How to Get On American Ninja Warrior: Secrets

Optimistic, Enthusiastic

Enthusiastic, Encouraging

Aspiring ninjas, get ready to ignite your inner warrior! The adrenaline-pumping world of American Ninja Warrior awaits, and your journey to conquering that iconic course starts now! The National Ninja League (NNL), known for its rigorous training and supportive community, offers a fantastic launchpad for honing your skills and building the experience needed to compete. Your dedication to intense physical training, focused on obstacle course proficiency, is the bedrock of your success. Many hopefuls find that specialized ninja warrior gyms are invaluable resources, providing the equipment and coaching needed to master techniques like the Salmon Ladder and Warped Wall, critical components for success! Your journey to learn how to get on American Ninja Warrior starts with mastering the skills taught by professional ninja trainers like Drew Drechsel, the two time American Ninja Warrior champion, and continues with a killer application.

Unlocking Your American Ninja Warrior Dream: The Inside Scoop!

So, you’ve got the agility, the strength, and the unyielding spirit of a true ninja! Amazing! You dream of conquering that warped wall, scaling the salmon ladder, and hearing Matt and Akbar yell your name from the sidelines! Well, you’re in the right place. Getting on American Ninja Warrior is a thrilling journey, and we’re here to break down the process, offering insider tips to help you make your application shine. Let’s dive in and make that dream a reality!

First things first: understanding the application process is key. American Ninja Warrior is wildly popular, which means thousands of aspiring ninjas throw their hats in the ring each year. To stand out, you’ve got to craft a captivating application. Here’s a roadmap:

I. Building a Ninja-Worthy Application:

• The Video: Your Ninja Story Unfolds! This is arguably the most crucial part of your application. The video is your chance to showcase your personality, athleticism, and why you deserve a shot at the course. Think of it as your personal highlight reel meets a mini-documentary.

  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of simply saying you’re strong, show it! Film yourself tackling challenging obstacles, showcasing your training regimen, and demonstrating your agility.
  • Craft a Compelling Narrative: What’s your story? What motivates you? Are you overcoming a challenge? Did you find ninja later in life? Connect with the audience on an emotional level. Genuine stories resonate!
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for a video between 2-3 minutes. The casting directors watch hundreds of videos; keep it engaging and to the point.
  • Quality Matters: While you don’t need Hollywood-level production, ensure your video is well-lit and the audio is clear.

• The Written Application: Details Matter! The written application complements your video, providing the nuts and bolts of your background and qualifications.

  • Be Honest and Authentic: Accuracy is important. Highlight your athletic achievements, but also your unique skills and personality.
  • Showcase Your Personality: Let your personality shine through! Are you funny, quirky, determined, or inspiring?
  • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can make you look sloppy. Ask a friend or family member to review your application before submitting.
  • Answer Thoughtfully: Don’t rush through the questions. Provide detailed and insightful answers that demonstrate your passion for American Ninja Warrior.

• Crafting A Killer Storyline:
  Let’s nail down some key questions that your story should address:

  1. What motivates you? Is it a personal challenge, a tribute to someone, or a lifelong dream?
  2. What obstacles have you overcome? Sharing challenges you’ve conquered demonstrates resilience and determination.
  3. What makes you unique? What sets you apart from other applicants? A unique talent, an unusual occupation, or a captivating personality.
  4. Why do you want to be on American Ninja Warrior? Dig deep! Express your genuine passion and explain how this opportunity would impact you.

II. Training Like a Ninja: Building the Foundation:

While a compelling application is crucial, you’ve also got to have the skills to back it up. Let’s face it, the American Ninja Warrior course is no walk in the park!

• Grip Strength is King (and Queen!): Many obstacles require incredible grip strength.
  • Hang Time: Practice hanging from a bar for extended periods.
  • Pull-Ups, Lots and Lots of Pull-Ups: Vary your grip (overhand, underhand, neutral) to work different muscle groups.
  • Dead Hangs on Different Grips: Test your limits by using different size and material handles.
  • Rock Climbing: This is an excellent way to build grip strength and overall upper body strength.
• Upper Body Power and Endurance: Beyond grip strength, you’ll need the power to propel yourself through the air and the endurance to keep going.
  • Pull-Ups (again!): They’re that important.
  • Dips: Excellent for building chest and tricep strength.
  • Rope Climbs: A classic ninja skill!
  • Plyometrics: Explosive exercises like box jumps and clapping push-ups can improve your power.
• Balance and Agility: The course is full of obstacles that require exceptional balance and agility.
  • Balance Beam Work: Practice walking and performing exercises on a balance beam.
  • Agility Ladder Drills: Improve your footwork and coordination.
  • Parkour Training: Develop your ability to move fluidly over obstacles.
• Ninja Gyms are Your Friends! If you have access to a ninja gym, take advantage of it! These gyms offer a wide variety of obstacles that will prepare you for the course.
• Cross-Training is Key: Don’t neglect other aspects of fitness. Cardio, core work, and flexibility are all essential for overall performance.

III. Understanding the "Why":

Beyond the physical preparation, understanding why you want to be on American Ninja Warrior is crucial. This internal motivation will fuel your training, inspire your application, and ultimately, help you succeed on the course.

• Visualize Success: Imagine yourself conquering the course. Feel the adrenaline, the excitement, and the satisfaction of achieving your goal.
• Embrace the Challenge: American Ninja Warrior is a demanding competition. Embrace the challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.
• Never Give Up: Persistence is key. Even if you don’t get on the show the first time, keep training, keep improving, and keep applying.

IV. Application Timeline and Eligibility

Staying informed is crucial, so let’s review the timelines and eligibility for getting on the show!

Phase	Description	Timing
Application Period	Submitting your video and written application.	Usually starts in Fall and ends in Winter.
Selection Process	Casting directors review applications and select potential contestants.	Winter to Early Spring
Call Backs	If selected, you may receive a call back for an interview or further evaluation.	Spring
Filming	Taping of the show.	Late Spring to Early Summer

• Age Requirement: Contestants must be at least 19 years old at the time of application.
• Citizenship/Residency: While the specific requirements may change each season, typically, contestants need to be US citizens or legal residents.
• Background Checks: Contestants are subject to background checks to ensure they meet the show’s standards.
• Availability: If selected, you must be available for filming during the scheduled dates.

With the right combination of dedication, skill, and a captivating story, you can absolutely increase your chances of hearing those magical words: "You’re going to American Ninja Warrior!" Believe in yourself, train hard, and never lose sight of your dream! You got this!

So, that’s the lowdown on how to get on American Ninja Warrior. It’s a tough road, no doubt, but with enough training, a killer audition video showcasing your unique story, and a whole lot of perseverance, you might just find yourself on that starting platform. Good luck, Ninjas!