Name: USA Ninja Challenge Franchise
Brand: 1851 Franchise

USA Ninja Challenge

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CONCORD, N.H.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the nation’s leading children’s ninja fitness franchise, started off the year on a high note with three new openings and two signed agreements, in addition to increases in membership across the system. The new openings were in Appleton, Wisconsin; Humble, Texas; and Howell, New Jersey. The two agreements were signed in Marietta, Georgia, and Suffolk, Virginia.&nbsp;“The first quarter was a momentum builder for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a>,” said Dale Grant, President. “We spent a lot of time strengthening our programs and support structures for franchisees in 2025, and now we are seeing the fruit of that. We continue to see demand for our brand from families across the country, and we look forward to even more growth during the rest of the year.”The development pipeline for the rest of the year is also strong, with eight franchise owners currently searching for a location and two signing letters of intent. One location has already opened in San Antonio, Texas, in the second quarter, with two more scheduled in Leander, Texas, and Bonita Springs, Florida.&nbsp;During the first quarter, USA Ninja Challenge announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdievart/">Thomas Dievart</a> was named as its new chief marketing officer. Dievart brings nearly two decades of global marketing leadership to the role and will focus on strengthening marketing foundations across the system. He will also support new openings and ensure franchise owners are equipped with high-quality tools as the brand scales nationally. “Putting all the foundations in place so that they are successful, that’s first and foremost,” Dievart said.USA Ninja Challenge was also recognized on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list at the beginning of the year. The franchise came in at No. 361, up 61 spots from its 2025 ranking.“We’re building confidence in children through skill progression, and recognition on the leading franchise ranking shows the strength of USA Ninja Challenge’s specialized approach,” Grant said. “It is valuable for kids and families and represents a high-growth opportunity for entrepreneurs.”As we get further into 2026, USA Ninja Challenge is planning for its annual summer camp programs and targeting locations including Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, Colorado; Portland up to Eugene, Oregon; Louisville, Kentucky; the state of Rhode Island; and Albany, Syracuse, Rome and Utica in New York for franchise development.ABOUT USA NINJA CHALLENGE:USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kids’ Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding over a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 45 gyms, with more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses. Partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team, USA Ninja Challenge is raising awareness for Ninja's Olympic debut in 2028. With low initial investment, high margins and rapid ROI, USA Ninja Challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to build profitable businesses while making a lasting impact on children's physical fitness and confidence. For more information on USA Ninja Challenge or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usaninjachallenge.com">www.usaninjachallenge.com</a>.

The youth obstacle-course fitness franchise grew in states including Wisconsin, Texas and New Jersey, with more openings expected in the second half of the year. 

