Straughn High School Saturday.

This year’s tournament was the best-attended in seven years, Andalusia Isshinryu Karate instructor Mark Rudd said.

Additionally, there were 20 different martial arts schools who had competitors at the tournament.

Andalusia’s Allen Butler won the youth black belt forms and weapons grand championship at Saturday’s event.

Butler placed first in all of his events during the first part of the day, and did well enough in the championship round to garner the wins in forms and weapons.

Sherman Peek of Montgomery won the adult black belt forms and weapons grand championship.

Brittany Farley of Fayette won the women’s black belt fighting grand championship; and Lance Molock of Albertville won the men’s black belt fighting grand championship.

Full results from Saturday’s tournament can be found at www.andalusiastarnews.com.