Don’t challenge Shawn Green to a fight. It won’t end well.

The local fifth-degree black belt won his fourth consecutive state title recently at the Tennessee State Karate Championship held in Cookeville. Green dominated the men’s black-belt division, one of the strongest divisions at the event.

Green, 26, worked through the field once again, besting each opponent with ease to claim another state title.

“He was toying with them,” said Gary Steele, who took a team – including Green – to the event. “He’s been training since he was 11. He’s worked his way into a role as tournament team captain.”

Green, who also earned second in forms at the event, serves as an instructor and assistant manager at Gary Steele Karate Studio. The local studio was well represented at the event.

Leah Clark won first in weapons and took second in forms, while Luke Melton also took first in fighting for his age group. Joseph Chandler earned third in fighting, while Chris Hutchison was third in fighting and fourth in forms. Paul David Byars placed fourth in fighting in his age group.