By Parker McKenzie
According to Ninja Nation’s SG Lai and Luke Ha in Ferntree Gully, being a ninja is for everyone.
That’s why they’ve partnered with NDIS provider Moi Clinic to offer a program for children ages 8-13.
Mr Lai said the idea came about through a mutual connection with the specialist mental health practice, with the first session launching last week.
“Every Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and then from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. are the slots we booked for the Moi Clinic,” he said.
“They organize all the arrangements for the children and then we conduct the lessons.”
Classes are led by both a clinic doctor and a Ninja Nation instructor, and include physical development exercises as well as aspects of mental health and social skills.
Ninja Nation trainer Luke Ha, who took part in Australia’s Ninja Warrior, said the course was created in collaboration with experts from various fields.
“The coach that we have with Moi Clinic is from an ADHD background himself, so he’s sensitive to the child’s needs,” he said.
“We consider which security features do you need first and foremost? First, how do we teach them to be comfortable with their body around these obstacles, how to jump off an obstacle, how to land safely, how to prepare their legs and build their strength.”
Mr Ha has previously worked as a professional stuntman and is a qualified rigger having built the training course at Ninja Nation himself, even using parts from previous Ninja Warrior TV show sets.
He said the main benefit for the children participating in Moi Clinic’s program is to help them build confidence.
“They are in a safe environment where they can be supported by our coaches and helpers. It gives them an experience that is out of this world,” he said.
“When people come in here, I’ll tell them you’re actually walking on ninja sacred ground because it was used in season two.”
Mr. Lai said Ninja Nation is embarking on a new journey with new classes for children and adults of all abilities and ages.
“We want to encourage people with disabilities to try,” he said.
“The other day we had a kid with cerebral palsy and her teacher asked if she could come, so we set up another class because she was having trouble using two hands.”
You can book by contacting Moi Clinic on 03 8799 2611 or visit www.moiclinic.com for more details.
