Submitted Photo Lucas Young (left), of Forestville, poses with Shihan Norman Yonkers, of Karate Connection in Fredonia, after Young was awarded his Junior Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts.

Special to The OBSERVER

Lucas Young, age 16 of Forestville, has been awarded his Junior Black Belt from Norman Yonkers’ Karate Connection MMA in Fredonia.

Lucas’ test was over seven days and included physical fitness, kata, self-defense, sparring, grappling, weapons, board breaking, japanese language and history. Lucas began his training at The Karate Connection when he was eight years old.

For his years of dedication, he has not only achieved the rank of Junior Black Belt, but has also earned the prestige that comes with receiving his Junior Black Belt from Shihan Norman Yonkers’.

The Karate Connection does not promise a promotion to any student in exchange for them attending classes for a certain length of time. Each student progresses at their own pace and promotes when they are ready as individuals. Given this way of promoting, each student must set their own goals and work hard to achieve them; they are not simply awarded a belt for “time served.”

“Lucas is a fine example of what can be achieved through effort, desire and practice. We are proud of his accomplishments inside and outside of our school,” said Norman Yonkers.

For more information on the programs available at Norman Yonkers’ Karate Connection, you can call 679-7685 or go to their website at: www.karatecon.com.