Letting the kids be kids

One doesn’t have to have the same first name as the Power Hour Training founder.

But it doesn’t hurt, as Kenny Viernes found out.

When the 12-year-old Cathedral Catholic Academy student came to his first session last year, he was wearing a name tag along with some hesitation when standing on the sidelines at Radford High’s Jim Alegre Gym.

Up stepped a matching "KENNY" name tag. And there was no hesitation.

"We have the same name, it’s a strong name," head clinician Kenny Patton told Viernes. "Come on. Let’s go."

And so it has been for the two Kennys, who both returned earlier this month for another year of Patton’s youth speed and agility training.

It’s a passion for the 28-year-old Patton, the former University of Hawaii defensive back, who focuses on fitness and fun during each hour. Sixty minutes is perfect: short enough to keep attention high and long enough for results.

"It’s not supposed to be tiring, it’s supposed to be fun," said Patton, a special education and English teacher at Radford. "We want them to become better, to be challenged but to also socialize with their peers.

"We’re trying to teach that fitness can be fun for a lifetime. Originally I had thought about an elite camp but that’s not what I really wanted. I wanted a place for all kids to be able to come, learn and grow."

In two years, Power Hour has grown from around 20 kids to more than 40 per session. Patton’s staff also has grown to keep a low coach-to-athlete ratio.

On staff are coaches and former players with backgrounds that vary from volleyball to baseball to karate.

That includes Patton’s wife, Shannon Nishi, former UH basketball player and Pan American gold medalist in karate. She recently retired from international competition but is an instructor at her International Karate Federation dojo and teaches at Waipahu High.

"What I love is his passion, he is very genuine about why he is here and why he wants to help the kids," Nishi Patton said of her husband of less than a month (the couple married Dec. 26) "He keeps it fun. If it wasn’t, the kids wouldn’t come back."

The Pattons know well the potential of burnout. They met as 4-year-olds in beginning karate; both earned black belts.

"For me, karate was seven days a week because I wanted it," Kenny Patton said. "I wanted to work hard and get better. But not every kids is like that, not every kid is an ‘athlete.’

"I want kids to be kids, not be treated like adults. So many kids get burnt out on a sport by high school. I don’t want them to miss out on life and fun."

To the casual observer, it appears to be working. Drills include running ladders and relays, doing lunges and working on proper technique.

Water breaks are short but frequent with participants sent off to rehydrate each time with a group huddle and inspirational cheer.

"One, two, three … hard work!"

"One, two, three … quick feet!"

Just as the staff varies from week to week, so do the routines. It’s about progression as well as learning.

"Because I’m a teacher, (we) focus a lot on objectives," Patton said. "I want them to be accountable for their process, to remember what they learned the previous week and be able to see the improvement when they come back.

"We want them to embrace fitness."

Sherry Viernes has seen it with her son, Kenny, who is paddling for Ilau Hoe in Na Opio Racing Association. He helped his Novice B crew to a victory in opening regatta Jan. 5.

"Kenny took my son and just embraced him," Sherry Viernes said. "Now he looks forward to it. It’s really helping with his strength, his legs and his upper arms. My son loves it."

"It’s a good workout," Kenny Viernes said. "I like learning all of these things."

Power Hour is a 12-week program that runs quarterly. This session is through March 24 with the second session starting in April.

REC CENTER

Jiu-Jitsu trials at McKinley

Hawaii will host the U.S. trial of the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Feb. 2 at McKinley High.

Seven division winners earn an all-expenses paid trip to April’s world championship in Abu Dhabi. Competition is open to all belts, from white to black, and all ages, youth through seniors.

Online registration closes Jan. 29. The cost ranges from $89 to $120.

» prosportsbjj.com.

Sharon’s Ride/Run/Walk coming up

The annual Sharon’s Ride/Run/Walk, sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, is scheduled for Jan. 27 beginning at Kapiolani Park.

The event features bike rides of 35K, 75K and 100K and timed runs of 5K and 10K, and a 1-mile walk. The bike rides start at 7 a.m., the runs at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 8:30 a.m.

The entry fee is $30. Net proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii for educational and informational services.

There is also a keiki bike and safety course at 10 a.m. Online registration is available at active.com. For information, call 524-6677.

» hawaiiepilepsy.com. » active.com.

Roller derby tournament Saturday

Pacific Roller Derby hosts the fifth SK808 Roller Derby Tournament Saturday at Palama Settlement Gym.

The event runs from noon until 7 p.m. and features skaters and officials from Hawaii, the mainland, Canada and Australia in a mixed-skill level competition.

The cost is $10 general admission at the door.

» pacificrollerderby.com.