Why your child should compete in Ninja Warrior Competition Anyone who has watched NBC's American Ninja Warrior or American Ninja Warrior Jr on TV can't help but wonder what it would be like to run a ninja obstacle course. Ninja competitions provide that opportunity. However, unlike the TV show, you don't fall into a pool of water if you miss an obstacle. Ninja competitions are fun. Every course is a mix of different obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty. Each ninja will be able to conquer some of obstacles and come away from the course with a sense of accomplishment. My child gets nervous about competing. That is totally normal. The great thing about the sport of ninja is that it is very welcoming and supportive. During ninja competitions it is so rewarding to see all the other ninjas and parents cheering on every competitor. Your child will have fun and gain confidence by competing in such a positive environment. There is nothing like the thrill of hitting the buzzer at the end of the course. What is the format of ninja warrior competitions? Ninjas compete in different age groups and separate divisions for boys and girls. They get points for completing an obstacle. If they miss, they just go to the next. Courses consist of about 10 obstacles consisting of things like swinging on rings, lache across trapezes, climbing ropes, walking across a balance beam, traversing a rock wall, and other fun ninja obstacles. Competitions are good for children. From Parents Magazine, "Competition helps kids learn that it is not always the best or the brightest who are successful, but rather those that work hard and stick with it," says Timothy Gunn, Psy.D, a pediatric neuropsychologist, owner of Gunn's Psychologicial Services in Southern California. What's more, he says, children who engage in competition "earn critical social skills through interacting with other children, while also learning the value of hard work and developing self-esteem and self-efficacy." Where can I find a ninja warrior competition for my child? USA Ninja Challenge Katy is hosting a competition on March 21st. There are age groups for 9 Under, 11 Under, and 13 Under. This event is sanctioned by the Ultimate Ninja Athletic Association and is open to everyone. You don't have to be a member of the UNAA to compete. Separate awards will be given to non-UNAA members. You can learn more at USA Ninja Challenge Ninja Warrior Competition
