Isaac Caldiero and Geoff Britten

Isaac Caldiero and Geoff Britten

 

With so much emphasis being put upon conquering Mount Midoriyama, it may be surprising that only two ninjas have completed the entirety of the American Ninja Warrior course. This is not an indictment on the ninjas or their dedication, rather it shows how volatile the sport can be. The ninjas only have one chance to complete the course, with one mistake deciding their fate. One missed handhold or a jump that is just an inch too short is the difference between reaching the next stage and having to wait an entire year for another chance to compete. ANW is a sport of precision, so it is not surprising that there have only been two competitors to reach Stage 4 of the National Finals.

A picture of the ninjas after their Stage 4 runs

Stage 4 is a simple stage. There is only one obstacle, a climbing rope. This 75 foot rope must be climbed within 30 seconds. By itself, this is a relatively easy obstacle, but what makes this obstacle especially difficult is that it must be completed after the previous three stages. When most athletes fail to complete Stage 3 because of mistakes due to exhaustion, adding a 75 foot rope climb onto the end borders on cruel. The competitors likely find some motivation through the prize of a million dollars and the title of American Ninja Warrior.

The absolutely staggering size of the rope climb

The first time that anyone reached Stage 4, two reached it at the same time. These two ninjas are Isaac Caldiero and Geoff Britten. Isaac Caldiero is one of the best rock climbers in the country with an uncanny knack for making any obstacle that he takes on look easy. Geoff Britten is another rock climber with forearms that would make Popeye jealous (seriously, they are the size of his biceps).

He probably eats a lot of spinach

Taking on the obstacle first, Geoff Britten climbed the rope in 29.65 seconds. Finally, someone had completed the course! It was, in fact, possible. Now, all eyes set on Isaac Caldiero. Caldiero managed to climb the rope in only 26.14 seconds, a full three seconds faster than Britten.

Who knew Jesus dabbled in rock climbing?

Now, the people who run ANW faced a unique question: what do you do with the prize money when two people win? The show had no plan for this situation, so they decided that Isaac Caldiero, having completed Stage 4 faster, should receive the prize money and title of American Ninja Warrior. While Geoff Britten may be the first American Ninja Warrior, Isaac Caldiero managed to be the American Ninja Warrior with an extra million dollars to his name.

 

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/American_Ninja_Warrior_7>

Team Ninja Warrior

Team Ninja Warrior

 

Based on everything that has been written, it may seem that Ninja Warrior is a solitary sport. The opposite is actually true; the community around Ninja Warrior is extremely active. Unofficially, there are many teams that compete and train together such as the Wolf Pack. These teams, however, are only unofficial. What if these teams were official and competed against one another?

A veritable who’s who of ninjas

In 2016, ANW decided to answer this question with Team Ninja Warrior. Team Ninja Warrior showcases teams facing off across multiple rounds. Consisting of three ninjas each (with two men and one woman), the teams would race against one another through a course. Within each round, the ninjas would compete against one another, earning points for completing the course faster than the other team.

Team Golden Hearts, consisting of (from left to right) Neil “Crazy” Craver, Grant McCartney, and Natalie Duran

The implications of this different format are intriguing. In this format, ninjas are able to test how fast they are able to go. Some notable ninjas always run at full speed, such as Lorin Ball, Drew Drechsel, and Flip Rodriguez. For other, more methodical ninjas, however, we are never sure just how fast they could go. While the ninjas only have one chance on American Ninja Warrior, there are multiple attempts at each course for every athlete on Team Ninja Warrior. The potential for extreme, extraordinary results is greater in this alternate format.

Flip Rodriguez, one of the fastest ninjas in the sport

In one of my previous posts, I touched on the differences between gymnasts and rock climbers. These two groups of ninjas specialize, with considerably different strengths and weaknesses. Even within these two groups, however, there is further specialization. Brian Arnold is probably the strongest ninja in the sport. Lorin Ball, as inconsistent as he may be, is probably the fastest ninja. Drew Drechsel and Daniel Gil are the most naturally athletic ninjas. What is special about the format of Team Ninja Warrior is that, with a possible expansion, there is potential for even further specialization.

Lorin Ball, one of the best ninjas whenever he avoids making a simple mistake

The future of the ninja sport depends on the expansion of the competition, and Team Ninja Warrior is the natural progression of the sport. American Ninja Warrior is a fun and compelling sport, but there is so much potential for the ninja world to expand and specialize. Team Ninja Warrior allows ninjas to test how quickly they can complete courses. Future competitions could allow athletes to specialize within certain roles or create new roles entirely. Team Ninja Warrior is an amazing sport, and its success shows that American Ninja Warrior will succeed for years to come.

