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Lucas Young, 18, of Fredonia was recently awarded his black belt from Norman Yonkers’ Karate Connection MMA in Fredonia. Young began his training at The Karate Connection when he was 8 years old. Young’s test included physical fitness, kata, self-defense, sparring, grappling, weapons, board breaking, Japanese language and history. Many parts of the test were conducted outside to test angles, balance, reference points and weather conditions. Young is now attending Alfred State University and will continue his training while he is home on breaks. 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. Each student must set their own goals and work hard to achieve them; they are not simply awarded a belt for “time served.” For more information on the programs available at Norman Yonkers’ Karate Connection, call 679-7685 or visit www.karatecon.com.