With the energy of a dojo in full swing and the pride of a community backing them, Sarina’s Little Ninjas and Samurais brought their term to an electrifying close on their Graduation Day on 5 December 2024. Held in the Sarina High School hall, the event was a celebration of discipline, resilience, and the joy of learning martial arts, proving that even the youngest warriors can pack a punch when it comes to perseverance and spirit.
This transformative programme, sponsored by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT), offers children as young as five the chance to develop discipline, resilience, patience, and respect while learning martial arts basics and staying active. The emphasis on fun ensures students remain engaged throughout. Each participant receives a free uniform consisting of white trousers, a white belt, and a black T-shirt emblazoned with the DBCT logo. Students are taught to care for their uniforms, though a few belts and trousers have occasionally gone astray!
Guided by First Dan martial artist "Ninja Nanna" (Gerri Kissner), with assistance from "Samurai Sally" (Racheal Smith, Second Dan), "Dangerous Damon" (Damon Wood, First Dan), and "Jujitsu Julie" (Julie Munro, proud grandmother of three students), the programme has a rich history. Notably, Racheal was the eldest of the original Mackay Little Ninjas at 37, while Damon was just five when he joined—now, at 15, he continues to inspire.
On graduation Day, Glen Kelly, MP for Mirani, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, and DBCT Senior Specialist PR Sharon Johnston presented Certificates of Achievement.
Daisy Munro won the Top Student trophy, which Sharon Johnston from DBCT presented. Ninja Nanna presented Billie Peta Bone with the Ninja Nanna Award, which is presented to a student who gives 100 per cent and more, assists younger students, and shows discipline and respect at all times.
Damon presented three original Ninja bandanas to Jaxson Pullen, Vienna Gyblett, and Joey Munro for their infectious enthusiasm. In a touching moment, Ninja Nanna gifted Damon the jacket she once wore while competing in New Zealand.
Parents, friends, and special guest Nicholas (Nick) Dougall, a Director of the Sarina Community Bank Bendigo Bank, applauded the students’ remarkable skills and discipline after just eight weeks.
Plans are already underway for the programme to return in Term 2 of the 2025 school year, promising more martial arts magic for Sarina’s young warriors.
Graduation day
Julie Munro and her three grandchildren, Daisy, Isabelle and Joey Munro, with Gerri Kissner
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, DBCT Senior Specialist PR Sharon Johnston and Glen Kelly, Member for Mirani
Daisy Munro won the Top Student trophy, presented by Sharon Johnston
Sarina’s Little Ninjas and Samurais
Billie with her Ninja Nanna award presented by Gerri Kissner
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