 

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Team_Ninja_Warrior>

Drew Drechsel

Drew Drechsel

 

Remember how I talked about athletic freaks in the post about Joe Moravsky? Well Drew Drechsel is American Ninja Warrior’s answer to LeBron James and Rob Gronkowski. Drechsel began his American Ninja Warrior career in ANW3. His interest in ANW grew because the parkour tricks that he needed to do for an adrenaline rush were becoming too dangerous. That is right, the tricks that Drechsel was doing were so dangerous that a parkour runner, who is well aware of the dangerous nature of parkour, thought the tricks were becoming unsafe. Rather than risking his life with parkour, Drew Drechsel chose something that he felt was equivalent, American Ninja Warrior.

I am not saying that you have to be crazy to do American Ninja Warrior, but you have to be crazy in order to do American Ninja Warrior

While many athletes receive nicknames based on an aspect about themselves like their job or a physical feature, Drechsel’s nickname was based on an observation. Drew Drechsel is “The Real Life Ninja.”

This guy is the real deal

Since he began in ANW3, Drew Drechsel has been one of the longest tenured ninjas to compete in American Ninja Warrior. He has kept a consistent level of success, always reaching at least the Second Stage of the National Finals. Additionally, Drechsel is one of the few Americans that competes on SASUKE. Not only does he compete on SASUKE, but he excels. Drechsel has reached the third stage in every season of SASUKE except for his first when he suffered a serious knee injury, tearing his right meniscus, ACL, and MCL in addition to breaking multiple bones in his lower leg.

Drew Drechsel and Jessie Graff, the two most common American competitors on SASUKE

Despite his injury, Drechsel was soon ready to compete for American Ninja Warrior thanks to aggressive rehabilitation. From ANW4 through ANW6, Drechsel and David “Flip” Rodriguez were rivals, testing each other’s limits. After ANW7, however, Drew decided to refocus and worry about finishing the course rather than outpacing Rodriguez.

Flip Rodriguez, Drew’s rival early in his career

The single most impressive point in the career of Drew Drechsel, in my mind, is his work on Wingnut Alley. On the Second Stage of the National Finals of ANW9, one obstacle became a clear ninja-killer: Wingnut Alley. The transitions proved too difficult for many of the athletes, many had trouble building up enough momentum to move between the wingnuts, and those who could often had trouble keeping a grip on the wingnut upon landing due to the power they had built up.

Kevin Bull about to launch from one wingnut to another

Drew Drechsel, on the other hand, was too strong for the obstacle. Because of the advice of the other ninjas, Drew Drechsel launched at nearly full strength from one wingnut to the other. While he managed to reach the other wingnut with ease and keep a grip, his landing was rough and he injured his arm, causing him to fail the proceeding transition.

The “2017 Team USA vs the World” American Team, captained by Drechsel

As evidenced by his failure on Wingnut Alley, if anyone has the physical skills and focus to be the next American Ninja Warrior, it is “The Real Life Ninja,” Drew Drechsel.

 

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Drew_Drechsel>

Warped Wall and Salmon Ladder

Warped Wall and Salmon Ladder

 

At its core, American Ninja Warrior is a sport obsessed with obstacles. There are two obstacles that are synonymous with American Ninja Warrior: the Warped Wall and the Salmon Ladder.

Kacy Catanzaro on the Salmon Ladder
Kacy Catanzaro on the Warped Wall

Warped Wall

Have you ever tried to run up a wall? What if that wall was curved and fourteen and a half feet tall? That is the challenge that every ninja faces in the city and city finals courses.

The Warped Wall spells the end of many smaller competitors’ runs. On the opposite end of the spectrum, taller competitors generally handle the Warped Wall with relative ease.

Johnathon Horton, Olympic medalist gymnast, is a third of the wall’s height

To test the limits of the athletes, ANW holds the American Ninja Warrior: All Star Challenge. In the second edition of this challenge, there were five competitors: Jon Alexis Jr., Jesse Labreck, Najee Richardson, Flip Rodriguez, and Joe Moravsky.

