The Ninjas Way

What started as a mission to serve athletes first has grown into one of the most community-driven and coach connected leagues in ninja sport today. In this episode, I sit down with Jen Miller and Kyle Vidovic, co-owners of FINA (Federation of International Ninja Athletics), to explore the story behind the league that’s rewriting the competition experience for athletes, gym owners, and families. From personal phone calls and comp-day support to a brand-new adaptive program in the works, Jen and Kyle aren’t just organizing competitions they’re investing in the future of ninja. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: 00:46 – How FINA was born from a parent’s passion 05:22 – Why personal connection still matters in youth sports 08:50 – What it means to be a FINA Partner Gym 18:40 – What’s coming for Season 7 (and why it’s different) 20:22 – What to expect at your first FINA comp 30:54 – Season 7 highlights + exciting new changes 35:45 – Building the adaptive program and opening new doors 👟 Want a league that puts people first? 💬 Interested in how to host FINA comps at your gym? 🎯 Looking for an inclusive, connected, and coach-supported league? 📍 Learn more: https://fina.ninja/

From a church basement… to America’s largest privately owned kids sports center 🥷🏗️ He started with three nights in a rented room and one rule.. never retreat, grow even by 1%. Five decades later, Kids First spans 184,000 sq ft, serves 25,000 weekly visits, and is the playbook gym owners travel to learn. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Jeff reveals the 1% growth theory that quietly compounds, and how owning your real estate (in the right demographics) can transform your wealth and your sleep. He also breaks down the leadership shift from hub-and-spoke control to true delegation, why mistakes are mandatory for growth, and how core values and open-book management turn teams into owners of the outcome. In this Episode 👇🏻 03:13 Building Kids First Sports Center 08:00 Philosophy on Growth and Real Estate 21:12 Evaluating and Expanding Programs 32:22 Decentralization and Business Growth 35:22 Allowing Room for Failure 39:47 Introduction to Small Business Bootcamp 43:10 Core Strategies for Business Success 49:56 The Importance of Core Values 55:16 Transparency and Open Book Management I’ll be in Ohio with Jeff for Small Business Bootcamp Nov 13th-17th for total immersion, all-inclusive, and laser-focused on building a generational business. Email info@metzkerbootcamp.com or visit https://metzgerbootcamp.com/

The hidden lessons of gym ownership and the surprising story behind Pop and Hold’s fully customized mission. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Julie Gelsinger shares what most gym owners overlook when it comes to creating a thriving ninja community from the importance of first impressions to building lasting buy-in from families. She also reveals the unexpected way Pop and Hold began, and why its mission is centered on fully customized holds and awards designed for the unique needs of each gym. What started as one creative spark has grown into a brand equipping gyms, athletes, and parents with tools that educate, inspire, and train. In this Episode 👇🏻 00:24 Julie's Background and Career 00:49 Starting the Ninja Gym Journey 04:31 Lessons in Gym Ownership & Community Building 17:06 Educating the Community about Ninja 22:31 The Birth of Pop and Hold 31:44 Involvement with WNL 37:11 Future of Ninja Competitions 42:17 Balancing Life and Business Learn more about Pop and Hold here- https://www.ninja-logic.com/shop

From the brink of suicide… to building the most beloved ninja competition in America 🥷✝️ When Mike Cook lost over million and nearly ended his life, he never imagined God would give him a mission that would unite the ninja world. What started as a few obstacles in his backyard has grown into Ultimate Backyard Warrior (UBW) one of the most faith fueled, community driven competitions in the sport. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Mike opens up about the lowest point of his life, the exact moment God stepped in, and how that led to a mission that combines high level ninja competition with a platform to bring people to Christ. You’ll hear how UBW evolved from a homemade course to a professional gym experience, the generosity and support that shaped its growth, and the strategies that keep sponsors and athletes coming back year after year. In this Episode 👇🏻 00:30 Mike Cook’s Journey to Ninja Warrior 18:48 The Birth of UBW Competitions 25:42 Future Plans for UBW 28:12 Building a Community of Young Ninjas 34:33 From Backyard to Professional Gym 39:36 Memorial Day Competitions and Future Plans 46:14 Sponsorship Strategies and Success Stories Learn more about UBW here- https://www.facebook.com/ubwfit/

