Christian homeschoolers are driving America’s thriving new sport to greater heights.
Physical education programs in American schools have been widely criticized for their failure to effectively engage K-12 students. However, Christian homeschoolers have discovered a different approach that has proven to be highly successful. This alternative has led to the rapid growth of one of America’s fastest-growing sports: Ninja Warrior.
Since 2009, NBC has aired “American Ninja Warrior,” a U.S. version of the Japanese sports reality show “Sasuke.” The show’s challenging obstacles require a level of athleticism that goes beyond what is typically taught in school gymnasiums. The excitement and difficulty of the courses have made the show a hit, inspiring a new generation of competitive athletes. Among them is 18-year-old Elijah Browning from Tennessee.
Browning, a three-time contestant on the show, has been competing in obstacle courses since he was 10 years old. He grew up watching “American Ninja Warrior” and started participating in competitions across the country with his mom.
Beyond the Screen
While most people associate Ninja Warrior with the televised show, the sport has expanded beyond television and now has numerous leagues and tournaments across the country. These include the World Ninja League, Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association, Wolfpack Ninjas, Ninja Challenge League, Ninja Sport Network, Federation of International Ninja Athletics, Next Level Ninja Games, and Ninja World Cup, among others. Participants can win significant cash prizes in these third-party tournaments, in addition to the million-dollar prize on the televised show.
Browning’s interest in ninja games began when his grandfather built obstacles on their family farm. These obstacles, inspired by the show, have become iconic in the sport, such as the salmon ladder and the cliffhanger.
Browning’s homeschooling allowed him and his brother to fully commit to the sport. He has trained and competed in ninja gyms across 35 states and three countries. Browning notes that many of the top competitors in the sport are homeschooled because of the extensive travel required to stay competitive.
While the televised show films from March to May, there are numerous other leagues and competitions throughout the year. Browning maintains a rigorous training schedule, spending two to three hours working out six days a week. This dedication sets him apart from the majority of U.S. high school students who do not meet the recommended daily physical activity levels.
Another homeschooling family in Illinois has also found success in the sport. Tyler Smith, 17, has achieved podium finishes in ninja games over 110 times, while his 14-year-old sister, Sydney, has achieved over 62 podium finishes. Despite their success, Tyler has struggled to be selected for the televised show, and Sydney is still too young to compete. The Smiths prioritize participating in outside leagues over the televised show, as they believe it offers more opportunities for their children to excel.
Professional ninjas do not make a living solely from competing, but the growth of the sport has led former show contestants to open their own gyms. These gyms, such as Big Time Ninja in Chicago, provide training and coaching for aspiring athletes. The top athletes in the sport are typically between the ages of 16 and 22, and the availability of specialized training facilities like Big Time Ninja has contributed to their success.
Some of these young athletes, like Elijah Browning, have also become coaches themselves. Browning runs his own gym called Overcome The World in Tennessee and coaches other ninjas, with half of his students being homeschooled. The sport’s growth has created opportunities for young athletes to inspire and motivate others.
Ninjas on a Mission
The growth of competitive ninja leagues has been particularly significant within the Christian homeschooling community. Christian homeschoolers have embraced the sport as a unique and uplifting outlet for their children. The tight-knit community of Christian homeschoolers has found camaraderie and support in the world of ninja competitions.
One Christian homeschooling mom, Suzanne Himka, has taken the sport’s connection to faith even further. Himka organizes an annual conference called “Warriors on a Mission” in Colorado Springs, which combines worship, book signings, and speakers who share how faith has guided their journey through obstacle courses.
Himka, who is also a competitive athlete herself, operates a faith-based gym called Lost Island Warrior. She coaches a team of competitive athletes, including homeschoolers, and uses the annual conference as an opportunity to spread her faith through the sport.
“It’s more than ninja, it’s ministry,” Himka said.
The Christian ninja conference has become a platform for athletes like Tyler Smith and Elijah Browning to share their experiences and inspire others. The conference aims to continue running on an annual basis, with the goal of reaching more athletes and families.
On to the Olympics
The sport of ninja competitions may even make its way to the Olympics. The 2028 summer games in Los Angeles are considering including obstacle-course competitions as a replacement for equestrian events in the modern pentathlon. This potential inclusion in the Olympics could open doors for young ninjas to compete on the world stage.
Obstacle-course coach Terry England believes that the sport’s addition to the Olympic lineup could lead to its adoption by American universities and the support of organizations like the NCAA. This would bring even more interest and financial support to the sport, potentially offering scholarships to top ninja athletes.
While the future of ninja competitions in the Olympics is uncertain, athletes like Tyler Smith remain committed to the sport and continue to compete at the highest level.
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The benefits of alternative physical education programs and the importance of integrating faith and sport
Do that brings together Christian homeschoolers who are involved in ninja competitions. The conference focuses on combining the physical challenges of the sport with spiritual growth and character development.
Himka believes that ninja competitions provide a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to strengthen their faith while pursuing their athletic passions. Through the obstacles and challenges they face in the sport, participants learn perseverance, resilience, and the importance of relying on God for strength. The conference includes workshops, guest speakers, and fellowship opportunities to further encourage the integration of faith and sport.
In addition to the spiritual aspects, homeschoolers also find value in the community and friendships built through ninja competitions. The sport has a sense of camaraderie and support that is often lacking in traditional physical education programs. Homeschooled athletes have the time and flexibility to travel and participate in competitions and training camps, which allows them to build connections with other ninjas from across the country and even internationally.
The success of Christian homeschoolers in the world of ninja competitions is a testament to the benefits of alternative physical education programs. These athletes have found a passion and purpose in the sport that goes beyond traditional team sports or gym class activities. Ninja competitions provide a platform for them to showcase their skills, challenge themselves, and inspire others.
As the popularity of Ninja Warrior continues to grow, it is important to recognize the positive impact it is having on the homeschooling community. The sport’s emphasis on physical fitness, character development, and community building aligns well with the values and goals of many homeschooling families. By embracing ninja competitions, Christian homeschoolers are breaking the mold of traditional physical education and finding a path to success that suits their unique needs and interests.
In conclusion, the success of Christian homeschoolers in the world of Ninja Warrior is evidence of a different approach to physical education. By participating in ninja competitions, these athletes are not only gaining physical fitness but also developing character, building community, and strengthening their faith. The growth and popularity of the sport within the homeschooling community highlight
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