Labreck’s attempt at an eighteen foot tall wall

All five of them completed the seventeen foot wall, even the Jesse “Flex” Labreck. On the eighteen foot wall, Flex Labreck got her fingertips above the edge but couldn’t keep her grip and was eliminated. While all of the remaining four managed to climb the eighteen and a half foot wall, only Jon Alexis Jr., who is six and a half feet tall and nicknamed “The Giant,” could climb the nineteen foot wall.

Jon Alexis Jr., a generally massive human being

While these exceptional athletes make the Warped Wall look easy, the obstacle is extremely challenging.

A failure on a homemade Warped Wall

Salmon Ladder

Most people hate pull ups. Now, imagine each pull-up requiring enough power to elevate the pull up bar an entire foot. Exhausting, right?

A homemade salmon ladder

As if the Salmon Ladder was not already difficult enough, the course designers made this the seventh obstacle of every City Finals course, directly after the Warped Wall. Quickly, however, this obstacle proved to be too easy. Generally, when a new obstacle in ANW proves to be difficult or a ninja-killer, the entire community trains relentlessly towards defeating this obstacle. Now, being able to finish the Salmon Ladder is expected of most ninjas.

Flip Rodriguez climbing a Salmon Ladder

As the ninjas evolved, so did the course. During Stage Two from ANW4 through ANW7, competitors would face the Double Salmon Ladder. The Double Salmon Ladder forces competitors to turn at the top of a normal Salmon Ladder, launch with the bar across a gap, and climb a second Salmon Ladder. When this obstacle became too easy, the Double Salmon Ladder was replaced by the Down-Up Salmon Ladder, where the competitors would climb down the wall, launch across a gap, and then climb up the wall on the other side. Again, this obstacle proved too easy and was replaced in ANW9 by the Criss Cross Salmon ladder, requiring ninjas to launch across the gap twice on the way to the next obstacle.

Kevin Bull on the Criss Cross Salmon Ladder

Similar to the modified Warped Wall, ninjas faced a modified Salmon Ladder with thirty-five rungs (any higher would be a safety hazard) in the skills challenge. Amazingly, Karsten Williams managed to climb all thirty-five rungs, with New York firefighter Mike Bernardo climbing thirty-four.

Mike Bernadino during the skills challenge, where he would lose by one rung

Both of these obstacles, the Warped Wall and the Salmon Ladder, are staples of American Ninja Warrior. It is safe to say they will be a mainstay of the competition for years to come.

 

<https://www.americanninjawarriornation.com/2017/2/20/14672582/american-ninja-warrior-all-star-special-skills-challenge-recap-warped-wall>

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Salmon_Ladder>

Joe Moravsky

Joe Moravsky

 

When people think of what an elite athlete looks like, they probably imagine someone like LeBron  James or Rob Gronkowski, athletic freaks who look like they have been lifting weights since the womb. If you passed Joe Moravsky on the street, though, chances are you would think nothing of it. Despite his modest build, Joe “The Weatherman” Moravsky is an elite athlete.

I know that at first glance, I wouldn’t peg this guy as an elite athlete

Joe Moravsky went the farthest of any rookie ever, reaching Stage Three (and being the second to last man standing). Including that rookie season, ANW5, Moravsky has reached Stage Three four out of his five years competing. With this information alone, it is clear that Moravsky is one of the best ninjas that the sport has to offer.

The Weatherman was clearly not happy with being second-place, however, and came into ANW9 with a vengeance. Generally, Moravsky is a speed-runner, constantly trying to beat records for how quickly a course can be beaten. On Stage Three of the National Finals, however, Joe changed his strategy completely. Like a surgeon, Moravsky used skill and precision to systematically destroy the course.

Moravsky on the Ultimate Cliffhanger, one of the most difficult obstacles that American Ninja Warrior offers

Joe Moravsky’s Stage Three Run (Starting at the Peg Cloud)

The Weatherman handled the first five obstacles of Stage Three with relative ease. Of course, these obstacles are extremely difficult, but like any elite competitor, he makes it look easy. You can start to see him sweat, however, as he reaches the sixth, new obstacle, the Peg Cloud. The Peg Cloud requires the ninja to move between vertical beams using mobile, tiny handles. Using creativity to handle the obstacle, Moravsky used his legs to ease the load on his arms, looking like a member of the circus in the process. The strength required to navigate the Peg Cloud alone is immense, let alone after handling the five obstacles preceding it. Nonetheless, Moravsky handled the obstacle like a champ, only failing the course after the Time Bomb, another new obstacle.

