Ninja champs share their training experience and excitement for competing in Orlando, Florida
A group of young ninjas are set to represent Australia at the Ultimate Ninja World Series Finals.
Warrnambool
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In an exhilarating showcase of agility, speed, and strength, a group of talented young athletes from Australia is gearing up to represent their country on the international stage.
The children, aged 7 to 15, along with a few adult members, have secured their spots in the Ultimate Ninja World Series Finals, set to take place in Orlando, Florida, starting July 26.
The Ultimate Ninja World Series is a challenging athletic event inspired by the obstacle course training of the legendary ninjas.
Competitors must tackle a series of physically demanding obstacles that require a combination of strength, agility, balance, and unwavering mental focus.
The selected team, comprising extraordinary youngsters from across Victoria, including Ferntree Gully, Glen Iris, Sunshine, Grovedale, Point Cook, and Warrnambool, has been relentlessly training at the Essendon Ninja Gym Fighting Lyons.
Head coach Michael Mischefski, who himself is a seasoned ninja warrior, has been leading the training efforts for about six years.
“The kids are stoked and can't wait to participate," he said.
"It’s one of those things that you just can’t tell people enough. You want to tell everyone, 'Yeah, I’m representing Australia; I am going to a world championship, representing Australia'. You can’t really explain it; it’s just too hard to put into words."
The team's journey to the world series final has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the anticipation is palpable among the young competitors.
Mr Mischefski couldn't hide his excitement.
"It's a phenomenal feeling to compete on the world stage for our country," he said.
"The kids are stoked and can't wait to participate. It's one of those experiences that you can't adequately describe in words.
“These aren't the kids who just play around on the monkey bars at school. These are the guys who want it. So they put in that effort, and they have a really, really good shot.”
Annabelle Wilson, 11, said she was “very excited” to participate in the world series.
“I am really excited; this is my first time doing a big competition overseas. There is a lot of training to be put into it, and you need a lot of confidence,” she said.
“It will be good; the Australia team is excited. It‘s cool that I get to go to America and spend time with my friends, and I will try my best to get to the podium.”
Charlie Stevens, 12, said it took a lot of training to become the ultimate ninja warrior but said the training was a lot of fun.
“I‘m really excited to be a part of the Australian team, and I also haven’t been overseas, so it’s great I get to go to the US with a great team who are my friends,” she said.
“We have a great camaraderie.”
Polly Wilson, 7, said she was “very excited” to participate in the world series alongside her teammates.
“I‘m thrilled and a bit nervous about the competition but very excited to do the obstacles because they’re so fun,” Polly said.
Lenny Jansz, 8, is another youngster who'll head to America, travelling from Warrnambool.
He first started ninja training in August last year, has made a name for himself in under a year.
“Matt from HIIT Nation invited me to a competition after a birthday party I attended,” Lenny said.
“I won the competition and it all started from there. I also love watching Ninja Warrior on TV both from Australia and in America,” he said.
When Lenny competed at his first competition, he said he was “excited” and “nervous” at the same time.
“I love all the different obstacles and giving it a go. I love the challenge of the different obstacles and working out the best way to complete each challenge,” he said.
Lenny was “shocked” when he found out he qualified for the Ninja Games in Orlando in July.
“It is so far away — I am excited to go with dad on the trip,” he said.
Lenny’s advice to other young children is to come along, give it a go and have fun.
Lenny’s physical activity doesn’t end at ninja training, as he has many other outside commitments.
“I train once or twice a week for ninja and also compete in athletics, nippers, AFL and swimming. I find that I need a few days to recover after ninja training,” Lenny said.
Lenny said there was a lot of travel for the competitions, as most of the big competitions are held interstate.
“I also need to keep improving and getting better all the time,” he said.
Lenny’s father Mark Jansz said the main thing was seeing his son enjoy what he does.
“One of the key elements Lenny has worked on was his balance, whereas he has always been talented in the strength and grip work side,” Mr Jansz said.
“All the kids have a go here, and are willing to try new things. The challenge is trying to grow it and get the word out about this as an environment — not just for competition — but for life skills and teaching kids to challenge themselves,” he said.
Mr Jansz was “blown away” with how well Lenny went.
“To be even thinking of doing what he’s doing at the age of eight and win national titles is great — and more for us — as long as he has a go and he gives it his best effort, the results are what they are.
“It wasn’t about winning, it was about going over, having fun and seeing what happens,” he said.
HIIT Nation owner and ninja coach Matthew Murray said Lenny was a “natural” at the sport.
“Ever since he competed in his first competition it just sparked a full love of ninja,” Mr Murray said.
“Just to see how far he’s come in such a short amount of time is amazing, there is no other word for it,” he said.
Mr Murray said preparing for the Orlando competition, children had to learn all different obstacles, even obstacles that may not appear on the course.
“The thing about ninja is you never find out the course until the night before the competition — so you’ve got to be prepared for everything,” he said.
“We will just work everything and make sure he’s ready for whatever they’ve got to hand us.”
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