<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> added a chief operating officer to its team as it stays on track to open at least 20 locations in 2026.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/somersetbuchanan/">Somerset Buchanan</a> brings more than a decade of franchise experience to the system as it prepares for growth.&nbsp; With just over 40 locations currently operating, adding another two dozen units represents roughly 50% growth in a single year.In her role, Buchanan will build what is needed to support new and existing franchisees while protecting the experience that keeps families coming back.“Our big-picture growth is to ultimately get to 500 locations, and so I will be a key contributor to the foundation of what we need to have as an infrastructure to support that,” Buchanan said.&nbsp;<h2>How Buchanan’s Experience Led Her to USA Ninja Challenge</h2>Buchanan has been in franchising since 2012, when she began her career with Dunkin’ Brands, where she led the U.S. field learning team and worked closely with new franchisees as they entered the system.She joined Threshold Brands in 2020 and later advanced to vice president of HR and learning, overseeing human resources and leading learning and development initiatives for all affiliated brands.“I was very involved in setting franchises up for success,” she said.&nbsp;Through that experience, Buchanan was referred to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a>. In August 2025, she joined the youth fitness franchise as COO, bringing experience in supporting and scaling franchise systems.Her background in building operational infrastructure, along with her leadership of cross-functional teams, positioned her to strengthen internal collaboration and communication.&nbsp;“I have been loving my job here,” she said. “What's not to love about what we do? We support young children and young adults in growing their confidence, whether it's just through the sport itself or just overcoming their own internal obstacles.”<h2>Why Now Was the Time to Add a COO</h2>As USA Ninja Challenge continues to grow around the country, 2025 was the right time for Buchanan to join the franchise. It also made sense in her own life.&nbsp;“Looking at just the state of the world right now, there's a lot happening,” she said. “Everything around us is moving fast. I'm a mother of three. So for me, it's very top of mind. Are my kids being set up for success?”The brand’s mission to positively influence youth stood out to Buchanan. She valued that the program is inclusive and not limited to elite athletes. Children do not have to be top performers in traditional team sports to participate and benefit.&nbsp;2025 was also the moment for USA Ninja Challenge to add a COO role to its corporate office as it prepares to add another two dozen units in a single year. Buchanan will help build the operational infrastructure, systems and cross-functional alignment necessary to support that next phase of expansion.“I want to look at how we are truly supporting our existing franchises beyond the launch so that we're really looking at their profitability, driving their annual business planning,” she said.&nbsp;One of the initiatives she is focusing on is the lead instructor curriculum. This includes making it more robust and implementing the right learning management system to create a centralized hub of learning not only for franchisees but for their entire staff. With the brand moving quickly, the goal is to ensure resources remain fresh and competitive within the industry.&nbsp;<h2>Areas of Focus</h2>In addition to curriculum enhancements, Buchanan is overseeing the development of a centralized franchise portal designed to simplify access to tools, updates and communication.“One of the systems that we're working on right now is a franchise portal so that it makes it easier for a franchisee to find all their items in one spot,” she said. “We also want to make sure there's a clear communication channel in there as well.”Operationally, Buchanan defines success in one word: retention.First, retention of franchisees. That means not only renewals, but supporting owners through growth challenges and ensuring they have the tools and accountability structures needed to build profitable businesses.“If I fast-forward the clock two years, I want to be able to see some of those that might be going through some challenges right now and they're retained, successful and profitable,” she said.&nbsp;Second, retention at the home office. As the corporate team grows, Buchanan wants to maintain the institutional knowledge of early team members while supporting new hires as the brand scales.And third, retention of the ninjas themselves.&nbsp;“This is probably the most important when it comes to the business,” she said. “We want them to come into the gym maybe at age 5 or 6 as a junior ninja, and they're here until 17.”<h2>Guiding the Brand as It Scales</h2>Coming from backgrounds in coffee, donuts and home services, Buchanan has been intentional about immersing herself in the world of ninja and obstacle racing.“My responsibility is to get my arms wrapped around the sport,” she said. “What is it really going to mean nationally and internationally for this sport and are we consistently pushing the envelope to be number one when it comes to the experience in our locations?”USA Ninja Challenge’s youth-only model gives the brand a clear lane in the ninja gym space. It also helps create a longer-term connection with students, some of whom grow up in the program and later come back as coaches.“How do we keep that specialty special?” Buchanan said. “How are we truly creating that information flow, that training flow to the coaches and the lead instructors who are the pulse of those businesses so they continue to deliver the service that will make us stand out beyond any of our competitors?”With rapid expansion ahead and a focus on operational excellence, Buchanan sees her role as helping ensure that as USA Ninja Challenge scales, it never loses sight of that purpose.“We have a very exciting brand. That's why we're growing so rapidly,” she said. “And I'm just so proud to be a part of this community.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.&nbsp;

With more openings planned, Somerset Buchanan is focused on building the systems, support and communication needed to help franchisees grow.

The Season 3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> National Championships brought together athletes from across the country for one of the most exciting competitions in the program’s history.The event showcased the determination and skill of young athletes who spent months preparing for the national stage. Breakthrough performances, comeback moments and impressive obstacle runs highlighted the level of competition throughout the championship.Families packed the stands to support their athletes, while teammates encouraged one another before and after each run. The event reflected the strong community that has grown around&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, where competitors push themselves while also celebrating each other’s success.Nationals marked a major milestone for many of the athletes. Some of the competitors featured began their journey in beginner classes before advancing through the program and earning the opportunity to compete at the championship level.While the event crowned new champions, the biggest takeaway from the weekend was the perseverance and confidence displayed by every athlete who stepped onto the course.With the 2026 championship now complete, the USA Ninja Challenge community is already looking ahead to Nationals 2027.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge.">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge.</a>&nbsp;

Season 3 Nationals brought athletes from across the country together for a weekend of competition, encouragement and big moments on the course.

