By Parker McKenzie
Being a ninja is for everyone, according to SG Lai and Luke Ha from Ninja Nation in Ferntree Gully.
That’s why they’ve teamed up with NDIS provider Moi Clinic to provide a program for children aged 8 to thirteen.
Mr Lai said the idea started through a mutual connection with the specialised mental health practice, with the first session launching last week.
“Every Thursday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and then from 3.30pm to 4.30pm are the slots we have booked for the Moi Clinic,” he said.
“They will organise all the arrangements for the children and then we will then conduct the classes.”
The classes are run by both a clinician from the clinic and a Ninja Nation instructor, incorporating physical development exercises and aspects of mental health and social skills.
Ninja Nation coach Luke Ha, who has competed in Australian Ninja Warrior, said the course has been created by collaborating with experts in different areas of expertise.
“The coach we have on with the Moi Clinic comes from a background of ADHD himself, so he’s sensitive to what the kid’s needs are,” he said.
“We consider what is the safety things that they need first and foremost? How do we first teach them to be comfortable with their bodies around these obstacles, how to jump off an obstacle, how to land safely, how to prepare their legs and get their strength up.”
Mr Ha has previously worked as a professional stuntman and is a qualified rigger, having built the training course at Ninja Nation himself and even using parts from previous sets from the Ninja Warrior TV show.
He said the main benefit to the children taking part in the Moi Clinic program is helping them build confidence.
“They’re in a safe environment where they can be aided by our coaches and the helpers. It gives them an experience that’s pretty out of this world,” he said.
“When people come in here, I tell them you’re actually standing on ninja holy ground because it’s been used in season two.”
Mr Lai said the Ninja Nation is embarking on a new journey with new classes for kids and adults of all abilities and ages.
“We like to encourage people with disabilities to have a go,” he said.
“The other day we had a child with cerebral palsy and her teacher asked if she could come, so we set up a different course because she struggled to use two hands.”
You can book by contacting Moi Clinic on 03 8799 2611 or visit their website www.moiclinic.com for further details.
