Russellville’s All-American Tang Soo Do medal winners from the Nov. 16, 2023, tournament include Stephen Strickland, second in forms, second in weapons and third in sparring, as well as May Benefield, green belt, second place in forms and third place in sparring. Pictured, left to right: Tom Jones, Stephen Strickland, Shaler Stone, Jacob Hartsell, Colin Williams, Caroline Orr, May Benefield and Deryll Banning.

Their most recent championship as of that point was held Sept. 16, 2023, in Mobile, Ala., with a test for Black Belt held the previous day. Two students, Stephen Strickland and Jennifer Hogan, tested for their Third-Degree Black Belt (Sam Dan) that night. Jennifer Hogan is a veterinary student at Auburn University, and Stephen Strickland is a finance major at the University of North Alabama.

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that teaches defensive karate. All American Tang Soo Do is a martial arts studio in Russellville located inside American Health and Fitness, situated off US-43. The studio is owned by Fifth Degree Master Tom Jones who is also the chief instructor.