10 U.S. gyms where you can try a 'Ninja Warrior' course

Ninja athletes aren’t just found on TV. NBC’s "American Ninja Warrior," which has competitors racing through ingenious and diabolical obstacles, has sparked the development of ninja gyms and leagues across the country. The locales train future ninja warriors, and often cater to kids, who come for parties and training. But they also welcome drop-in visitors of all ages. “It’s a place for people who watch the show and say ‘I can do that’ to see if they really can,” says Grant McCartney, a top competitor who promotes the sport around the world. He shares some favorite gyms.

Ninja Nation, Centennial, Colorado

McCartney calls this gym state of the art. “They didn’t spare expense. It’s show-quality and tech savvy. They have everything.” Expect to find obstacles like floating steps, a warped climbing wall and a salmon ladder, a notorious challenge of leaping pull-ups. “It’s a very hard obstacle, and one kids really want to do.” Additional locations in Colorado and Texas. ninjanation.com

Sam Sann Warriors – All Star Ninjas, Houston

A new gym owned by "Ninja" legend Sam Sann and his partner Karen Madaras helps prepare child and adult competitors, and many work for them as coaches. This no-nonsense set-up has the most challenging and technical obstacles for elite-level training, athletes say. samsannwarriors.com

Ultimate Ninjas, Chicago

You’ll feel like you’re in a TV studio at this small chain of gyms in the Chicago area and St. Louis. “They are show quality. They have the lights and the timers and the buzzers,” McCartney says. The locales sponsor all-ages pro camps, where professional ninja athletes teach the tricks of the trade. ultimateninjas.com

Obstacle Academy, Edna, Minnesota

Ninja stardom isn’t just for men. Sarah Schoback, known as the Ninja of the North, brings her expertise to this Twin Cities gym known for its staff and training. “She has got some extremely strong coaches. It’s not that you just get the obstacles, but you’re going to get a high-level coaching,” McCartney says. “You can train and be ready for the competition instead of showing up and hoping for the best.” obstacle-academy.com

Ultimate Backyard Warrior, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

As the name suggests, this gym started out as a home project. It was a labor of love, constructed from telephone poles and plywood, and even includes a water pit. Now it attracts families and competitors from around the country. “It’s a backyard course turned it into a professional gym. It’s like Disneyland for ninja warriors,” McCartney says. ubwfit.com

Real Life Ninja Academy, Windsor, Connecticut

Ninja Drew Dreschel, who has competed on "Sasuke," Japan’s version of the show, welcomes everyone at his dialed-in gym. “Drew is arguably the best ninja right now and all his obstacles come from his expertise,” McCartney says. “He’s on the cutting edge of everything. A real insider.” Inspired visitors can even purchase obstacles to use at home. reallifeninjaacademy.com

Obstacle Warrior Kids, Garland, Texas

With locations across Texas and in Utah, this gym offers tons of room to play. It hosts national ninja league competitions, along with parties, classes and open course time. “Kids can show up and feel at ease. They can go crazy on obstacles, having a blast and wearing themselves out,” McCartney says. obstaclewarriorkids.com

DoJoBoom, Thousand Oaks, California

Head to this extreme recreation park managed by show regular Kevin Bull, and perhaps some of the champion’s ninja magic will rub off on you. McCartney says he particularly likes the design of the obstacles, some incorporating clear plastics. “It’s just nice décor. You have really nice aesthetics and some trampolines, and other fun stuff as well.” Activities include a foam pit, extreme dodgeball, slack line and trapeze. dojoboom.com

Ninja Quest Fitness, Marietta, Georgia

You’ll find some of the newest, most up-to-date ninja challenges at this space just outside Atlanta. “It has a lot of the new obstacles. As soon as you see it on the show, they have them built in a couple weeks,” McCartney says. ninjaquestfitness.com

APEX School of Movement Norcal, Concord, California

This San Francisco-region gym was one of the first to feature show-quality obstacles. “They’ve been around, and you can see a lot of the L.A. and Northern California ninjas train there,” McCartney says. The owner not only has competed, but also has a physical therapy background. “You can get real comprehensive training.”  apexmovementnorcal.com