AIK competes at Wiregrass Open Martial Arts Championship
Published 9:15 am Saturday, April 6, 2024
- Andalusia Isshinryu Karate members competed in the Wiregrass Open Martial Arts Championships on Saturday, March 30. Pictured are, from left, Johnathan Rudd, Stetson Cook, Cord Cook, Henley Sargent, Lawrence Sargent, and Mark Rudd. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Members of Andalusia Isshinryu Karate competed in the Wiregrass Open Martial Arts Championships held at Pike Liberal Arts School on March 30, 2024.
Mojukai Karate and Kobudo of Enterprise and Troy, Alabama hosted the event.
AIK Team members competed in weapons, kata, and kumite divisions and came away with four first places and the Youth Forms Grand Championship. This year’s award for the Grand Championship was a Japanese Sword.
Johnathan Rudd placed first in advanced weapons and brown belt kata and took third place in brown belt kumite. Rudd was named the Youth Kyu Rank kata and weapons grand champion.
Stetson Cook received first place in beginning weapons, second place in yellow belt kata, and third place in yellow belt kumite.
Cord Cook finished third place in beginner kumite.
Lawrence Sargent took first place in yellow belt kata, second place in yellow belt kumite, and third place in beginning weapons. Henley Sargent competed but did not place. Henley is only 4 years old and competed against older kids but represented AIK well.
Andalusia Isshinryu will be hosting the South Alabama Karate Open tournament on Saturday, June 8, at Straughn High School. Last year’s tourney attracted competitors from 21 martial arts schools from a five state area to Andalusia.
For more information on Isshinryu Karate or the South Alabama Open, contact Mark Rudd at 334-488-3104.