Look at his leg. Just look at it. How do you even do that?

As the only competitor in ANW9 to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger, Moravsky became the last man standing. While being the last man standing is an unofficial title, it shows the level of excellence that Moravsky has reached and that fans have grown to expect. Never judge a book by its cover, especially if that book is the elite ninja warrior Joe “The Weatherman” Moravsky.

 

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Joe_Moravsky>

Kevin Bull

Kevin Bull

 

Some ninjas are known for their ability to destroy courses systematically. Some sprint through the course like there is a pack of wild dogs chasing after them. Some ninjas are known for wearing costumes. Kevin Bull is known for a different distinctive feature, his complete lack of hair.

At the age of 21, Bull began losing his hair. He was quickly diagnosed with alopecia universalis, which affects hair across his entire body. While the condition may appear harsh, people with alopecia only lose their hair. There are no other physical effects, though there are also negative social effects brought on by the condition.

Bull is not the only elite athlete to be affected by alopecia. Charlie Villanueva, a professional basketball player, has alopecia universalis like Bull. Other professional athletes such as Ryan Shazier and Joshua Dobbs, both Pittsburgh Steelers, suffer from alopecia areata, a less severe version of alopecia. While all of these men faced difficult times due to their medical condition, they have all grown stronger because of alopecia.

Joshua Dobbs and Ryan Shazier with a child suffering from alopecia

While Bull’s condition is distinctive, it has not held him back in competition. Kevin Bull has never been a top ninja, but he consistently makes it to Las Vegas and competes at an extremely high level. What Bull may be best known for is his unique handling of Cannonball Alley.

This is definitely not the usual progression

As a walk-on in ANW6, Bull was managing the Venice City course, hoping to reach Vegas as a rookie. On his way, Kevin was forced to take on Cannonball Alley. Cannonball Alley forces contestants to grip progressively larger “cannonballs” in order to avoid falling into the water below. While most people would move between the cannonballs using only their hands, Kevin Bull did an impression of a trapeze artist. The confidence required to take on an obstacle in this nontraditional way is exceptional, let alone doing so as a walk-on rookie.

This is really definitely not the usual progression

With the recognition that his condition and his rendition of Cannonball Alley provided, Bull decided to give back. Kevin used his fame to bring attention to the Children’s Alopecia Project[https://childrensalopeciaproject.org/]. Rather than being selfish with his success, Kevin Bull decided to help children with the same condition as his own.

Kevin Bull always brings along some friends from the Children’s Alopecia Project to watch as he runs the course

While he may not be the best ninja, Kevin Bull has left his unique mark on American Ninja Warrior and has proven himself to be one of the best people to have competed in ANW.

 

<http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/news/american-alopecia-ninja-attacks-awareness>

Kacy Catanzaro

Kacy Catanzaro

 

As I mentioned in my blog post on Jessie Graff, women and men compete on equal grounds in American Ninja Warrior. This aspect of ANW is something that I truly admire. The sport doesn’t feel the need to cater to anyone specific. Some may feel that having the exact same course for both genders is a weakness, but I think it is the exact opposite. By providing a sport where everyone is on an equal playing ground, everyone has a chance to show their greatness and prove themselves.

Kacy Catanzaro, a fierce athlete that proved why men and women do not need to be separated in American Ninja Warrior

Personally, I am not a huge fan of Kacy Catanzaro. She has never struck me as especially interesting. Nonetheless, I understand why she is important and how different, for the worse, the sport of Ninja Warrior would be without her. Kacy Catanzaro understood that greatness is attainable, no matter what obstacles you may face.

Kacy Catanzaro, like many ANW athletes, is a former gymnast. You can tell by looking at her (she is less than five feet tall). Catanzaro first competed in ANW5, where she had difficulty due to her height. She made it to the city finals as a wildcard, where she had an early exit. At the time, she seemed like any other competitor.

Despite her diminutive stature, Kacy found ways to get through obstacles like any other athlete

Catanzaro came back with a vengeance. In ANW6, she reached the warped wall. For most women, this obstacle would mean the end of their run. Only two women, Jessie Graff and Nika Muckelroy, had reached the Warped Wall before. Neither had completed it. If ever there was an unbeatable obstacle, for women the warped wall was it. Despite these odds, Kacy became the first woman to climb the Warped Wall.

