Neil Craver climbs across the wind chimes obstacle while competing in an Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association qualifying event on May 26, 2018, at Ultimate Backyard Warrior. (File Photo)
NINJA warriors By Patrick Mason
A local Nash County man, a wholesale
filled courses dot the outdoor space, while
hosted athletes from Italy, Germany, Australia
car dealer who watches ninja warrior-style
more training equipment and obstacles can
and Alaska as well as nearly every state on the
competition shows in his free time, decided
be found indoors.
East Coast.
to get off the couch and try it for himself.
The local facility acts as a qualifying stage
When not in competition mode, the facility
Over the next four years, Mike Cook,
for the popular TV show “American Ninja
is open each day for drop-ins and classes for
armed with a passion and carpentry skills
Warrior.” Other large competitions with prizes
all ages and skill levels. Some obstacles look to
gained during a high school shop class, built
that include large cash amounts and vehicles
be able to satisfy the most daring of acrobats,
the largest outdoor ninja training facility
are held twice per year — on Memorial Day
while others offer attainable goals for those
in the world. He made Rocky Mount into a
and Labor Day.
looking to start the sport.
destination for a group of daredevils.
During those two days it becomes the
For Cook, the owner and founder of UBW,
Backyard
most diverse place in town. Athletes from
all of this began in his backyard. Cook was a
Warrior, sits on an unassuming patch of land
all across the world and country travel to the
longtime viewer of “American Ninja Warrior,”
off Church Street in Rocky Mount. Large
eastern North Carolina town to participate
which highlights athletes and their quest to
structures containing the various obstacle-
in the UBW competitions. Cook said he has
overcome obstacles.
Cook’s
38
business,
Ultimate
