Ultimate Ninjas Gym: A haven for young athletes to overcome obstacles
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The world of fitness is constantly evolving, but some sports remain timeless due to their focus on natural movement, skill, and strength. Ultimate Ninjas Gym in nearby Anaheim Hills has embraced this approach, offering a unique and growing sport that challenges young athletes both physically and mentally. Established in January 2023, the gym has quickly become a community hub, attracting kids who are eager to test their limits and discover the sport of Ninja.
A Mission Beyond Fitness
Barry Sohl, co-owner of Ultimate Ninjas, was inspired to bring the concept to California after partnering with the founder of the Ultimate Ninjas franchise, which originated in the Midwest. With a passion for natural movement and a desire to offer kids an active alternative to screen time, Sohl helped bring this innovative gym to life. “Our mission is to introduce the sport of Ninja to Orange County and give kids a safe place to grow stronger, both physically and mentally, than they ever thought they could,” said Sohl. Since opening, the gym has steadily grown, becoming a sanctuary for young athletes to challenge themselves in a positive environment.
Training the Next Generation of Ninjas
Ultimate Ninjas Gym’s training programs draw inspiration from the popular TV show “American Ninja Warrior,” but the sport has evolved far beyond the screen. The majority of the kids at the gym have never seen the show! Kids can work on familiar obstacles like the Warped Wall, Salmon Ladder, and Jumping Spider, all built by the same engineer who built obstacles for the TV show for several years. However, the gym also offers unique challenges to help young athletes build strength, speed, and endurance.
“Our classes resemble a typical sports practice,” explains Sohl. “We start with warmups, rotate through drills to work on specific skills, and end with conditioning exercises. For our competitive team, the intensity ramps up, but we always keep it fun.” Safety is a top priority, with all equipment engineered to the highest standards, ensuring that kids can push themselves without compromising on security.
The Rise of Ninja as a Competitive Sport
The popularity of Ninja has surged, and the sport is set to make its Olympic debut as part of the Modern Pentathlon in LA 2028. For young athletes in Southern California, Ultimate Ninjas Gym is leading the way. Last season, the gym qualified 15 athletes for the World Championships, and Sohl is optimistic about the future. “Ninja is already huge in other parts of the country, and we’re just now catching up here in California. We hope to have kids from our gym on a World Championships podium soon.”
Ultimate Ninjas Gym hosts several competitions, including local qualifiers and regional championships. Athletes can participate in leagues such as UNAA, FINA, and WNL, progressing through various stages to reach national and international events. “It’s a long, but exciting process,” Sohl said. The upcoming UNAA competition on December 7th will feature divisions for all levels from novice to Pro.
From Overcoming Obstacles to Building Confidence
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ultimate Ninjas Gym is its focus on mental growth. The sport of Ninja is about more than just physical prowess—it’s about perseverance, learning to overcome failure, and building self-confidence. “Ninja is phenomenal cross-training for any other sport,” said Sohl. “Kids become better at dealing with challenges and develop much stronger self-confidence.”
The gym’s community is also a vital component of its success. “Ninja is inherently a hard sport, and there’s a lot of respect for anyone who puts in the work to get good at it,” Sohl noted. The sense of camaraderie extends beyond practice, with athletes and parents forming bonds that often feel like family. Whether it’s cheering for each other during competitions or participating in school events and fundraisers, the community spirit at Ultimate Ninjas Gym is truly special.
Athletes Who Inspire
Several young athletes at Ultimate Ninjas Gym have overcome significant obstacles to achieve success. One standout story is that of Yorba Linda resident Logan R., who initially struggled with basic movements but is now a captain of the gym’s competition team. “Logan is flying around the gym doing big moves, and his self-confidence has soared,” said Sohl proudly. Another young athlete, Chase A., became the youngest person at the gym to complete a Salmon Ladder rung at just seven years old and was ranked in the top 10 nationally in the 7U division.
Looking Ahead
As Ultimate Ninjas Gym continues to grow, so too does the popularity of Ninja as a sport in Southern California. With the goal of getting more kids on the World Championships podium, Sohl is optimistic about the future. Ultimate Ninjas Gym is not just a place to train; it’s a place where the next generation of athletes can learn to conquer fears, embrace challenges, and celebrate their victories—one obstacle at a time.
For more information, please visit www.ultimateninjas.com/location/anaheimhills or call 714.795.1970.
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