And the seed was sown for a Ninja training facility and tour. “We had this benefit event for the Camp Fire in the Mount Shasta Mall where we set up a Ninja course and it was a big success,” Crye says. “The mall was happy with the way it turned out and asked if we’d like to stay (in the space near the west Macy’s entrance). That’s how our brick-and-mortar Ninja Coalition HQ started. It’s been a wild ride.” Equipped with many of the same obstacles you’d see on the TV show – including the famed Warped Wall – the Ninja Coalition HQ facility focuses on youth strength and development with several obstacle courses. Not only do those test the physical – grip strength, running, balance, jumping, speed and endurance – but the mental as well, as the all-around fitness tests challenge strength, conditioning, flexibility, problem-solving and coordination. Classes run weekday afternoons and evenings for ages 6-17 with adult offerings in the evenings. The Ninja Coalition HQ also hosts one-off events like corporate team-building activities and private events. “We’re class and instruction based,” Crye says. “It’s not like a trampoline park.” And to help build the brand, Crye assembled a topnotch team to run the facility, including general manager Amber Abrams and Ninja trainer Talon Green. “For Redding to have a guy like Talon working to train Ninjas 4 continued on page 70
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www.EnjoyMagazine.com JANUARY 2020
