The Ninja and Noodles Camp will run from Monday 18 August until Friday 22 August 2025. The camp will include a range of experiences and workshops in Traditional Martial Arts and Eastern Culture.
The activities for Ninja and Noodles Camp will be run both at Woodleigh Senior Campus and a variety of off-campus locations. A detailed program is attached within this booklet. For off-campus sessions, including most lunches, students and staff will be travelling by staff driven bus. Please note that some changes in the times and offerings of each session may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
Students should arrive at school and be prepared for the day’s sessions no later than 8.45am ready for an 8.50am bus departure. Dismissal will be from school at 3.45pm.
Each day students will receive instruction from experienced and expert Martial Arts practitioners from a variety of traditions: Kenjutsu (traditional Japanese weaponry), BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – a grappling-style), and Wing Chun Kung Fu (a southern Chinese style particularly suited to close quarters combat and self-defence). These sessions will be very active. Note that any weapons used are training tools, for example foam-padded nunchaku and wooden katana. Martial Arts instructors may include coaches Travers Grubb and Josh Arena, Master Joe Sayah and Shihan Darren Ball. Tom Ryan will offer nunchaku instruction.
Cultural understanding and appreciation is a significant aspect of Ninja and Noodles Camp. For lunch, students will have the opportunity to experience iconic Asian cuisines which may include dumplings, yum cha, Korean BBQ and noodles. After lunch, students will have workshops in cultural activities that may include meditation, Japanese art and calligraphy. The camp will finish with a celebratory martial arts themed movie.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp, so please read through this carefully. I hope this information clarifies any questions you may have in relation to Ninja and Noodles Camp. If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun, enriching and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tom Ryan
Ninja and Noodles Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
NINJA & NOODLES CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
If you believe your child needs to take medication during the school day on camp, please contact the School Nurse before Monday 11 August.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is approximately $600 (this cost includes morning snacks and lunch each day, as well as all materials and instruction in workshops), which will be charged to student accounts.
TRANSPORT
For off-campus sessions, students and staff will be travelling by a staff driven bus.
Arrival Students to arrive at the Gym driveway at Woodleigh by no later than 8:45am each day (please refer to the Bus Location map on page 10).
Departure Students will be dismissed from Woodleigh each day at 3:45pm.
LOCATION
The camp is located at Woodleigh, Wing Chun Universe Mornington and Pro-Fitness MMA in Frankston.
MEALS
For lunch, students will have the opportunity to experience iconic Asian cuisines which may include as dumplings, yum cha, Korean BBQ and noodles. For off-campus sessions, including most lunches, students and staff will be travelling by minibus.
ACTIVITIES
Each day students will receive instruction from experienced and expert Martial Arts practitioners from a variety of traditions: Kenjutsu (traditional Japanese weaponry), BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – a grappling-style), and Wing Chun Kung Fu (a southern Chinese style particularly suited to close quarters combat and self-defence). These sessions will be very active. Note that any weapons used are training tools, for example foam-padded nunchaku and wooden katana. Martial Arts instructors may include Coach Travers Grubb and Josh Arena, Master Joe Sayah and Shihan Darren Ball. Tom Ryan will offer nunchaku instruction.
Cultural understanding and appreciation is a significant aspect of Ninja and Noodles Camp. For lunch, students will have the opportunity to experience iconic Asian cuisines which may include dumplings, yum cha, Korean BBQ and noodles. After lunch, students will have workshops in meditation, Japanese art and calligraphy. The camp will finish with a celebratory martial arts themed movie.
MARTIAL ARTS WORKSHOPS AND INSTRUCTORS
Kenjutsu Instructor: Shihan Darren Ball
Darren Ball leads the Yamagawa branch of the Fudoshin Ryu and has been training since he was very young. Darren was privileged to have also trained under his Godfather, Soke Lawrence, as well as having obvious access to Soke Ball for most of his life. He is currently ranked 4th-dan in Bujutsu and achieved his Weapons Master certificate in 1998. Darren teaches all of the lessons at the Yamagawa Dojo in Seaford. Darren has also achieved Yudansha ranks in Judo, Jujitsu and Karate. The best way to view the Fudoshin Ryu is a well-balanced education in various traditional Japanese Martial Arts whereby each discipline is studied together in an integrated syllabus. Kenjutsu sessions will be held on campus at Woodleigh School.
Wing Chun Kung Fu Instructor: Master Joe Sayah
Master Joe Sayah is the head instructor and founder of Wing Chun Universe in Mornington. Master Joe began training Wing Chun at a young age and by 17 became a certified instructor. At age 22, Master Joe began fighting in competitions including K1 kickboxing and Cage-no holds barred matches. He is currently the youngest red sash Wing Chun Master. In the last ten years, Master Joe has worked as a bodyguard for foreign presidents, members of the entertainment industry, and high-profile business executives. He has conducted numerous seminars with armed forces and law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Navy Seals, C.I.A, F.B.I., and local police departments. Master Joe has starred in a number of Hong Kong movies including Jackie Chan's Mr. Nice Guy, and Jet Li's Once Upon A Time In China
(Part 6). He has been featured in a multitude of magazine publications including Inside Kung Fu, Blitz, and Blackbelt. Wing Chun sessions will be held at Wing Chun Universe Mornington.
BJJ Instructor: Coach Travers Grubb
Travers Grubb is the Head Coach/Founder of Pro-Fitness MMA. Travers is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Marcelino Freitas and is an undefeated professional Mixed Martial Artist. BBJ classes will be held at Pro-Fitness MMA Frankston.
CULTURAL WORKSHOPS
Shodo and Sumie
In these workshops, renowned artist Junko Azukawa will teach students how to prepare their own sumi ink then learn to make and use different ink tones and brush techniques to create traditional Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) and ink painting (Sumie). It is believed that this encourages a reflective quietened and mind, which leads to a peaceful heart and spirit. Rice paper, a brush and monochrome black ink are the simple tools used. With Sumie, students will learn to feel and capture the meaning of objects from nature with interpretation, then express the objects variously with brush pressure, rhythm, tones and confidence in their strokes. With Calligraphy, students will learn various brush techniques, styles, stroke order and balance of Japanese characters as well as the history of calligraphy and the meaning of Japanese characters. No experience in Japanese language is required.
CUISINE (food!)
Students will be provided with a healthy morning tea each day, including fruit and nutritious snacks. Most days lunch will be at one of Mornington or Frankston’s best Asian restaurants. Featured cuisines may include dumplings, Korean BBQ, noodles, yum cha and modern Cantonese.
Costs for all food are included in the camp fee.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Martial Arts classes will be VERY active. Students will require a change/s of clothing that are suitable for sporting activity. For lunch outings and cultural workshops, a change of casual and comfortable clothes is recommended (be mindful of the activities.) A drink bottle, day pack and small towel are also recommended.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any electronic/digital devices.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
Mobile phones may be brought each day for the purposes of contacting parents regarding arrival times back at school. They will not be required for any other purpose during the week.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Injury during martial arts drills.
• Food intolerances.
• Please note: a movie of an M rating may be shown for the final session. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view M rated films, there will be alternate provisions made. More information will come prior to the camp.
To mitigate the above risks, the following safety precautions will be taken:
• Careful supervision and instruction throughout martial arts classes.
• Adjustment of lunches as required.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount. Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Never leave the campsite/off-site venue without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
Please note: These times and activities are subject to change.
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
2025 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR CAMPUS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.
