Madelyn, please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My background is in music and entertainment. I’ve held senior positions at several different major and independent record companies, and I started my career in radio broadcasting. But I’ve always been passionate about fitness and sports, so this career pivot isn’t completely out of nowhere.
What was the inspiration behind New York City Ninja Academy, your first location?
When I started ninja warrior training with my kid, there were no real ninja obstacle training facilities in New York. We had to travel over an hour to find what we were looking for. So I thought I would take it upon myself to solve that problem. It was a challenge to find the right space with the right ceiling height in the city. But once I did, I combined my business skills with my life-long passion for athletics to bring the sport of ninja warrior to the greatest city in the world.
What drew you to the new location in Brooklyn?
Many of our families in Manhattan commute from long distances. We often hear comments about their long treks from Brooklyn or Queens, with traffic and train delays. But the conclusion is always the same – my kid loves ninja, so it’s worth it. I realized that there is a need for expansion, but I wasn’t actively looking for another location. 340 Fourth Avenue found me, and the space and location were perfect.
Congratulations on being awarded second place at The New York Public Library’s 11th Annual New York StartUP! Business Plan! Tell us a little about the competition.
Thanks! It was a tremendous learning experience. The Bank OZK Community Impact Award is for New York City-based start-up entrepreneurs who can win cash prizes to help begin their business. Entrants are required to attend workshops, meet with a business advisor, and present a comprehensive business plan and budget, while utilizing the NYPL’s Business Library resources. Even if I hadn’t been a winner, it was worth the exercise.
What is the ideal age group for your classes? How are classes structured?
All ages are welcome at the Ninja Academy; from ages 6 to adults. Classes are one hour long, with warm up and cool down - very important - and we train on five or six specific obstacles per class. We teach ninja-fitness and related exercises. Our kid classes are a semester-based ten weeks, and adult classes are drop-in structure. The obstacles change from week to week to encourage kids to learn and use different skill sets as they advance to more difficult obstacles, and for adults, it provides variety and new challenges.
What are the benefits of Ninja Warrior training? Are there different training levels?
Everyone of all abilities trains together, and all ninjas tackle the same obstacles with different levels of success. Everyone improves, and everyone encourages each other.
The many benefits for both kids and adults include:
- Strength: Some ninja obstacles require upper body and grip strength.
- Agility: Ninjas learn to have quick feet as they speed through obstacles with the coaches’ guidance, and plenty of big mats to cushion any falls.
- Balance: Some obstacles must be taken slow and steady to improve balance, coordination, and attention. It takes slowing down, breathing, and concentrating through the balance obstacles, which improves athletes’ ability to focus.
- Flexibility: Classes require stretching during warm up and cool down to improve flexibility and posture.
- Confidence: Ninjas gain confidence as they master each obstacle, increase their skill level, and become ready to take on the next progression. There is no better feeling than hitting the buzzer at the end of a course, complete with exciting sound effects and lights!
- New Friendships: The ninja warrior community of athletes is known to be a supportive, unified, and safe environment. Although it’s an individual sport, ninjas encourage and root for each other even in competition, and ninjas of all ages make life-long friendships.
How do you motivate kids to overcome an obstacle at the Academy?
Kids are their own best motivators! They love learning ninja warrior, it’s just like being at a giant playground. Our certified ninja coaches are highly trained to work with kids at all levels.
Is the training open to everyone or should people with health issues avoid training?
Training is for everyone, at every level, all abilities. No one should avoid training because it’s safe, healthy, and everyone can go at their own pace. We can customize obstacles and approaches to work around any issues.
Tell us more about Ninja Warrior competitions.
The National Ninja League conducts qualifying competitions all year long for both beginners and advanced athletes, culminating with a World Competition each year. We will be hosting competitions for those interested in competing in both leagues at both locations.
Does Brooklyn Ninja Academy host birthday parties?
Of course we host birthday parties! What’s better than a ninja warrior birthday party? Kids are challenged with fun and safe ninja warrior obstacle training guided by our professional ninja staff, followed by course runs with the ultimate thrill of hitting the buzzer at the top of the warped wall, complete with sound effects and lights!
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
In five years, I hope to be talking to you about another Ninja Academy location in a warmer climate!
When you are not busy at the Academy, how do you spend your time?
I still work in the music business for a few special clients. You can take the ninja out of the music business, but you can’t take music out of the ninja.
Thank you so much for your time!!
The first 10-week kids' sessions began week of February 28th for ages 6–13.
Brooklyn Ninja Academy is located at 340 Fourth Avenue @ 3rd Street (between Whole Foods and Washington Park)
To learn more about Brooklyn Ninja Academy and the benefits of ninja warrior training or to book a class, CLICK HERE.
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