These resources can help you become a Ninja Warrior

We get this question all the time in emails, through social media and in person: “How do I become a Ninja Warrior?”

Like any path in life, there’s no clear cut course that gets you to the end goal. Every single Ninja Warrior has a varying story of what led them to train, to apply for the show, to decide to return year after year.

However, we can offer you some resources that might help inspire you along your journey.

Find a Ninja Gym

You’ve got to get on some obstacles, right? Mud Run Guide is a really great resource for finding a Ninja gym in your area. You can search by state to find the one that’s closest to your home.

Take advantage of online training advice

A lot of Ninjas and sources are out there now sharing Ninja Warrior specific training advice online. It’s a great way to get inspired, try out something new, or get some motivation if you can’t get into a Ninja gym every day.

We have a section of videos and articles on the subject here.

One of our favorites is Michelle Warnky’s #WarnkyChallengeWednesday. The long time Ninja Warrior competitor issues a weekly challenge to her followers. Some are simple. Some are complex and pretty difficult. Some aren’t even physical. But they always remind you to care for and challenge your mind and body.

Sign up for a local competition

We’re pretty much obsessed with what local competitions are doing for the Ninja Warrior sport. It’s an incredible way to meet like-minded athletes, push yourself on obstacles and develop the experience of running in front of an audience.

There are SO many options at this point. Here are just a few examples.

• National Ninja League
• Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association
• Wolfpack Ninja Tour

These competitions have grown from backyard gatherings to huge multi-day events with even some cash prizes on the line.

APPLY!

Our very favorite messages from those that want to be on the show go a little something like this, “Hey, your course is soooo easy. You need to put me on the show. Bet you’re scared to have this much talent on the course.”

Okay, well, first of all, we’re not the producers of the show. So we’re not THAT scared of your raw talent. (Also, that attitude is not very Ninja Warrior of you.)

But, if you think you’ve got what it takes, then it’s time to throw your hat in the ring. Casting for season 11 isn’t open just yet, but keep checking back for more details.

You’ll need to make a video showing off your skills and why you want to be on the show. We even have some advice right from the Casting Director.

Ryan Tuttle/NBC

Be a part of the community

Last, but not least, becoming a Ninja Warrior is more than a physical act. It’s about shaping your mindset around the internal strength and determination that goes into this sport. It’s about supporting others so that together there are no obstacles that can’t be defeated. All the suggestions we made above all tie into becoming a part of that community.

Join a gym. You’ll find other Ninjas just starting their journey and those more experienced who can help you.

Find Ninjas online. The digital community will be there to exchange ideas and encouragement whether it’s noon or midnight.

We bet at your very first Ninja competition, people you’ve never met will eagerly cheer you on. And you’ll find yourself doing the same for others.

Even the act of getting on the show will help infuse you into the community. You’ll find yourself exchanging application ideas. If you don’t get the callback, the community can help you get the details for the walk on line (and might even bring you sandwiches while you wait there). Of course, if you do get on the show, you’ll be sharing the experience of a lifetime with about 120 new best friends.

Ryan Tuttle/NBC

Any other advice we missed? Tell us in the comments!