Catanzaro, ensuring her place in ANW history

Kacy accomplished what had previously been thought impossible. In the process, Catanzaro became an icon for ANW. The quantity of women competing in American Ninja Warrior grew exponentially after Catanzaro’s infamous run, and many of the top women competing today were inspired by Kacy.

With her success, Kacy attended national events with other ANW athletes regularly

After ANW6, Kacy never reached those same heights again. In ANW9, after all of the pressure that she faced throughout the years, Catanzaro announced that she intended to retire. Rather than continue with American Ninja Warrior, Kacy would become a wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment.

Kacy among members of WWE

Catanzaro made a huge impact on American Ninja Warrior. Without her, there would not be nearly the amount of women competing as there are today. Kacy Catanzaro is one of the most important competitors in American Ninja Warrior history, and she will be remembered for her huge impact on the sport.

 

<https://www.americanninjawarriornation.com/2017/8/31/16217330/kacy-catanzaro-american-ninja-warrior-wwe>

<https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2017/08/31/kacy-catanzaro-american-ninja-warrior-wwe/614951001/>

Daniel Gil

Daniel Gil

 

Not many athletes are able to reach the national finals in their rookie year. Daniel Gil, however, is not like many other athletes. In his rookie season, he reached the second stage in the national finals, and since that time, he has not looked back, reaching the third stage in ANW8 and the second stage in ANW9.

Daniel Gil, 23 and already a top Ninja Warrior

One of the most standout aspects of Gil is his ability to make obstacles look easy. Few can match his apparent athleticism and intrinsic skill at obstacles. When he leaps or swings to an obstacle eight or ten feet away, no one wonders whether he can make it the distance, but rather whether he is able to manage his explosiveness and maintain his grip strength to safely land.

Daniel Gil navigating an obstacle with his trademark athleticism

Like all athletes, Daniel Gil had to begin somewhere. In 2013, Daniel Gil began working with ninja legend Sam Sann. Sam Sann, originally from Cambodia, quickly became a fan favorite. He is a father-figure to many competitors, and his gym is consistently considered one of the best in the nation. Despite the fact that he is far older than most other competitors at the ripe age of fifty, Sam Sann consistently competes at an extraordinarily high level.

Sam Sann, 50, easily making all of us feel bad about our bodies

For all of the success that Gil has encountered on American Ninja Warrior, Daniel is more than just an athlete. Daniel Gil is a man of faith, and he lives through his faith every run that he makes. Daniel Gil even earned a degree in Applied Ministerial Studies from All Nations School of Ministry(the site makes me kinda uncomfortable, but it is an interesting read).

Richelle Helper, Daniel Gil, and Sam Sann competing as Team Iron Grip on Team Ninja Warrior

Daniel Gil is a man of faith, an American Ninja Warrior, and an all-around extraordinary person. With his youth and excellence, Gil has the chance to become the face of ANW for years to come.

 

<https://www.americanninjawarriornation.com/2016/8/1/12344886/american-ninja-warrior-daniel-gil>

<http://danielgil.ninja/about/>

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Daniel_Gil>

<http://sasukepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Sam_Sann>

Grip Strength

Grip Strength

 

Get a grip!

 

Most times, this phrase has a negative connotation. Having a grip, however, is one of the most important skills for a ninja to have. A strong grip is the difference between finishing the course and falling into the water.

 

While grip strength seems like something that wouldn’t matter that much, it is an extremely important skill. There is a reason that most serious ninjas have a grip strength area in their home or yard.

An excellent example of a home-built gym that ninjas use to train

Grip strength is a constant necessity – even on the front half of courses, which tend to focus on mobility. Obstacles like the Giant Log Grip attempt to jolt the ninja off of the obstacle with sudden, seemingly random falls. With obstacles like these, ninjas utilize their entire body to supplement their finger strength.

Jamie Rahn, also known as Captain NBC, hanging on for dear life on the Giant Log Grip

The real test of finger strength begins in the back of the course on obstacles like Cannonball Run. From personal experience, hand grips like these are considerably harder than they look. Some ninjas, like Kevin Bull, have found creative ways around these obstacles.

 

Kevin Bull versus Cannonball Alley (2:35 for the fun part)

The ultimate challenge of grip strength on American Ninja Warrior is the Ultimate Cliffhanger. Trying to explain the obstacle will not do it justice. Instead, watch Drew Dreschel, probably the most naturally skilled athlete currently in ANW.

