GSKS students earn tourney awards, black belt promotions

Several Gary Steele Karate Studio students were honored recently with black belt promotions. Pictured are, front row, Peyton Webb. Second row, Shelby Boyd, Keri Boyd and Codie Phifer. Back row, head instructor Paul Byars and Haley Byars.

Several students from Gary Steele Karate Studio were promoted into the black belt ranks of karate skill recently.

Shelby Boyd was awarded her Youth First Degree black belt, while Keri Boyd and Code Phifer each earned their Junior First Degree belts.

Also, Haley Byars was promoted to Second Degree black belt.

These students were tested on several areas of martial arts discipline, including fundamentals, forms and self-defense fighting.

Their promotions are certified by the U.S. Martial Arts Association in Washington, D.C.

Karate teams from GSKS recently competed in the “Battle of Murfreesboro” open tournament, and brought home five big wins.

Bob Croyle and Peyton Webb each brought home second-place finishes in forms, while black belt Aaron Thomas was third in fighting. Black belt Josh Powers was fourth in both forms and fighting.