Ninja Warrior - Clash of the Americas... It Could Be Great!

American Ninja Warrior was developed in the US as a spinoff of the Japanese sports show competition, Sasuke. Once ANW became a hit, NBC decided to rollout a special "USA versus Japan" edition to pit America's best athletes versus Japan's best athletes in homage to the show's roots.

American Ninja Warrior: USA vs Japan was such a hit that last year NBC débuted a new competition - "USA versus The World." In this competition, teams from the US, Japan and a special new team from Europe competed for the title. It was a drama-filled epic battle that brought American competitors to the final stage of Mt. Midoriyama. With the incredible excitement that USA vs The World brought to viewers, that left us wondering... what's next?

We have a great idea - "Ninja Warrior - Clash of the Americas." In this special ANW edition, the best athletes from the US would go against South and Central American athletes. Here's why it could be great:

• Soccer Stars
  South America is world-renown for having some of the world's top soccer stars. With soccer being so central to the culture in South America, you can bet that there would be crowds of top-flight amateur and pro athletes lining up to run the course. The whole-body physical demands of soccer will likely produce highly competitive contestants.
  
• Expert Hikers and Climbers
  South America has some incredibly tall mountains and challenging terrain to challenge expert hikers and climbers. Between towering peaks in The Andes and the steep cliffs of Machu Picchu, South American outdoor enthusiasts have a world-class natural playground to hone their skills. This makes them very dangerous competitors because of how important grip strength and endurance are to the American Ninja Warrior course.
  
• Extreme Water Enthusiasts
  Almost all of the Central and South American countries have coastlines, but it's not all sandy beaches. In fact, some of the South American coastline has famously treacherous areas wrought with undertow, rocks and aggressive sharks. This makes water sports like scuba diving, swimming, water skiing and diving even more extreme. The athletes that compete in these sports have to be fearless, which may give them an edge in the competition.
  
• Niche Sports
  In South America, there are some popular sports that we really don't have in the US - things like polo. Without having competitors in the US who have a background with these types of sports, we don't yet know whether that may give them an advantage. It's quite possible that the training and competition involved in a sport like polo might produce greater balance or core strength than some of the popular sports here.
  

What do you think? Is this a good idea, or what?!

How to Get on American Ninja Warrior

If you are an aspiring American Ninja Warrior, you can get on the show in one of two ways:

1. Submitting an application to be chosen to appear on the show
2. Participating as a walk-on in one of the cities where qualifying takes place

Applications are now open, so you can go directly to the American Ninja Warrior casting site to apply. You will have to submit a picture of yourself and a video explaining why you think you deserve a shot. Contestants are urged to be memorable and show off their skills to impress the producers and win them over. Then, wait for a response.

If you don't get chosen, you still have a shot to compete as a walk-on. When ANW holds qualifying in cities across the US, you can get in line to compete. Just know that you will likely have to get there a few days early and camp out in a vehicle or outdoors and wait for a chance to compete. The schedule for 2015 hasn't been released yet, but last year they were in Dallas, Denver, Miami, St. Louis and Venice Beach.

Good luck! And remember, if you want to compete on a ninja warrior-style course a little closer to home, Rockford Ninja Warrior is an annual event! Come out and show your support for a great cause!

Resources for Up-and-Coming Ninjas

If you're an aspiring Ninja Warrior, it's important to get connected with other Ninjas. Getting plugged into the community can help you set fitness goals, get training tips, learn how to beat individual obstacles and even make friends. Here are some great resources to get you started:

The Official American Ninja Warrior Facebook Page for Fans

How to Train for American Ninja Warrior Like a Pro

A List of Ninja Warrior Gyms Nationwide

Authentic Ninja Warrior Terminology Guide

All Natural Ninja Warrior Training Tips

Breaking Down the Ninja Warrior Obstacles

Build Your Own Ninja Warrior Course in your Backyard

American Ninja Warrior Training Tips from Kacy Catanzaro

A List of Ninja Warrior Events

Study up, get training and good luck on your run next year on Rockford Ninja Warrior or on your path to be the next American Ninja Warrior superstar!

Have other resources that you want to add? Comment with the link below!

American Ninja Warriors at RNW 2014

For those of you who attended Rockford Ninja Warrior, the stunning images of the American Ninja Warriors running the course with grace and style will probably stick in your mind forever. For those of you who missed it, our friends at mlive got some amazing pictures of the pros competing:

If you have any photos that you want to share, feel free to post them on our Facebook wall.

