A Black Belt at 80

Saugus grandmother Virginia Rooney excels in tae kwon do classes

(Editor’s Note: The following article and photos were submitted by Ivy Muldoon, Media Outreach at Danvers Sun Tae Kwon Do Academy.)

  The Masters of Danvers Sun Tae Kwon Do Academy are proud to announce that Virginia Rooney of Saugus passed her Black Belt Test at the age of 80. Ginnie, as she is affectionately known, started her tae kwon do journey by taking her grandson J.J. Rooney to his tae kwon do classes. Three years ago, she began taking the kickboxing class and quickly joined tae kwon do, making it her goal to earn her Black Belt for her 80th birthday. Ginnie recently participated in the 8th Annual Korean Consulate Cup, winning 2nd in Poomsae and 3rd in Breaking. She has made history as the most senior student to receive a Black Belt at Danvers Sun Tae Kwon Do Academy.