Little Ninjas: Martial Play for Pre-Schoolers at GRKC
- Zoe Jagger-Hinis
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Little Ninjas is the brainchild of Sensei Zoë Jagger-Hinis, a sensei and mom who saw a desperate need for a physical activity with the benefits of karate, but adapted to benefit smaller kids in their vital physical development.
What is Little Ninjas?
Little Ninjas is a movement education program with its roots in karate and physical education, adjusted for the very youngest students. Taking out the pressure of gradings and structured classes, pre-schoolers gain the benefits of martial arts training in an age-appropriate format.
Childhood has changed, but how much?
While parents overwhelmingly agree that play is vital, there is a shortage of safe spaces for play, as well as reduced time to take children to play facilities or activities.
As screen fatigue amongst parents grows, there is a push towards screen-free play and activities
A study conducted in Gauteng reported that only 36.8% of preschoolers and 18.7% of Grade R-learners were physically active during the day. (Results from South Africa’s 2022 Healthy Active Kids’ Report Card on Physical Activity, Body Composition Proxies, and Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents)
13.3% of children under 5 are considered overweight or obese (Statistics on children in South Africa, compiled by UCT)
With fewer siblings and cousins, as well as fewer play opportunities, it is getting harder for children to learn vital social skills and how to make friends
We know you don't need the numbers to know that little kids are losing out on activity, and parents are stretched too thin to cover this part of their physical growth.
Little Ninjas takes the benefits of martial arts training for kids, without the formal pressures and systems, and makes it accessible and enjoyable. We like to call it ‘martial play’.
Sounds great? What will the classes focus on?
agility
coordination (especially midline crossing)
strength and muscle tone
focus and concentration
flexibility
personal safety and awareness
proprioception
anti-bullying strategies
What are the benefits?
improved confidence
strength for play, sport and health
better fine and gross motor coordination
better concentration spans
fewer injuries due to clumsiness
making friends and learning to work with others
better awareness of the body
bully-proofing for big school
Little Ninjas Begins at GRKC
We decided that it was time to resurrect our old movement ed classes, but now with a clear syllabus and purpose. Beginning January 2026, Little Ninjas offers little ones aged 3-5 a way to begin their karate journey in an age-appropriate setting. We also want to include the very little kids who are desperate to join their siblings, but just aren't ready for formal karate. This lays down the foundation for their future karate, giving them a great start to their journey towards black belt and beyond.
Meet the new Big Ninja
Coach Ray grew up in the dojo under Sensei Jagger, and returned later as an adult to continue his karate journey. A certified and experienced swimming coach with Swimming South Africa, Ray is enthusiastic and fantastic with little ones, especially getting shy kids to join in.
He is an excellent addition to the GRKC teaching squad, and brings big energy to every class he teaches. Coach Ray currently teaches swimming to our kids, who are not easy students to deal with.
Sounds great! What are the details?
Little Ninjas takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 - 3:45pm, and Saturdays from 7:45 - 8:15am.
As a special introductory offer, Little Ninjas get a training t-shirt included in their affiliation fee of R200. There's no need to purchase a karate uniform, as they can wear track pants or shorts with their shirt.
Due to the shorter class time, Little Ninjas pay R500 per month for 2 or 3 classes, or R300 a month for one class a week. Family discounts apply!
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