Team members from Andalusia Isshinryu Karate recently picked up top honors at the IIKA Middle Tennessee Open Karate Tournament in Waterton, Tenn.

The tournament was hosted by Masters Tony Willams and Sandra Strong and the Lebanon Dojo.

Taj Patel came home with the Youth Black Belt Weapons Grand Champion. He also was won first place finishes in youth black belt (13-and-older) weapons and kata. He came in third place in fighting.

Kila Thompson picked up a first place finish in women’s black belt sparring.

Thompson earned a pair of second place finishes in kata and weapons.

Landon Caldwell had a big day as he battled his way to a pair of first place finishes in youth black belt (12-and-under) weapons and fighting.

Caldwell also came home with a second place finish in kata.

Nathan Rooker was equally as strong as his teammates as he picked up a first place finish in brown belt kata.

Rooker then picked up a third place finish in fighting.

Dhilan Patel rounded out the strong day for Andalusia Isshinryu Karate as he earned a second place finish in blue belt kata.

Andalusia Isshinryu Karate members are now preparing to compete in the 2019 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Banquet and Tournament in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

The tournament will be held July 19 and 20.

The IHOF tournament is the largest Isshinryu tournament in the world and brings competitors from acround the globe.

At the banquet, the top competitors from around the globe are recognized for their accomplishments.

Last year, Thompson won the Female Karate Ka for the top female in the nation.

T. Patel was one of only five competitors in the finals for Young Male Karate Ka (he won the award in 2017), but he won the Junior Male Competitor of the Year.

Andalusia Isshinryu Karate owner and sensei Mark Rudd was inducted into the 2018 Isshinryu Hall of Fame class.

All Andalusia Isshinryu Karate members are taught by Rudd.