Junior ninja warriors sweeping across Melbourne as Ninja Warrior craze continues

GYMS across Melbourne are flooded with youngsters and their parents as they train and compete ahead of the next stage of reality TV favourite Ninja Warrior.

Daniel, Julian, Paul Lyons, and Jude at Fighting Lyons gym. Photo Luis Enrique Ascui

AN ARMY of mini super athletes is sweeping across Melbourne as children race to be ready for the next stage of the Australian Ninja Warrior craze.

With the announcement of American Ninja Warrior Junior earlier this month, youngsters and their parents are flooding gyms in anticipation of an announcement of the Australian equivalent.

Preston mother Vanessa Saccuzzo has been taking her children to Essendon gym Fighting Lyons four times a week after they fell in love with Australian Ninja Warrior on TV. Ms Saccuzzo said the boys had her driving to playgrounds and timing them on the equipment when a friend told her about the ninja warrior program.

“This is the first sport they’ve done they live and breathe. They talk about it constantly,” she said.

Head coach Paul Lyons said the sport was suitable for all skill levels.

“It’s the variety and challenge that they like, we get kids who don’t have confidence for mainstream sports but like this because it takes a wide range of skills,” Mr Lyons said.

Daniel, 10, Jude, 4, and Julian, 8, all took part in the gym’s ninja kid competition, placing first, second and third, respectively.

Mr Lyons said his Australian Ninja Games competition was part of the training to get children ready for what he sees as the next stage of ninja warrior, an Australian junior competition.

“It’s changed the culture for kids, it’s so addictive,” Mr Lyons said.

“These kids do it, they’ve got no fear, they just do it and you go ‘wow’.”