ready… set… conquer!

Finding Your Inner Ninja

WORDS : KRISTY OLSGAARD PHOTOGRAPHY : CONQUER NINJA GYM FARGO

Imagine navigating obstacles like floating steps, the broken bridge or warped walls. Just watching “American Ninja Warrior” athletes attempt these feats on TV is exhilarating —muscles tense up and hearts race. Spectators wonder if they have what it takes to be a ninja. But how can they know?

Good news ninja enthusiasts! Now you can test your skills at Conquer Ninja Gym on Main Avenue in Fargo. It is attracting attention with kids and adults.

Eldon Johnson, one of the owners, says, “Ninja is a non-traditional sport gathering steam around the world, the country, and now, here. We have a huge bouldering wall, a spider climb, salmon ladders, four of the ever-popular warped walls, and much more. People of every age and ability are trying us out and coming back for more.”

WHAT IS NINJA?

Classes develop different levels of skills. Coaches instruct ninja athletes how to use physical and mental skills to master one obstacle at a time. Athletes learn to make split second decisions and micro adjustments to keep from falling. Obstacles are the competition, not other athletes. Eventually athletes run an entire obstacle course racing against time.

Benefits Of Ninja

The ninja world is a positive experience based on listening, respect and encouragement. Everyone cheers for each other. For example, someone tackling the warped wall hears cheers of, “Beat that wall…beat that wall.” The staff tell athletes there is no “can’t.” There’s “can’t yet,” but no “can’t.” So they work harder to beat that obstacle before moving to the next one.

Johnson, who is also a physical therapist, says, “Ninja is one of few sports that use nearly every muscle at one point or another. Sometimes kids who don’t fit into traditional or team sports flourish when they give this a try. It builds confidence they may have never before experienced.”

Member Missy Heilman says, “ Conquer Ninja is a great gym for the whole family to burn some energy, accomplish some cool obstacles and have fun. Our middle daughter discovered a love for ninja and begs to go every day. She’s gained so much confidence in just two months thanks to the amazing staff who helped her find her passion. And boy was she beaming with pride when she was awarded Ninja of the Month!”

Johnson explains ninja training helps with agility, flexibility, speed and strength, so it’s good for cross-training too. “It’s a great add-on sport for other sports, like football, hockey and basketball. Coaches have commented athletes perform better when they develop ninja skills.”

Join the CONQUER NATION

One-year memberships for individuals and families are very competitively priced. Membership is optional for people who aren’t ready to commit. For a $16 drop-in fee, anyone can check out the program during open gym hours (see their website as times vary). Coaches are on duty to help. Ninja classes are reserved for members. Introductory membership is a great option to get started: $35 for one month of unlimited classes and open gyms.

The gym is also available for special events, birthday parties and field trips. They provide summer camps and have competition teams for those interested.

One Friday night a month, they offer a ParentsNight-Out from 6:30–9:00 p.m. Membership is not required but reservations are recommended. The fee is $25 per child.

BRINGING NINJA to town

About two years ago Johnson spent a family vacation in the Twin Cities. Because their daughter announced her ambition to be a ninja warrior when she was four-years-old, they visited a Conquer Ninja Gym for fun. While there, it dawned on him ninja could be successful in Fargo.

He brought the idea of opening a ninja gym to his business partners Tyler Burcham, Chris Kraemer and Galen Danielson. “They thought I was nuts. But eventually their families checked it out and agreed it was cool. So we seriously pursued the opportunity. Now we’re the first Conquer Ninja Gym outside of the Minneapolis area.”

You can take this sport as far as you like. About ten people from the Twin Cities Conquer Ninja Gyms have competed on “American Ninja Warrior.” Johnson thinks some local members could compete on the show, as well as on “American Ninja Warrior Junior.”

Ninja promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. It’s dramatic, it’s exhilarating, and it’s positively fun. Stop by to find your inner ninja.

“She boiled with fury… battered the stage with her heels, hammering unknowable agonies into dust…”

– The Washington Post