If you have ever seen the show American Ninja Warrior on NBC, The original ANW Sasuke in Japan, or any of the other obstacle course shows, you know that Rock Climbers usually fair pretty well. This is not at all by coincidence.
The obstacles on American Ninja Warrior have many degrees of difficulty, some are so easy that 90% of competitors complete them and some are almost impossible. As a Climber, the advantage is that the seemingly impossible obstacles suit to our strengths.
Those tiny little edges and long endurance obstacles are things that a climber runs into daily. Knowing how to deal with these situations makes a Rock Climber the ideal candidate to take on the American Ninja Warrior Course.
If you are not a Rock Climber and would like to train like one read this Training Guide on how to get strong fast!
Climber’s Pitfall on Ninja Warrior Obstacles
Although Climbing gives you superior upper body strength and mental poise, it does not prepare you for the extremely difficult balance and agility obstacles. This usually is the place most Rock Climbers fail on the Ninja Warrior Course.
That being said, the entire course usually only has 3-5 low probability balance obstacles. Even some of the best Parkour and Ninja Warrior athletes can fall during these segments of the course.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to practice your balance and get a good pair of Ninja Warrior Shoes. Shoes and extremely important (as any climber should know) and can be the difference between ending up on top or in the water.
How Climbers Triumph on American Ninja Warrior
Looking back to those who have beaten the course, the trick to success in surviving the course until you get to Stage 3. Stage 3 is where the business happens, and Rock Climbers thrive.
Issac Caldiero, a V14 first ascensionist, and 5.14 free-soloist was the first Grand Champion of American Ninja Warrior. He describes the course as being no harder than a V7 at any point. That means that if you can climb at least a V7 then you have a legitimate chance at completing the course.
Although, one thing that is often overlooked when comparing Climbing to Ninja Warrior is that all obstacles are flash attempts. This indicates that you cannot try the obstacle before your run and you get one chance and one chance only.
That being said, you need to be a very strong and smart climber to really give the American Ninja Warrior Course a run for its money. It also doesn’t hurt to have a little bit of luck.
Final Thoughts on Climbing and Ninja Warrior
Ninja Warrior is something that has brought Climbers into the lime light. It is something where Climbers can showcase their skills and compete for a Million dollars.
Although Rock Climbing may not be the best way to prepare for American Ninja Warrior by itself, it is the best way to prepare for the most difficult obstacles. If you are trying to compete next year try to find a Ninja themed gym near you. Getting comfortable on different obstacles is important and should not be overlooked.
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.
