Sensei Chase Russell starting karate lessons in July 1992 after being inspired by the movie, Blood Sport.The enthusiastic 9-year-old took lessons from Mr. Wilburn King of Kings Southern Karate Studio. Three and a half years later, in December 1995, Chase earned his 1st Degree Black Belt. He was 13 years old.Chase has held the following titles, each for the applicable ranking belt and age group: Alabama State Champion 1993-1997 ; Alabama State Champion 2001-2004 ; International Karate Circuit Champion 2003 ; Regional Sport Karate Circuit Champion 2004.
When Chase’s teacher, Wilburn King, passed away in 2003, Sensei Russell opened River City Karate– named after the River City Open Tournament that Mr. King held each year. Chase is the owner and main instructor of River City Karate, and currently holds the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Korean Tae Kwon Do Karate.
