All American Tang Soo Do students participate in competition

Students from All American Tang Soo Do at American Fitness in Russellville competed in a championship held in Columbus, Miss., Sept. 14. A Black Belt test took place the previous day. Twelve students from AATSD competed in Saturday’s tournament, and eight tested Friday night.

Students who competed include Joy Brown (Third in Weapons, Forms and Sparring), Suzanne Belew (First in Weapons, second in Forms and Sparring), Karlee Foust (Thrid in Weapons and Forms), May Benefield (Third in Weapons and Forms), Noah Ray, Bella Watts, Stephen Strickland (Third in Weapons, Forms and Sparring), Xavi Alvarado (Third in Weapons and Forms), Crews Kroeger (Third in Weapons), Shaler Stone (Third in Forms and Sparring), Jacob Hartsell (First in Forms, Second in Weapons) and Emma Kate Gerstman (First in Weapons and second in Forms).

Students who tested include Jason Boyles (tested for Second Degree Black Belt), Jacob Hartsell, Emma Kate Gerstman, Colin Williams, Crews Kroeger, Wick Lawler, Caleb Elliott and Xavi Alvarado (all tested for First degree Black Belt).

“I thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and was thrilled to be able to compete in a higher division and meet new and old friends again,” shared Strickland.

Stone said he enjoys the art of Tang Soo Do because “it teaches life lessons” and because the tournament was “challenging, but a fun experience.”

Master Tom Jones of AATSD said he is “thoroughly impressed” with his students, noting he “especially commends the esprit-de-corps and courage” they put on display both in the test and in the tournament.