“Ninja Nana” of Saugus achieves 2nd Degree Black Belt

Virginia Rooney celebrated her 84th birthday last month (Dec. 20) by passing the test for 2nd Degree Black Belt at Danvers’ Sun Taekwondo Academy, according to Grand Master Soon Woo Hong. Ginnie, as she is affectionately known, has been training and inspiring others for the past few years. The Saugus woman began her journey into the martial arts by taking her grandson to his biweekly lessons. Several years of being a spectator led to her trying out kickboxing and then venturing into training in Taekwondo.

“Her favorite part is breaking,” said Ivy Muldoon, 2nd Degree Black Belt and Media Outreach for Danvers’ Sun Taekwondo Academy.

“At 84 years old, it is quite the sight to see her perform a front snap kick at head level,” Muldoon said.

The “Ninja Nana” will formally receive her 2nd Degree certificate at an upcoming formal Tea Ceremony. Rooney made history at age 80, as the most senior student to receive a Black Belt at Sun Taekwondo Academy.