What happens when a preschool gymnastics coach goes all-in on ninja? Reece Ohara helped transform Queen City Ninja from a side program into a thriving 500+ student department, and now he’s leading the charge to bring the industry together with Ninja Connect. The very first ninja specific industry conference happening Aug 22-24th. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a successful ninja program from the ground up, why most gyms stumble early, and the intentional pivot that changed everything for his team. We also dive into the power of business analytics, investing in your staff, and how Ninja Connect was born to give gym owners and program directors the tools they’ve been missing. 🎧 In this episode.. 00:32 Reese's Journey into Ninja 03:06 The Pivot to Full On Ninja Program 05:22 Growth and Success of Queen City Ninja 06:49 Training and Connecting with Coaches 08:12 Ninja Connect Conference 16:15 Importance of Business Analytics ➡️ Want to Join Reese and I with other top industry leaders in person? Join us Aug 22–24 in Cincinnati for Ninja Connect. 🎟️ Info + tickets: https://www.kidsfirstsports.com/ninja-connect Join our free facebook group for Ninja tips and tricks for owners and managers 👇🏻 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ninjagymacademysimplesolutions

Justin Conway wasn’t looking to build a business, he just wanted to train like the athletes he saw on G4 with his son. But when there were no ninja gyms, no obstacles, and no community… he built it himself. From late-night ninja sessions in his apartment to launching World Ninja Sport, Justin’s journey is a blueprint for dreamers who start with what they have. We talk training, business, DIY builds, and the community that’s grown around his vision. In this episode 👇🏻 02:11 The Birth of World Ninja Sport 02:26 Competing on American Ninja Warrior 04:20 Evolution of Ninja as a Sport and Industry 20:08 World Ninja Sports: Mission and Services 21:25 Building Safe and Effective Ninja Gyms 22:33 Common Mistakes in Home Ninja Builds 31:20 The Impact of Ninja on My Life

Who really decides the future of Ninja? If you're a gym owner, coach, athlete, or ninja parent, this is a conversation you don't want to miss and be apart of. We hosted the Ninja Industry Roundtable to address one of the most pressing issues in our sport: the World Ninja League’s exclusivity clause and the long-term impact it could have on gym freedom, athlete opportunity, and the growth of ninja as a whole. Leaders from the Ninja Industry and top-performing gyms came together for a raw, honest, and constructive conversation about what the ninja community truly needs. Thank you to all of you who were involved in this to show up last minute and speak your opinion. What are your thoughts? Comment below on how this affects you 👇🏻 Watch or listen to the full roundtable now Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7qpNQDxxEfaIlTrLQQcGlF?si=3e71b407a452497b YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEcYjXnwhHegC9aDGsarU1w Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ninjagymacademysimplesolutions Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ninjas-way/id1748450296 Take Action: ✍️ Sign the Petition https://chng.it/BmK6hRHPSy 📩 Submit Feedback Directly to WNL https://worldninjaleague.org/wnl-statement/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLsa4tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp583Eo-sHuSZ4IEzxwpPEzJRcCY5tr4w8USS7Y-b1oY8EFlYtKoZiDB4uWTj_aem_RDNs90lsFvXus0rtZPfIGQ This isn’t about sides. It’s about building a better future for the sport we love, one built on freedom, fairness, and collaboration. In this episode 👇🏻 01:22 The Exclusivity Clause: A Long-Standing Issue 05:06 Gym Owners' Perspectives on the Exclusivity Clause 06:29 The Role and Impact of Leagues on Gyms 11:10 Profitability and Challenges of Hosting Competitions 16:54 WNL's Statement on Exclusivity Policy 29:05 Comparing Different Leagues and Their Policies 35:59 Parents' and Athletes' Perspectives 42:10 Gym Standards and League Policies 44:58 Potential Solutions and Gym Unity 51:48 Safety Standards and Parental Concerns If you care about this issue..Like, Subscribe and share with your ninja community.

