July 18-19

The road to the finals runs through Iowa! Ninja\U Ankeny is an elite ninja facility in the North Central region, boasting a legacy of elite athletes and a culture of “Hard Work Pays Off.”

Course designers Nate Person and Drew Nester are bringing their years of experience to the drawing board to create a course that is as creative as it is grueling. Get ready to test your limits in one of the most iconic ninja hubs in the country!

About Premier Series
Qualified Athlete List
Register for Ninja\U

The Premier Series features the top 25% of athletes from around the globe. This series pushes athletes to their limits, challenging them on courses designed by the best course designers. The World Ninja League Premier Series is the ultimate test of strength, speed, and agility.

About ninja\U

Ninja\U, started by Scott Behrends of Backyard Ninja Kids, a five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, became Iowa’s first obstacle training gym when it opened in 2018, paving the way for the sport in the state.

Ninja\U wants you to leave thinking about the obstacles you conquered, the fun you had, and the goals you’ll reach next. With a welcoming “Iowa Nice” community, Ninja\U is known for its supportive and welcoming environment.

Ninja\U Ankeny

1604 NW State St

Ankeny, IA

Meet the Course Designers

Nate Person

Ninja U Ankeny Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 15 (2023). Watch out for “Ninja Person”.

Drew Nester

Ninja U Ankeny Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022) Vegas Finalist,  and Season 16 (2024). He’s the “Ninja Medic”.

Competition Information

July 18

Kids: 9:00 AM CT

Mature Kids: 11:30 AM CT

Preteen: 2:30 PM CT

July 19

Amateur: 8:00 AM CT

Teen: 10:30 AM CT

Elite: 1:00 PM CT

Register
Competition Information from Ninja\U
Livestream (Coming Soon)

Featured Athletes

Emily Sayer
Fresh off a Strongest Ninja podium at Season XI World Championships, Emily Sayer joins us at Ninja\U for the first Premier Series Qualifier competing in the Amateur Division. We can't wait to see what Emily can do in Premier Series Season 4!
Peter Ninja U
Peter Muehlbauer will be representing the Heartland Region in the PS4 qualifier at Ninja\U. Peter has been doing ninja since 2022 and has already conquered the 14.5 foot warped wall! We'll be watching for Peter at Ninja\U!
Leela PS4 Ninja U
Leela will be representing the Southeast region in the PS4 qualifier at Ninja\U. Leela's hard work and dedication since starting ninja in 2022 has earned her an impressive track record of performance with multiple podiums at key events. We can't wait to see Leela at Ninja\U!
Savanna PS4 Ninja U
Savanna will be representing the Southwest region in PS4 at Ninja\U. Coming off of an incredible World Championships performance where she made it to Stage 3 in the Elite Female division, we know Savanna is ready for whatever the course brings her way and you won't want to miss it!
Saavion PS4 Ninja U
Representing North Central region in the Teen Male division is Savion Jones. This is Savion's second season competing in Premier Series. Coming out of Season XI with a 100% clear rate on foot dexterity, campusing movements, and climbing obstacles, Savion is ready for PS4 at Ninja\U and we can't wait to see his performance!

Interest Form

Our Ninja Championship wouldn’t be possible without the support of amazing community members like you! We appreciate your interested in getting involved.

Please complete the interest form below and our team will be in touch with more information. 

World Ninja League

Welcome to the Premier Obstacle League. Our team is dedicated to growing the sport of ninja. We are proud to work together with our community to develop this exciting new sport. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on as our sport continues to grow!

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Level Up is opening its doors for a special qualifier!

The On-Site Qualifier is a global qualifying opportunity intended to provide equitable access to the World Championships for athletes and staff who may not otherwise have a practical pathway to qualification.

Register Here

Who: Eligibility is limited to the following individuals who have not yet qualified for the current season’s Tier 1 or Tier 2 World Championship:

  1. Non-US-based athletes, regardless of country of residence

  2. Staff members of facilities that hosted a Regional Championship or All-Star Competition during the current season.

What: A single course that will follow the Challenge Course format scoring and rules, as well as applicable standards for Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Why: Successful full completion of the designated course will earn the athlete qualification to the current season’s corresponding Tier 1 or Tier 2 World Championship.

Where: Level Up
117-F, Liberty Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360

When: Wednesday June 17, 2026

8:30 AM: Young Adult, Adult, Elite, Masters

10:30 AM: Preteen and Teen

12:30 PM: Kids and Mature Kids

Additional days now being offered: Thursday and Friday at 1:00 PM.

Award Ceremonies will take place at the Coliseum on Friday 6/19 around 6:00 PM.

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