Paid for by Clarkson & Sweden Democratic Committees
November 3, 2019
Issue No. 44
www.westsidenewsny.com
DISTRIBUTED TO CLARKSON, HAMLIN AND KENDALL
Meeting challenges through Karate Lennon started his practice of Karate by Barbara Burke Fifteen-year-old Hilton High School at the YMCA in Greece. Through the sophomore Lennon Hare is a member of program, he gained much knowledge and the United States Karate Team and has growth as a person. When it came time qualified to compete in the prestigious to move forward, his mother interviewed World Karate Championships being many other martial arts schools and Lenheld this year, November 2 through 8, non took trial classes at several different in Niagara Falls. Lennon is a rookie schools before finding the right fit for him competitor with a blue belt, and de- in September of 2016. Michelle Hare said, spite the challenge of being autistic, he “After visiting many martial arts schools will be competing alongside the rest of we chose Everage World Championship Team USA. There are no special needs Karate (EWCK) for Lennon. We found divisions in the World Karate Cham- that it was the best fit. Their commitment to each and every student pionships and Lennon that walks in their door is will not be given special unparalleled. When Lenconsiderations, he is non was asked to do push simply one of the team ups during a trial class, members representing Sensei Chad Mattice got the USA in the competidown on the floor with tion. Lennon qualified him and encouraged him for the United States while doing the same push Karate Team by bringups right beside him. It ing home a Silver Medal was just one of the many at Regionals in Ohio moments when I knew and a Bronze Medal at this was the right school Nationals in Detroit. for him. It was a hard Karate is an Asian transition for Lennon at system of unarmed comfirst. There were many bat using the hands days when not going to and feet to deliver and karate class would have block blows. It is widely been easier, but no one at practiced as a sport and EWCK gave up on him, was formalized in Japan Lennon Hare wearing the even when he wanted to in the 17th Century. medals he has earned. give up on himself, even Karate is performed barefoot in loose padded clothing with a when I was ready to give in, they didn’t colored belt indicating the level of skill. give up on me and wouldn’t let me give It involves mental as well as physical up on him.” Hanchi Richard Everage, a 9th degree training. Lennon has been practicing Karate since he was seven years old. black belt in Karate, is the founder and Lennon’s mother, Michelle Hare, said, Master Instructor at EWCK. Hanchi “I took Lennon to Karate for the self Everage has been teaching Karate since esteem component and I found it helped 1982 and founded his school in 1988 in him tremendously socially and physi- Westmar Plaza. Since 2004, EWCK has cally. Some people with autism have been located inside Total Sports Experipoor balance and tend to fall a lot, Len- ence, 880 Elmgrove Road in Gates. Hannon was one of them and it has gotten chi Everage said, “We welcome students of all ages and abilities. We can teach much better.”
Lennon demonstrating the front stance with a reverse punch along with Max Wade, Brooke Mattice, and Sensei Chad Mattice.
Lennon Hare practicing a side kick as Dylan Mattice looks on. everyone. We will make you the best that you can be. We find an individual’s ability and nurture that ability. The study of Karate requires time, dedication, patience, self-discipline and humility. Part of the martial arts experience is self-discovery, if you make a commitment to yourself you will discover who you really are. Karate requires focus and commitment, it is time spent dedicated totally to yourself. It is the yin and yang of martial arts, I will not give up on you, and you cannot give up on yourself.” Michelle Hare recounts a special moment that she and Hanchi Everage experienced at a competition. “Lennon was on the floor with a group of competitors interacting within the group. It was something he doesn’t do. I was in the stands and Hanchi was on the floor. We both saw the same thing. It was a breakthrough. We were both so very proud,” she said. The World Karate Championships is known across the globe as one of the most prestigious martial arts competitions. Opening ceremonies will be held on November 4 at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony event rivals an Olympic opening and features competing countries from around the world entering with all teammates together. This year Team USA has over 300 members, 11 of which are from EWCK. Lennon is the middle child in a family of five siblings. Two of Lennon’s siblings also have autism. Lennon received early intervention services because he received his diagnosis early, at less than 18 months. His siblings were diagnosed at age six while in elementary school. With early benefits he was able to overcome more. Lennon consistently makes high honor roll and is in New York State Regents classes. He is also in an 8-1-1 classroom. Lennon recently took the PSAT exams along with his fellow classmates. He could have had special considerations, yet he chose to take the test in the same room along with his classmates.
Lennon has many other interests and accomplishments. Michelle Hare said, “Lennon, like many other teen boys, loves video games. His favorite subject is math. He has won cosplay contests at local Comic Cons. He studies guitar at Hochstein School of Music and one of his new goals is to join the Rochester Yacht Club and be on the Hilton High School sailing team this spring. He is a great older brother and very helpful around the house with indoor and outdoor chores. He likes to be a peacemaker when he sees conflict, and tries to be a diplomat. I’m not sure if he ever would have been able to persevere in all these things, including his devotion to his studies at school, if it were not for Karate.” To find out more about the World Karate Championships in Niagara Falls visit www.wkcworld.com. Photos by Karen Fien
Lennon with Hanchi Richard Everage.