When one building closed, Glenn and Melissa Davis opened a new chapter one that would change their community. From Glenn’s decades of gymnastics coaching to Melissa discovering her athletic side at 46, The Rig Ninja Gym is rooted in faith, grit, and community. This episode takes you behind the scenes of how they turned setbacks into momentum, filled their classes in a town where “nobody thought it would work,” and created a space where everyone from kids to master athletes can find belonging and strength. You’ll hear how they’ve trained through injury, built culture on purpose, and stayed connected to what really matters.. helping people believe it’s possible. In this Episode 👇🏻 01:14 Glen's Journey into Ninja Sports 04:01 Melissa's Path to Becoming a Ninja 04:31 The Growth of Ninja Gyms Across the Country 09:49 The Community Impact of Ninja Gyms 15:14 Building a Culture of Support and Camaraderie 18:25 The Evolution of Ninja Competitions 19:49 Unique Aspects of The Rig Gym 25:46 Balancing Business and Personal Life 27:34 Advice for Aspiring Ninja Gym Owners Learn more about The Rig Ninja Gym here- https://www.theriggym.com/

Can’t find a sport your kid loves? Ninja might be the thing they’ve been waiting for. Evan White didn’t grow up athletic, until he found Ninja. He is now one of the top teen competitors in the country with multiple NNL and UNAA finals and American Ninja Warrior. Evan shares about the long road to becoming a top-tier athlete. Managing nerves, building a training routine that works, and how faith became his foundation on and off the course. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, competition insights, and why community is still the heartbeat of Ninja. In this episode 👇🏻 01:25 Competition Experiences and Preferences 02:42 Handling Pressure and Integrating Faith 05:57 Training Regimen and Techniques 20:25 Community and Coaching Watch his run on American Ninja Warrior this coming Monday June 30th 🥷

Meet Robert Clark the man behind one of the largest ninja leagues in the world. As founder and CEO of the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA). In this episode, we strip away the fluff and get real about what's working, what's not, and what needs to change as we enter Season 10. From rule sets to the role of coaches, athlete development, and the future of the league. A must-listen for gym owners, coaches, and athletes who want to play the long game in ninja.

Meet Sean Bryan the ninja who has created a ninja gym that is a sanctuary for the soul. Sean is a multi-time American Ninja Warrior finalist, founder of Traverse Fitness, and a leader on a mission to redefine what ninja training is really about. In this episode, he shares how his journey from theology to elite ninja training became a blueprint for building confident, purpose driven athletes. Sean opens up about identity, failure, competition culture, and why community is the real heart of a ninja gym. This one’s for gym owners, parents, and coaches who know the mission is bigger than medals. Highlights of this episode 👇🏻 00:36 Sean Bryan's Journey into Ninja Sports 07:56 The Heart of Ninja Gyms 14:06 The Evolution of Ninja Sports 20:01 The Growth of Ninja Gyms 20:36 Advice for Young Athletes 20:59 Finding Your Why 25:53 The Importance of Community 34:06 The Role of Coaches

Diego's journey started with a backyard rig and a dream. 🚀 Now, he’s leading The Wolf's Den, a powerhouse Ninja gym in California, built on grit, faith, and community. Overcoming setbacks, doors slammed in his face, and the challenge of turning rejection into resilience. From training at a middle school to running a multi-program facility, Diego shares how he built a thriving gym that fuses Ninja, OCR, and family fitness while giving back to his community in a BIG way. This Episodes key moments... 01:40 Building the First Ninja Gym 23:47 Building a Positive Gym Culture 26:27 Empowering Coaches Through Ownership 31:51 Investing in Staff Development 39:11 Connecting with the Community Find out more about the Wolf's Den here - https://www.shopthewolfsden.com/

