Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Members of a West Columbia Karate school competed recently in the USA Karate Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale, and brought six medals back to the Midlands. 

The Competition Travel Team from the Columbia School of Karatedo (CSK) went to Ft. Lauderdale and competed in the 2012 USA Karate Nationals July 12th to July 15th.

CSK team members competed in Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring,) and medals were awarded to the following CSK Athletes:


Hailey Frye, aged 6 - Bronze Medal - Beginner Kata


Alonna Walker, aged 8 - Bronze Medal - Beginner Kumite


Shaine Sorrells, aged 8 - Silver Medal - Beginner Kumite


David Burgess - Gold Medal - Beginner Kumite, 18-34/75kg men's division & Silver Medal - Beginner Kata, 18-34 men


James Sorrells - Bronze Medal - Elite Kumite 18-20/78kg+ men


Tamayah Sorrells - Bronze Medal - Elite Kumite 18-20/-59kg women

With their wins in Elite Kumite, James and Tamayah Sorrells also qualified as members of the US National Junior Karate Team and are part of a pool of eligible athletes that can compete in World Karate-do Federation tournaments during the 2012/2013 competition year.

Head Coach and school owner, Pamela Lyons Sorrells said, "We are extremely proud of everyone that competed and everyone that medaled." 

This is the second USA Karate Nationals that CSK has attended as a team and they are excited about the growth shown during the previous year.