There was fighting going on this past week at the DeKalb County Complex. However, it had nothing to do with politics. It was the Center Hill Martial Arts Club hosting a karate tournament.

“The tournament was his vision,” said Amy Schwartz of the karate tournament and skills challenge started by Douglas Ross who passed away recently, the event now named in his honor. “It is a way to bring the appreciation of the martial arts here while helping raise money so we can attend other tournaments.”

The tournament attracted eight teams, the competitors coming from all over the South. “We had participants from Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi and then some from Nashville and Mt. Juliet,” Schwartz said.

Along with a tournament, competitors also went head-to-head in presentation styles, forms and weapons. Ages varied. “We had one competitor who was three years old and I believe we had one who was 62,” she said, adding that all belts, from white all the way up through black were represented in competition.

Schwartz said anyone wishing to know more about Center Hill Martial Arts Club can drop by at 2580 Nashville Highway, call at 615-418-6220 or visit centerhillmartialartsclub.com.

In addition to the martial arts, Center Hill also offers yoga.