Tim never planned to open a Ninja gym.. now he’s leading the charge in growing the sport of ninja across Canada. Tim shares how a failed mobile fitness app led to an unexpected opportunity, transforming into Fitset Ninja, one of Canada’s top Ninja programs. From overcoming setbacks to building a thriving team, Tim dives into the leadership lessons, mentorship, and mindset shifts that helped him scale from a single pop-up to multiple locations. If you’re looking for insight on growing a business, developing a winning team, and embracing the work you’re avoiding, this one’s for you. 🔥 Don’t Miss These Key Moments👇 00:15 The Early Days of Fit Set Ninja 01:21 Unexpected Success and New Directions 03:29 Building a Community and Culture 08:38 Engaging with the Larger Ninja Community 14:00 Personal Growth and Mentorship 22:21 Training and Development at Fit Set Ninja 28:13 The Value of Coaching and Investment Listen now and learn how Tim is shaping the future of Ninja sports in Canada. 🇨🇦 Find out more about Fitset Ninja here- https://fitsetninja.com/

Born from action sports, built for ninjas. From crafting gear for surfers and snowboarders to engineering the perfect ninja shoe, Chip from OLLO brings decades of design expertise to ninja. In this episode, we dive into the journey of creating the Sapien X, the revolutionary footwear tested by top ninja athletes and powered by Michelin grade grip. Learn how Ollo is elevating ninja performance, one step at a time. 🎧 Don’t Miss These Key Points 👇🏻 00:20 Chip's Journey into Footwear Design 01:55 The Birth of Ollo Shoes 06:22 Designing the Perfect Ninja Shoe 15:54 Expanding into Kids' Footwear 32:35 The Future of Ninja Sports 40:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Discover Ollo at https://ollopk.com/ and see how the future of ninja footwear is taking shape!

How do two passionate entrepreneurs turn a dream into reality in less than two years? Meet Brandon and Bailey from Elite Ninja Development in Chilliwack, Canada, who started with homemade equipment and backyard events and now lead a thriving ninja gym with nearly 200 kids. 💪 In this episode, they share how they built their gym from scratch, tackled obstacles head-on (literally and figuratively), and created a culture that inspires both kids and coaches alike. Hear about their bold steps, from hustling in the community to fostering a competitive ninja program that pushes boundaries and builds champions on and off the course. Check out these highlights.. Building a Ninja Community from Scratch: The Journey of Elite Ninja Development In this episode of The Ninja's Way podcast, hosts interview Brandon and Bailey, owners of Elite Ninja Development in Chilliwack, Canada. The discussion focuses on their journey from humble beginnings with homemade equipment and backyard parties to establishing a thriving ninja community with nearly 200 kids. The episode highlights the steps and challenges they faced, such as transitioning from coaching to entrepreneurship, leveraging community events, and implementing competitive programs. They also touch on the importance of team dynamics, personal growth, and the unique aspects that contributed to their rapid success. The episode concludes with insights and advice for aspiring ninja gym owners. 03:46 The Catalyst for Opening a Ninja Gym 05:21 Building a Positive Impact Through Coaching 21:19 Launching the Ninja Gym and Pre-Sale Strategies 27:43 Developing a Competitive Ninja Program 31:24 Transitioning from Coach to Business Owner 35:45 Adding Value Beyond Ninja Training 37:06 Financial Impact of Competitive Teams 41:51 Developing Coaches and Team Culture 50:04 Personal Growth and Business Challenges 01:01:13 Advice for Aspiring Ninja Gym Owners 01:04:19 Conclusion and Contact Information 🎧 Tune in to hear their journey and actionable tips for building a business—and a community—with heart. Find out more about Elite Ninja Development here- EliteNinjaDevelopment.ca