<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the leading kids’ Ninja gym franchise, brings a fun, safe place for children to train in Santa Maria, California. Opened in December 2025 by local couple RaShawna and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/djibril-coulibaly-b939a8a9/">Djibril Coulibaly</a>, the gym provides cargo nets, ropes and rings for exploration and plenty of safety padding for peace of mind.The location is open to kids aged 4 to 17, offering hour-long classes with a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 8-to-1. When recruiting coaches, the pair focuses specifically on those who have a passion for working with children, Djibril told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/a-santa-maria-obstacle-course-helps-kids-build-confidence-and-stay-active/">Santa Maria Sun</a>.With backgrounds in soccer coaching and music education, the couple finds satisfaction in seeing kids grow, both athletically and in their confidence.“It’s just a joy to see them conquer something and figure things out on their own,” RaShawna said.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> includes multiple categories of movements in each class, each of which can be modified to meet the current needs and abilities of each student. As the kids progress through the obstacles at each level, they move up, all the way through graduation.“This is open to absolutely everybody,” Djibril said. “What we are trained to do, and what we train our instructors to do, is to really meet the kids wherever they are and try to help them progress from there.”Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santamariasun.com/news-2/a-santa-maria-obstacle-course-helps-kids-build-confidence-and-stay-active/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.

Local owners Djibril and RaShawna Coulibaly are empowering area youth through structured ninja training that adapts to every child's unique fitness level.

<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> is built around a simple idea: turn kids’ fitness into a structured, coach-led experience that feels like play but trains real skills. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independentnews.com/news/dublin_news/dublin-father-puts-kids-first-in-new-gym-business/article_e472e6b4-55dd-41cc-8c52-c8d516deaca9.html">according to a Jan. 15, 2026, article in The Independent</a>, that model is already showing demand in&nbsp;<a href="https://ninjadublinca.com/">Dublin, California</a>.Local parent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/takharaman/">Aman Takhar</a> opened his&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> facility on Nov. 11, 2025, giving families an obstacle-based youth fitness option they previously had to travel to find. In the first several weeks, interest grew quickly enough that Takhar began opening the gym on Mondays to accommodate families on a waiting list.“It’s been incredible,” Takhar said. “I mean, we’re not even at the two-month mark, and it’s been humbling. I’ve heard again and again from parents that they’ve been looking for something like this for years.”For prospective franchisees, the concept’s appeal lies in its repeatable structure. USA Ninja Challenge is not positioned as open gym time — it runs classes designed to teach agility, balance and problem-solving through guided obstacle courses. Takhar described the training as a full-body mix that pulls from cross-training, CrossFit-style movement, track and field and the ninja sport itself, with plenty of jumping, swinging, climbing and balancing.“Our focus is not just fun,” he said. “We are here and our coaches are here to train. We constantly give the kids cues on how to do those obstacles in a safe way.”Takhar said the weekly plan is designed to keep kids reaching for the next rung. Obstacles rotate, so returning students get a new challenge, while coaches can still adjust difficulty for different skill levels. “Kids are coming out with their faces red, sweating, and a big smile,” Takhar said.For franchisees, the schedule is also built to earn beyond standard classes. Camps and birthday parties bring in families who want a place to celebrate or stay active when school is out, and they help keep traffic strong on weekends. Takhar plans to hold his younger son’s party at the gym, a practical example of how the concept can become part of a family’s routine.For Takhar, franchising reduced the leap of building from scratch. “We wanted something with a structure already in place,” he said.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independentnews.com/news/dublin_news/dublin-father-puts-kids-first-in-new-gym-business/article_e472e6b4-55dd-41cc-8c52-c8d516deaca9.html">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.

Franchisee Aman Takhar opened USA Ninja Challenge in Dublin, California, showing how a coach-led youth fitness concept built on obstacle courses can attract strong early demand.

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