Get to Know the American Ninja Warriors

By now, you've probably heard that Rockford, MI will be invaded by some of the nation's top American Ninja Warriors on October 10th and 11th. But just who are these top competitors that will be joining us for Rockford Ninja Warrior? Here are some details about what makes these men and women so special:

Elet Hall



www.facebook.com/EletHall

Elet Hall is a ski lift operator from Cavetown, Maryland who has competed on American Ninja Warrior for two seasons and recently represented the US in "American Ninja Warrior: US vs The World." In both attempts, he made it to Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama. He is a freerunner, personal trainer and writer when he's not on the slopes. Nicknamed "The Naturalist," Elet trains in the woods on nature's greatest obstacles and is dedicated to healthy living. When he runs the course you'll hear him yell "Send it!" before he begins to pay homage to his snowboarding background.

 

Drew Drechsel

www.facebook.com/DrewNinja

Drew Drechsel is a professional Ninja, personal trainer and freerunner living in Houston, TX. He has become a common household name when it comes to American Ninja Warrior after competing in three seasons with great results. Drew has made it to Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama twice and set the fastest time in qualifying last season. He also does parkour  and was tied for 5th in the World Parkour Championship. His fluid approach to the course makes it look easy!

 

 

Ryan Stratis



www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Stratis/118119581616888

Ryan Stratis  grew up in Putney, Georgia and was a wrestler, soccer player and swimmer. Staying active was a top priority for Ryan, which led him to enroll in JROTC in High School. He attended North Georgia College, where he pursued a commission as an Army Office in the Georgia Army National Guard.  The obstacle training in his military background is what drew him to American Ninja Warrior. Ryan was a hardcore fan who went on to compete on four seasons of American Ninja Warrior, showing significant improvements in strength and agility each time. He also enjoys doing other extreme fitness competitions like Tough Mudders and has gone so far as to train in Japan for Ninja Warrior-style competitions.

Kevin Bull

http://twitter.com/theninjabull

Kevin Bull is a walk-on that competed in American Ninja Warrior's Venice Qualifying. In the Venice Finals he was the first contestant to complete Cannonball Alley and used an approach so astonishing that fans and fellow competitors could hardly believe that he had been able to finish. By grabbing onto the hanging ball with his legs Kevin was able to swing upside-down and dismount with a flip onto the platform. He later made it to Stage 1 of Mt. Midoriyama. It is his creativity and refusal to give up that make him a promising contestant to watch in the future.




James McGrath

www.facebook.com/pages/James-McGrath/232254840144708

James McGrath is a five time American Ninja Warrior that got his start as a walk-on after camping out in a van to get a shot at the course. He has made it to Stage 1 of Mt. Midoriyama once and Stage 2 of Mt. Midoriyama twice. James has also represented the USA in the Ninja Warrior competition "US vs Japan" where the Americans came away victorious.


 

Mia Lazarewicz

www.facebook.com/mia.lazarewicz

Mia Lazarewicz is an American Ninja Warrior competitor and an NSCA Certified Personal Trainer that specializes in flexibility, bodyweight strength training, core strength, balance training and gymnastics-based training.

 

Andrew Karsen

https://twitter.com/MichigansNinja

Andrew Karsen is a six time American Ninja competitor that is proud to be Michigan born and raised. He trains hard, encourages fellow competitors and inspires everyone he meets! As a fellow Michigander, we are proud to have his support!







 

David Schwartz

http://bloginbloom.com/2014/08/25/american-ninja-warrior-dietitian/

David Schwartz is a dietician and American Ninja Warrior competitor who attributes his success on the show to eating right and maintaining a healthy weight. His wife is also a dietician, which means that in his house, they put a lot of emphasis on using fresh produce that they grow themselves and creating healthy recipes that will fuel their bodies properly. David also combines strength training with regular cardio to provide a balanced workout.


Rockford Ninja Warrior Course FAQ

You asked, so we're going to answer!

1. What if it rains?
   A little rain never stopped a ninja! The event will go on as planned rain or shine. The only thing that could hamper the event is severe weather like lightning. In the case of a severe weather incident, we will make a determination of how we should proceed to keep everyone safe and will post updates to keep you informed of what's going on.
   
   
2. What is the cost of admission?
   The event is free to attend. There will be food and merchandise to buy to keep you fed and looking cool. The fee for running the junior course is $10 (ages 14 and younger) and the fee for running the professional course is $40 - both will depend on availability.
   
   
3. How much is parking?
   Parking is free! When you arrive, please follow the instructions of our helpful parking staff to ensure that we get people parked as quickly and efficiently as possible in each of the lots. If we work together, hopefully we'll be able to avoid traffic jams.
   
   
4. When will the American Ninja Warriors be there?
   You may see the American Ninja Warriors on Friday night, as many will be there checking out the course for the first time. Then, the American Ninja Warriors will be at the event all day on Saturday. They will be meeting fans and signing autographs throughout the day and Saturday evening at 6pm they will run the course to show off their skills in a grand finale of this awesome 2-day event.
   
   
5. How early should I get there before competing?
   After registration closes, we will send you information about when you will be running and when we will expect you to be there. This will have a lot of helpful and important information, so keep an eye out for that.
   