The Shoe That’s Gripping Ninja Athletes Across the Country—Literally. In this episode, we dive into the vision behind Series One with its founder, Leon. Discover how this ninja brand is focusing on the safety of ninja athletes. Leon shares the process of developing the perfect blend of grip, stability, and cushioning—crucial for the sport. Plus, don’t miss the scoop on their new limited-edition designs and kids' sizes launching this October! Series One aims to reduce injuries and support young athletes, offering more than just a shoe but a tool for safer training. Learn how the brand is setting new standards for safety and innovation. Heres the highlights 02:12 Designing the Perfect Ninja Shoe 14:08 The Vision Behind Series One 24:00 Addressing Safety Concerns in the Sport 26:52 Pre-Orders and Limited Editions 28:16 Partnerships and Growth Strategy 32:00 The Evolution of Gecko Grip Technology Get your pair of Series One before they sell out- seriesoneninja.com

How could failure fuel the fire of your entrepreneurial spirit? We sit down with Karsten Williams, an American Ninja Warrior All Star, coach, and entrepreneur. Karsten opens up about his journey in the Ninja world, how early failures became his greatest teachers, and what drove him to launch his own ventures in the Ninja industry. From competing on the show to coaching the next generation and founding the Ninja Project. This episode is a deep dive into the power of perseverance and finding purpose through challenges. Don’t Miss These Key Points👇🏻 00:39 Karsten's Journey into Ninja Warrior 01:48 Training and Overcoming Challenges 05:41 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Ninja 15:11 The Future of Ninja Sport 22:06 Faith and Personal Growth 26:25 The Big Cat and True Chalk Find out more about Karsten here- https://ninjaproject.com/

What if your greatest obstacle isn’t on the course, but in your own mind? Ryan Stratis, OG Ninja Warrior competitor and commentator for the Ninja Sport Network, shares his powerful journey of overcoming mental barriers. From his early days on the course to the mindset shift that helped him conquer self-doubt, Ryan’s story is a lesson in resilience, mental strength, and the importance of embracing the process. Learn how Ryan rewired his approach to training, competition, and life to come back stronger than ever. Don’t Miss These Key Points👇🏻 00:47 Ryan's Early Ninja Warrior Journey 03:11 Training and Challenges in the Early Days 07:16 Mental and Physical Preparation 14:13 Commentating for Ninja Sport Network 18:13 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Flop Ball 23:19 Training Tips for Adult Ninjas 25:02 Memorable Ninja Experiences 26:50 Thoughts on New Ninja Warrior Format

What if your best years of strength were ahead of you? Ginny’s journey to becoming a Ninja Warrior at 63. Despite never having lifted weights before, Ginny, inspired by her daughter Jesse Graff, pushed past societal expectations and showed that strength knows no age limit. From overcoming physical challenges to building mental resilience, Ginny’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Don’t Miss These Key Points👇🏻 00:24 Ginny's Journey to Becoming a Ninja Warrior 02:20 The Challenges and Triumphs of Training 04:48 Bonding Through Ninja: Family and Community 05:30 Lessons Learned from Ninja Training 07:16 Competing as a Senior Ninja 09:44 Breaking Down Obstacles: Techniques and Tips 18:59 The Importance of Injury Prevention 21:32 The Future of Senior Ninja Competitions 33:25 The Emotional Journey of a Ninja Mom 37:44 What Ninja Means to Ginny

How Ninja Lair’s Themed Experience Keeps Kids and Parents Coming Back for More In this episode of the Ninja’s Way Podcast, we dive into the world of Ninja Lair with its owner, Mikey P, a former Ninja Warrior competitor turned gym owner. Mikey shares how his gym’s unique, themed experience has helped create a strong community of ninja enthusiasts in Las Vegas. Mikey discusses the challenges and rewards of building a ninja gym focused on family fun, the importance of social media in driving traffic, and his vision for expanding the Ninja Lair experience to other locations. Plus, learn how Mikey balances running a successful gym with family life and the strategies he uses to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through the doors. Don’t Miss These Key Points👇🏻 00:22 Mikey's Journey into Ninja Warrior 02:31 Opening Ninja Lair: Challenges and Successes 04:57 Creating a Unique Ninja Gym Experience 06:40 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth 10:11 Balancing Business and Family Life 17:02 Challenges of Gym Ownership 24:07 Parenting and Gym Ownership You can check out the Ninja Lair Here- https://ninjalairlv.com/