About

Discover the incredible benefits of ninja warrior training!

At New York Ninja Academy, children and adults of all skill levels learn how to analyze, approach, and conquer ninja warrior obstacles. Our challenging and unique obstacles reflect those seen on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior.

Have fun and push yourself to new limits! Kids classes are geared towards learning the basics, adult classes are designed for all levels, and advanced one-on-one classes prepare athletes for competition. Many of our staff and students have been Ninja Warrior competitors, and even some of our young students have competed on American Ninja Warrior Junior. 

MEET THE TEAM

We are a diverse group of ninjas with various athletic backgrounds

COACH DARION

Darion Bennett is a ninja coach, teacher, trainer, and obstacle course competitor. Teaching ninja is his passion. He has helped lead hundreds of athletes (as well as himself) to multiple Regional and World championships in the World Ninja League season after season. Darion has appeared on American Ninja Warrior in Seasons 10 and 14, where he competed at the Semi-Final level. Darion coaches advanced students and team at both Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

COACH JORDAN
Jordan Carr on Salmon Ladder
Jordan Carr (formerly) our youngest coach, yet possibly our most accomplished in ninja. Jordan is a 2 time World Ninja League World Champion, she appeared on American Ninja Warrior Junior Seasons 2 and 3, and is appeared on American Ninja Warrior Season 14 as the youngest woman ever to hit a buzzer. Her ninja coach is ANW’s 13-time veteran, Flip Rodriguez, and she brings a level of intensity to her coaching that she learned from Flip, and has passed down to our top ninja students. Jordan is also a rock climber and member of Team USA Speed Climbing team.

STUDENTS BECOME COACHES

L to R: Coach Wray, Coach Graydon, Coach Malone – our long time ninja students and competitive team members have become coaches themselves. Wray joined us on the first day we opened our doors as one of our first students. Graydon has been training for 3 years and is a member of our competitive team. Malone, our youngest coach, holds the #1 Preteen Female spot in the World Ninja League Season IX.

 

COACH SEAN

Originally from Ithaca, NY, Sean has been living in New York City for almost a decade. When he’s not coaching, he’s acting on stage and camera, and performing his original singer/songwriter music. A certified personal trainer, Sean is excited that his future is Ninja Warrior, and he has the opportunity to inspire those he teaches.

COACH CLEON

Coach Cleon has been training parkour since he was 14 years old. As a former child himself, he loves the idea of instilling confidence in a younger generation. He enjoys weightlifting, video games, traveling, and skateboarding. Cleon’s super power is that he remembers the faces and names of all the kids he coaches. While they are often mistaken for one another, Coaches Cleon and Ashante are not the same person, nor are they related.

COACH SEBASTIAN

Coach Sebastian was a Division I Track & Field Athlete at Stony Brook University and has earned MVP for his football, wrestling, and track teams. He was a javelin thrower and a sprinter. He competes at the Elite level in World Ninja League competitions and coaches advanced students and team at both Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

COACH DENNY

Sean Denny was the second Coach Sean to join us, so he is now Coach Denny, which he was already accustomed to from his military days. Denny was a gymnast 6 years, so ninja is a great fit for his athleticism, and he now competes in the World Ninja League. Originally from Texas, Denny moved to New York City in 2022 to work in ministry. Denny says, “Much of my life is guided by my faith, and chiefly by the value of loving and serving others,” a philosophy he brings to his coaching.

What People Are Saying...

Great coaches! I would highly recommend sending your kids to train at this fantastic facility. Everyone is top notch.

James G.

This was a blast! My kids took part in an introductory session and loved it! Both instructors were attentive, knowledgeable, and patient. Stressing safety and inclusion, my kids came away from this feeling empowered.

Chris L.

Fun and engaging for kids and adults! Warped walls, balance obstacles, and a million other challenging stations to conquer!

Heather C.

Great place for kids. My son wants to go there daily.

Monica R.

This place is awesome! My 6 year old loves his class. The staff is great with the kids. I would recommend this to anyone looking to try out something new.

Carrie M.

We celebrated my daughter’s 10th birthday at NY Ninja Academy. My 12 year old son and his friend joined in the party. Everyone had a wonderful time. The staff was great with the kids. On the way home the 6 kids I had in the car could not stop talking about the instructors and how much fun they had. Highly recommend.

Kim K.

Wow! By far the best birthday experience my 3 sons ever had. Our instructors were amazing teaching 10 energetic boys! We will definitely be signing up for classes. Great facility too!

Sarah U.

My girls have been taking classes here since they opened. Love the place and the people! So welcoming and affirming!

Donna J.

My 16 year old son loves every moment he spends at NYC Ninja. He enjoys all the people and staff. It’s like a family gathering and not like a gym.

Francine E.

My wife and I visited as drop-ins, and our coach was excellent at explaining the obstacles, giving feedback, and progressions for obstacles we weren’t able to complete. This was NOT an easy course but was fun and challenging. I never realized how scared I’d be of trying the warped wall! Some obstacles are permanent and some rotate out. We don’t live in this area, we were visiting, but we will look forward to returning here!!!

Rick P.

Great gym! Came all the way from Ohio and was worth every mile traveled!

Sean E.

A great place for kids. They balance fun, discipline, mental and physical strength. They teach them to use skill, intelligence and effort to overcome challenges. And while it is about individual achievement, you are not competing with others but only yourself and what you are personally capable of achieving. Everyone is in it together and striving towards the same goals. The various instructors that I have met have been excellent with the children – combining fun, learning, implementing rules, ensuring fairness and being patience while maintaining control.

Tony A.

These guys are amazing with kids… patient and caring while being fun and safe all at the same time! Highly recommend.

Antonio V.

Great open facility! Very clean and organized. The coaches are awesome with the kids!

Stacey J.