The Ross Martial Arts and Fitness Academy’s competition team competed in the 31st Annual Clairday Classic open martial arts tournament in Decatur on Saturday, March 23.

The team is comprised of coaches Jay and Ronda Russell and Ron Ross; and five competitors, Jake Duke, Charlie Duke, Tristen Fitz-Gerald, Cordell Washington and Brett Schroeder.

The team brought home seven first places and several other awards as well.

Jake Duke scored first in intermediate men’s point sparring, first in intermediate men’s forms and second in continuous fighting. Fitz-Gerald placed first in intermediate 16-17 year old boys sparring, first in intermediate 16-17 year old forms and first in 15-17 year old underbelt continuous fighting. Washington placed second in intermediate 12-13 year old boys point sparring, third in 12-14 year old underbelt continuous fighting and fourth in intermediate 12-13 year old forms. Schroeder placed first in advanced 10-11 year old boys point sparring, first in 10-11 year old underbelt continuous fighting and second in intermediate 10-11 year old forms. Charlie Duke placed second in beginner 6-7 year old point sparring and third in beginner 6-7 year old forms.

“The Ross Fight Team competes in an average of six open martial arts tournaments each year,” Jay Russell, co-owner and instructor at Ross Martial Arts, said. “By placing at these tournaments, competitors earn points that can qualify them for recognition as state champions at the end of the year.”

This tournament was the first in the 2013 competition season in Alabama and is sponsored by the Alabama Karate Circuit.