Recap of Our First Competitive Ninja Season

We recently wrapped up our very first season of competitive ninja at The Training Lab, and what a ride it was. A full rollercoaster of learning, growth, big moves, big falls, and even bigger memories. For our athletes, coaches, and families, this season was nothing short of a successful and incredibly fun journey.

Where We Competed

This year, our team focused primarily on Ultimate Ninja Athletes Association (UNAA) competitions, with several athletes also stepping into The Federation of International Ninja Athletics (FINA) events.

• UNAA features a single course where athletes earn 1–2 points per obstacle completed. Placements are determined by total points, with time serving as the tiebreaker.

• FINA challenges athletes across three events:

  • Speed: 8 fast-paced obstacles

  • Endurance: 12 obstacles demanding grit and consistency

  • Ninja vs Ninja: Head‑to‑head racing on identical speed courses

Our Season in Motion

Across the season, over 14 Training Lab athletes competed throughout the Chicago area, with some venturing into Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. We even hosted our own UNAA qualifier, welcoming athletes from several Chicago‑area gyms and officially planting our flag in the regional ninja community.

Our athletes pushed hard and earned incredible achievements:

• Multiple athletes advanced to UNAA Regionals and FINA Sectionals

• Seven athletes qualified for World Finals

• Six athletes competed at World Finals in Harrisburg, PA

Obstacles, Challenges, and Growth

We faced obstacles with names as wild as the challenges themselves — I Love Turkey, Candy Wrapper, Run or Pass, Rolling Logs, and Spaceman, just to name a few.

Some obstacles were brand‑new to us. We saw them, came home, rebuilt them in the gym, trained them, and later conquered them at future competitions. That cycle of learning and adapting became one of the defining strengths of our team.

Through every fall, every retry, every breakthrough, we grew — not just as individual athletes, but as a gym.

Community & Sportsmanship

One of the biggest surprises of the season was how quickly we were embraced by the ninja community. We made friends with athletes and families from neighboring gyms, shared stories, celebrated each other’s wins, and supported each other through tough runs.

We learned firsthand that ninja is a sport built on encouragement, sportsmanship, and athletes lifting each other up. It’s competitive, but never cutthroat. It’s challenging, but always welcoming.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud to be part of this growing sport and even more excited to help expand the world of ninja right here in Northwest Indiana. Our first season set the foundation — now we build on it.

Here’s to more obstacles, more growth, and more unforgettable moments in the seasons ahead.