All American Tang Soo Do students place in Region 6
RUSSELLVILLE — StudentsfromAllAmerican Tang Soo Do returned from the Region 6 Championship in Florence with placements across forms, sparring and weapons.
The event followed a Regional Black Belt test where Caroline Orr earned her first-degree black belt after completing the required testing.
All American Tang Soo Do operates at the American Health and Fitness Center in Russellville and is led by fifth-degree Master Tom Jones. The studio focuses on helping students improve their self-defense skills and characters.
“We look at self-defense, becoming a better person and just excelling,” Jones said.
Jones said the program is known for its family atmosphere, which he believes makes it different from many other styles he has taught.
“It is family oriented, which sets it apart from some martial arts,” Jones said. “I have students who go all the way up to black belt as youth and that is really special. I have done other styles that were never quite like this.”
He said he hopes students carry the values they learn into everyday life.
“I hope they learn honesty and integrity and self-esteem and think of not only themselves but others,” Jones said. “It is important to learn what you can do to work together as a team.”
He said he often sees positive changes in students who remain committed to training.
“They learn respect for themselves and respect for others,” Jones said. “I tend to see improvement in school grades.”
All American Tang Soo Do is a member of the World Tang Soo Do Association, which oversees schools around the world. Region 6 covers Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
Each fall, students have the opportunity to compete in divisions for forms, sparring and weapons during the regional championship. The next World Championship will be held in Chicago, Illinois, in 2026.
Students from the Russellville and Haleyville classes competed in this year’s Region 6 Championship with results across all divisions. Placings included:
• May Benefield, third in weapons; • Jacob Hartsell, third in weapons and third in sparring;
• Eli Hollimon, third in forms and third in sparring; • Caroline Orr, third in weapons and second in sparring;
• Thomas Parker, third in forms and second in sparring;
• Noah Ray, second in forms, second in weapons and second in sparring;
• Stephen Strickland, first in weapons, first in forms, first in sparring, Adult Male Grand Champion;
• Kylar Studdard, third in forms;
• Malachi Studdard, first in weapons and second in forms;
• Parker Vandiver and Bella Watts, competitors.
Jones said he was proud of the team’s effort in Florence.
“I think they all did really well, especially Mr. Strickland, who got the grand champion trophy,” Jones said. “Everybody did a great job.”
Black belt testing took place the night before the championship. Jones said the test is held twice each year and serves as a major milestone that requires physical skill, discipline, and long-term commitment.
“Earning a black belt represents mastery and discipline,” Jones said. “It represents dedication and perseverance, continuing a struggle even when things are difficult and not giving up.”
Strickland earned first place in all three of his events and received the Adult Male Grand Champion title. He said he has competed in every regional cham- pionship since 2012 along with three World Championships and one United States National Championship.
“I know I gave it my all on the floor and that is what continues to motivate me,” Strickland said.
He said he values the connection students develop through training and competition.
“The brother and sisterhood of Tang Soo Do cannot be underestimated,” Strickland said. “It thrills me to be able to compete alongside my Tang Soo Do family.”
He said he now works toward earning a master’s belt. Strickland is a third-degree black belt preparing for fourth degree, which involves an invitation-only test and a written thesis.
“The fellowship within Tang Soo Do keeps me motivated,” Strickland said. “Camaraderie is something not seen much anymore. Tang Soo Do offers it freely to all.”
“The goals that I have are to see each and every one of them achieve the rank of black belt,” Jones said.
He said the studio will begin preparing for future regional competitions and will turn its attention to World Championship training as the 2026 date approaches.
“We will have several people go, and they will do well,” Jones said.
