Stories, crafts and karate demonstrations featured during 'Ninja Saturday at the Library'

Brad Heineman, The Daily Telegram
·1 min read
Alex Olguin, 4, of Adrian practices a forward punching technique with the assistance of Amber Lilly, left, an instructor of martial arts at Adrian's Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy during the "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 at the Adrian District Library.
Alex Olguin, 4, of Adrian practices a forward punching technique with the assistance of Amber Lilly, left, an instructor of martial arts at Adrian's Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy during the "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 at the Adrian District Library.

ADRIAN — Courageous, cunning, crimefighter, stealthy and sneaky were some of the words kids participating in a martial arts-themed activity at the Adrian District Library used to describe ninjas.

“Ninja Saturday at the Library” featured several books available at the Adrian library about ninjas and martial arts as well as ninja-based crafts and the big draw of the morning program: a live martial arts presentation from students at Black Dragon’s Den Martial Arts Academy, a karate school based in Adrian at 1059 S. Main St.

Aiden Voelkle, a student at Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian, was one of six students who demonstrated their martial arts skillset during a "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 at the Adrian District Library. Behind Voelkle with the green belt is Savannah Schettler.
Aiden Voelkle, a student at Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian, was one of six students who demonstrated their martial arts skillset during a "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 at the Adrian District Library. Behind Voelkle with the green belt is Savannah Schettler.

The program on April 30 in the lower level community room of the library, provided children — and adults — “the chance to be as loud as you want to be at the library,” youth services librarian Cathy Chesher said.

A paper headband served as a name tag for the kids and gave them a bit of a ninja look. Ninja puppets were made following storytime and several martial arts demonstrations by the Black Dragon’s Den students.

Adrian District Library Youth Services Librarian Cathy Chesher reads the book "Three Ninja Pigs" by Corey Rosen Schwartz, which is based off the children's story "The Three Little Pigs," during the library's "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30. The program featured several books available at the library about ninjas and martial arts as well as ninja-based crafts and a live martial arts presentation from students at the Black Dragon’s Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian.

Lessons about martial arts were provided to the attendees by Amber Lilly, a fourth-degree master instructor at Black Dragon’s Den. Lilly has been with the school for 24 years.

“The kids enjoyed it. They looked forward to being here and showing what they can do," Lilly said of the students who joined her for the demonstrations. “Any chance to kick a bag or throw a punch, they kind of take it in. They are great students in the dojo.”

Instructor Amber Lilly, right, of Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian, demonstrates a front kick technique during the Adrian District Library's "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30. Assisting with Lilly's front kick demonstrations are students Dailey Williams, Miranda Stone and Savannah Schettler.
Instructor Amber Lilly, right, of Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian, demonstrates a front kick technique during the Adrian District Library's "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30. Assisting with Lilly's front kick demonstrations are students Dailey Williams, Miranda Stone and Savannah Schettler.
Adrian District Library Youth Services Librarian Cathy Chesher gets involved with the library's "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 by practicing a front kick technique with assistance from Michael Thorton and Miranda Stone, two students enrolled at Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian.
Adrian District Library Youth Services Librarian Cathy Chesher gets involved with the library's "Ninja Saturday at the Library" program April 30 by practicing a front kick technique with assistance from Michael Thorton and Miranda Stone, two students enrolled at Black Dragon's Den Martial Arts Academy in Adrian.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian District Library hosts 'Ninja Saturday at the Library' program