An early version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger from an ANW5 competition pitting America against Japan

If all of this sounds crazy, that is because it is. What is really crazy, however, is the toughest obstacle in the ninja universe, SASUKE or ANW, the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger. The Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, which was introduced in SASUKE 32, removes the second swing from the Ultimate Cliffhanger. Don’t mistake this as the creators of the obstacle going soft. Instead, the designers made the first ledge, again six feet behind the competitor, inverted. You may ask, could this get any harder? Well, I have a surprise for you. The third and final ledge that the athletes must swing is constantly moving. Yes, the obstacles moves up and down, just in case the entire obstacle was not hard enough. Only Drew Drechsel (SASUKE 32) and Morimoto Yusuke (SASUKE 34) have completed this obstacle successfully.

 

Drew Dreschel defeating the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger (Start at 0:45)

American Ninja Warrior creates obstacles that push athletes to their physical and mental limits. Though it may be forgotten by some, grip strength is one of these limits that athletes must work to push past. With obstacles like the Giant Log Grip, Cannonball Run, and variations of the Cliffhanger, ninjas must train their grip strength extensively.

Rock Climbing versus Gymnastics

Rock Climbing versus Gymnastics

 

Part of what I love about American Ninja Warrior is that the sport is extremely accessible. Almost anyone can learn how to climb around and complete obstacles. That being said, there are two sports that lend themselves toward success on Mount Midoriyama: rock climbing and gymnastics. Most of the athletes who have had success on the show have some background within these two sports. When the show began, the two most common types of athletes were originally rock climbers and free runners (those who do parkour). As the course has evolved and become more difficult, however, there have been fewer free runners and more gymnasts. Rock climbers and gymnasts are common, because the skill set required for these sports are the same as those required for American Ninja Warrior.

Meagan Martin, a rock climber, navigating an obstacle requiring great grip strength and climbing ability

Rock climbers excel at American Ninja Warrior because of their climbing ability, problem solving skills, and their overall strength. If rock climbers have a weakness, it would have to be balance or movement obstacles. The transition from rock climbing to ANW is natural: all the athletes have to do is change where they are climbing. They tend to excel on the back half of courses and in the second and third stages of the finals, where the course tends to focus on upper body strength.

Ian Dory on the Flying Bars, the final obstacle on Stage 3

The Wolfpack, a group of ninjas from Colorado, are rock climbers who have transitioned to ANW. This team includes Brian Arnold, Ian Dory, Meagan Martin, and Dr. Noah T. Kaufman. Two of these four athletes have been on the national team, and Meagan Martin is one of the top female competitors in the history of American Ninja Warrior. The Wolfpack is a perfect example of successfully transitioning from rock climbing to ANW.

The Wolfpack, listed from left to right: Ian Dory, Dr. Noah T. Kaufman, Meagan Martin, and Brian Arnold

Gymnasts excel at American Ninja Warrior because of their superior body control, impressive strength, and balance. Gymnasts tend to get tired more quickly than rock climbers on courses that focus on the upper body. The obstacle course aspect of ANW and its focus on high flying acrobatics make gymnasts feel at home on the course. Gymnasts tend to excel at the beginning of courses and stage one of the finals, where the course focuses on balance, mobility, and acrobatics.

Jessie Graff on the Wingnuts, an obstacle requiring acrobatic abilities in addition to strength and body control

Johnathan Horton, an Olympic medalist in men’s gymnastics, has competed on three seasons of American Ninja Warrior. While he has never had overwhelming success, Horton has made very respectable runs during each of his appearances. Jessie Graff has a history of gymnastics (in addition to acrobatics and track and field) that is apparent as she flies from obstacle to obstacle.

Olympic medalist Johnathan Horton navigating a deceptively difficult obstacle

An interesting outlier is the 21 year-old Tyler Gillett, an ANW mega-fan. At 21, he just passed the age requirement for American Ninja Warrior. He has trained since fourteen years old solely for ANW, which bred results as he reached Stage Two in his first year. This trend, younger and younger athletes training specifically for ANW, will continue as different ninjas open gyms for the sole purpose of training young ninjas.

The 21-year old Tyler Gillett, an inspiration to a new generation of ninjas who are training solely for American Ninja Warrior

The two strongest divisions of American Ninja Warrior are gymnasts and rock climbers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, but an intriguing new development is the growth of competitors who have trained to be ninjas for their entire lives.

Joe Moravsky, one of the most consistent ninjas and the last ninja standing in ANW9, working on obstacles with young children

http://wolfpackninjas.com/our-team/