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Ninja Nation, a company dedicated to creating Ninja Warrior-style gyms, is on the verge of opening its first location outside of Colorado. American Ninja Warriors like Geoff Britten, Jamie Rahn, and Ryan Stratis have opened two locations in Centennial and Lafayette, CO.
Now it’s Karsten Williams’ turn. He’s taken on the role of Head Coach and Area Director at the new Frisco, TX gym.
“I live about 20 minutes away from this facility. This has been my stomping ground for the last 30 years,” Karsten shared. “I’ve been running in these streets here for quite a long time and I’ve been in the community for awhile and helped develop it. It’s been a big part of my life. Having this facility right here, right in my neighborhood, means a lot to me.”
Karsten is busy overseeing the construction of the new location, which will be 17,000 square feet with over 20 different obstacles. With all the experienced Ninja Warriors involved in Ninja Nation, they’ve worked to create a unique experience for their customers.
“We have, that’s really cool, is the racing lanes. Kind of like Ninja vs Ninja or ANW Jr. Two identical courses side-by-side. Timing system, buzzers, smoke. That’s one of the features that really kind of stands out. Just such cool lighting and everything, it just really has a different feel than a lot of gyms out there.
At the Frisco location, we have the first ever Hero’s Tower. It is a structure 25 feet high and it includes a Super Salmon Ladder. I competed on that a couple of year’s back on All Stars. Another couple of obstacles on there that kids can climb and race each other.”
Karsten is a six-time veteran of American Ninja Warrior. In those six seasons, he’s advanced to Stage One of the National Finals five times. That’s no small feat. His experience will certainly make him well-qualified to teach new Ninjas the ropes, and it’s something he’s looking forward to.
“I’m looking for the kid who doesn’t have a place yet. We have a lot of big sports out here, basketball, football, soccer. I want to work with those kids that haven’t really found their place yet in a sport, a place where they belong. When they come through these doors., they’re going to feel special, that they’re a part of something and doing something great. I get a chance to initiate that experience and that journey. I get to watch that develop over years (as they) become a different person.
After my track career in high school was done, I didn’t really have my career together. I didn’t go to a big college or anything like that. After high school, I didn’t really know where I belonged as far as what I was doing as a career. Ninja Warrior changed that. Led me down this path. Now I have a chance to be that person that motivates other people.”
Karsten isn’t alone in this journey. Two other American Ninja Warriors will be helping out with this new endeavor.
“I have a good buddy of mine, Elliot Jolivette, he had a part time role with helping our mobile division. My other lead coach is Jonathan Bange. He had a rookie season on ANW 10 in Dallas.”
Elliot is a two-time American Ninja Warrior veteran. He made it to the National Finals in season 10. Jonathan competed in the Dallas Qualifiers, making it to the Bouncing Spider.
Together, the group plans on having a positive effect on the Frisco community through their new gym. Karsten told us, “You get to spread that positivity, that unity, that encouragement, energy, engagement with everyone who comes through those doors.”
If you’re in the Frisco, TX area and want to check out the new Ninja Nation location, they’re holding a grand opening event on October 13. For more information on memberships and pricing visit https://ninjanation.com/membership.