Ga Man Aspires to Become Ninja
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Newark, NJ - Ataa Ayibonte has always had one dream: To become the first African ninja. As a youth, he would watch intently as martial artists such as Bruce Lee, Yu So Chow and Jackie Chan kicked major butt on the blue screen. His stocky little body would mimic their moves, awkwardly, but with no less fervor and passion. Although these movie stars are not true ninjas, they are indeed Asian, and all Africans assume that all Asians are masters of martial arts…and therefore ninjas.
A native of Osu, a coastal town in Ghana, Ataa immigrated to New Jersey in 1999 in pursuit of his dreams. Having lived on the coast all his life, he has spent countless nights on the beach practicing the famous “crane technique” that Mr. Miyagi refused to provide Daniel-san instruction in. His move to Newark was a natural choice in the quest of his…“ninja-ness”.
“If you recall, Daniel-san was from Newark too,” notes Ataa. “He and his mother drove to California in search of a new life.” He pauses pensively.
“Unfortunately, I am not in a position to drive all the way to California by myself at this time. The thought of driving that far alone frightens me. I must conquer this fear before I can truly become a ninja! I wish my mommy were here too.”
Ataa hopes that by tracking and reliving every move that Ralph Macchio made in the acclaimed 1984 film, he too will find an old wise Japanese man to train his mind and body in the skills of martial arts. In the meantime, he is self taught in the ways of the ninja.
“I can jump about 2 feet off the ground and do a 180 degree kick into the air.”
He demonstrates his roundhouse kick and lets out an shrill, unexpected scream. It sounds as though he’s in pain.
“You hear that? That’s my ’whoaaaaw!!’ Every time Bruce and the other major blowmen fought, they had a signature scream; to inspire fear in their opponents.” He nodded his head in agreement with himself.
To prepare for his epic trek to California, Ataa continues to spend his afternoons drinking green tea and watching ‘Naruto’ and other anime episodes to, as he put it, “inspire his ninja spirit”.
He has only one regret that has marred his journey. He has not managed to garner the support of his parents.
“My father says it is a waste of time, that I am chasing a fool’s dream,” he laments. But then he brightens up with talk of hope in the future. “I know when I get my ninja mask, ninja stars and nun-chucks from the Ninja Council, and do a magical display for him, he will be so proud!”
No one is certain where the mysterious ‘Ninja Council’ resides, but Ataa is certain he can find them.
“When you are an African ninja, all things are possible,” he whispered sagaciously.
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