   
6. If I'm competing, what should I bring with me?
   You should plan to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and depending on how confident you are, you may also want a towel and a change of clothes. Also, don't forget your ID and printed ticket.
   
   
7. What are the restrictions on the professional course?
   No one younger than 13 years of age will be allowed to compete on the professional course. You also should not attempt the professional course if you have a medical condition or injury that could put you in danger or if you are pregnant. If you are unsure as to whether you are medically able to compete, please consult with your physician before attempting the course.
   
   
8. Can I request a time to compete?
   Unfortunately, we will not be able to grant requests for specific competition times. Coordinating the schedules and preferences of 150 competitors is just too difficult to manage.
   
   
9. Will I be able to re-try the course if I fail?
   Yes, re-runs will be allowed as time permits. Based on availability, re-runs will be allowed at a price of $20 for the professional course and $10 for the junior course.
   
   
10. What's there going to be for my younger kids to do?
    Even little kids will have fun at the event because we will have plenty of family-friendly kids activities like inflatables, a rock wall, octoball and other games to encourage kids to get active. Kids can also meet the American Ninja Warriors they've seen on TV and watch people run the course.
    
    
11. Can I bring my dog?
    Unfortunately, no - we ask that you please leave all pets at home (dogs, cats, snakes, ferrets, chickens and the like). With everything that will be going on, we're just not going to have any extra room for pets.

Press Release - American Ninja Warriors to Appear at Rockford Ninja Warrior Event

Contact Brian Pankratz                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September, 23 2014
Phone 616-581-3078
Email Info@RockfordNinjaWarrior.com
Website www.RockfordNinjaWarrior.com

AMERICAN NINJA WARRIORS TO APPEAR AT ROCKFORD NINJA WARRIOR EVENT

Ten Popular Contestants from the Hit NBC Television Show “American Ninja Warrior” will be Featured at the Rockford Ninja Warrior Community Event

Rockford, MI: Contestants from the “American Ninja Warrior” television show will be appearing at the Rockford Ninja Warrior event on October 10 & 11. The list of names that will be in attendance includes, Elet Hall, Drew Drechsel, Ryan Stratis, Kevin Bull, James McGrath, Mia Lazarewicz, Andrew Karsen, David Schwartz, Eric Sietsema and Robin Pietschmann. These men and women represent some of the show’s top talent, as well as some of America’s favorite competitors. The American Ninja Warriors will be signing autographs and meeting fans throughout the day on Saturday. Then, they will compete live on Rockford’s own course Saturday evening at 6pm to showcase their skills for attendees as the grand finale to the event.

The ninja warrior phenomenon has been sweeping the country both on national television and in gyms across America. A blend of parkour, crossfit and gymnastics, ninja warrior obstacle courses offer fitness buffs extreme obstacles to conquer in a timed setting. Earlier this month, BridgeWay Community Church announced that it would be bringing this intense style of physical competition to Rockford, Michigan. With both a professional course and junior level course, Rockford Ninja Warrior will offer a unique adventure for competitors of all ages. If the professional course looks familiar, it is because the obstacles being used mimic the American Ninja Warrior course in both size and difficulty.

Brian Pankratz, from BridgeWay Community Church, explained, “We wanted to create a really exciting event that would engage our community and inspire kids to be healthy and active. Our philosophy has always been ‘Go big, or go home’ and we are really going big with this event! We have amazing corporate sponsors that understand our vision for this event and are willing to give of their time and resources to make it a huge success. The response so far has been overwhelming, which really showcases what a supportive and engaged community we have around us.”

The family-friendly event is free to the community. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase. Adult athletes can register online to run the professional course for $40 per person. Children must be registered to run the junior course onsite ($10 per person). The proceeds from Rockford Ninja Warrior will go toward building a youth center as well as 10% will be donated to the Rockford Public School system’s “Developing Healthy Kids” program.

Rockford Ninja Warrior is being brought to the community with sponsorship from BridgeWay Community Church as well as Lowes, MVP Athletic Club, Pools Plus, Rogue River Crossfit, LionShark Digital Marketing, Rockford Ambulance, Adtegrity, Speed Merchants, Ace Hardware, i-chiro, Dads Tents, Cran-Hill Ranch, Grapids Irrigation, INMR – Dr. Dew, Dr. Heather Cadorette DDS, American Autocoat, Jade, CE Holt & Associates, Pathway Financial, Rising Star Fitness, Signarama, Herrington’s Waste Services, Inc., Courtland Tree Service, and Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Bar.

For more information, please visit www.RockfordNinjaWarrior.com

WHAT: Rockford Ninja Warrior
WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2014 5pm-8pm & Saturday, October 11, 2014 8am-8pm
WHERE: 7734 Childsdale Avenue NE, Rockford MI
Media are invited to attend

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