The Wild, Wild West held a true showdown.
On August 10 and 11, Austin Ninjas hosted the third qualifier in the second season of the World Ninja League Premier Series. With courses once again created by the legendary Nick Fordney, our athletes were challenged in many ways, with speed and obstacle technique taking the spotlight. Here are some of the incredible feats pulled off by the athletes!
With 11 divisions represented, 7 of them ended with an athlete winning on both the Placement and Challenge Courses. Those athletes are Kasen Woolard (Kids Male), Samantha Mishkin (Kids Female), Haven Chizmar (Mature Kids Female), Yunoshin Nagahisa (Preteen Male), Grace Schneider (Preteen Female), Savanna Salinas (Teen Female), and Kristen Brickner (Amateur Female).
Mishkin was the only athlete in her division to finish both courses, while the remainder of the field struggled on both courses. Chizmar also earned 2 buzzers, being the only in the Mature Kids Female division to clear the Challenge Course. Nagahisa was the third winner to lock in 2 buzzers, securing the fastest time in both of his runs.
Four more winners had a more uphill battle, but clutched up with wins on the Challenge Course when it counted. Among them was Teen Male winner Gunnar Mcclaugherty, who cleared both courses but placed 6th on the Placement Course. He was able to secure first place on the Challenge Course in similar fashion to Elite Male winner Flip Rodriguez, who placed 2nd on the Placement Course and won the Challenge Course.
Amateur Male competitor Ryan Cooper shocked everyone when he placed last on the Placement Course. A short while later, Cooper went on to clean up his moves, leaping all the way to first place on the Challenge Course. And after a 7th place run on the Placement Course, Mature Kids Male winner Tyler Bowers went on to become 1 of only 2 Challenge Course finishers, and did so a whole 24 seconds faster than his runner-up.
This Austin Ninjas showdown has proven that anything is possible in the sport of Ninja, and the best of the best rise under the most amount of pressure. We can’t wait to see which athletes will rise to the occasion next as the Premier Series continues down under in Australia at The Compound! You can view the Premier Series schedule on the WNL Website and watch all divisions compete on the WNL YouTube!
Get ready! The Tier 1 Championships are returning to the electric atmosphere of the Greensboro Complex (formerly the Greensboro Coliseum Complex) from June 20th through June 23rd.
Regionals is not just a ninja competition—it’s where the community comes alive. This event is a gathering of athletes, coaches, course designers, facility staff, families, and fans, all united by their passion for the sport. It’s an opportunity to celebrate a season defined by hard work, dedication, and growth in an atmosphere charged with excitement and camaraderie.
For athletes, Tier 1 Regionals marks a defining moment. It’s a chance to showcase their progress, test their skills against championship-level courses, and gain valuable competition experience. For those advancing to the Tier 1 Championships, Regionals offers an opportunity to secure better run orders and refine their focus. For others, it’s a chance to benchmark their season’s achievements, push personal limits, and support their community.
Beyond the competition, Regionals embodies the heart of ninja: connection, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re an athlete or a supporter, this event is an unforgettable celebration of talent, determination, and the vibrant spirit that defines the ninja community.
From May 2nd to May 4th at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena, a facility of the Morris County Park Commission, the Northeast Tier 1 Regionals will take place over one action-packed weekend.
The premier obstacle league.