USA Ninja Challenge

<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-offers-an-opportunity-that-is-both-lucrative-and-meaningful-for-passionate-franchisees-2726671" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the kids fitness franchise that now has 28 gyms across the country and more in development, was initially inspired by a home video of a child navigating a DIY Ninja course. This piqued Co-Founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/riknight/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-offers-an-opportunity-that-is-both-lucrative-and-meaningful-for-passionate-franchisees-2726671" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Richard Knight’s</a> interest, and soon,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> was born.“What we did was, 11 years ago, we started our first location. Probably four or five years in, there was a group from Connecticut that was in, going to a cousin’s birthday party,” Knight said. “They said, ‘We need one of these. I want one of these. Will you franchise this for us?’ And they called me every two weeks for six months, convincing me to start the franchise journey. Initially, our goal was to open 10 corporate locations and then franchise after that, but we kind of accelerated that from a franchise standpoint.”Now, USA Ninja Challenge serves as a vehicle through which entrepreneurs can build a strong, impactful business and it creates space in local communities for children to learn, move and build confidence by successfully overcoming obstacles and learning new, valuable skills.“I think people are looking for something different from their corporate jobs or the things they’re doing today, but their goals are to work with children, work with families and work in the community,” Knight said. “I think we have a fantastic business that allows you to make a great living doing all those things … It’s such a rewarding business. I will tell you, in all the other businesses I’ve ever had, I’ve never had someone come up and hug me and tell me how much I’ve impacted their son or daughter’s life — with tears in their eyes. It’s just an amazing, amazing feeling.”A summarized transcript of Knight’s interview with Powills is included below. It has been edited for clarity, brevity and style.Nick Powills: Richard, I often say, "I bet on the jockey, not on the horse." So let's start with your journey as the jockey. How did you accidentally stumble into franchising? What's your franchise story?Richard Knight:&nbsp;Back in 2008, after selling my previous company, a friend showed me a video of a child navigating homemade obstacles with a GoPro strapped to his chest. We saw potential for a business in this idea. Eleven years ago, we opened our first location, and about four or five years later, a group from Connecticut at a cousin's birthday party expressed interest in franchising our concept. They convinced me over six months of calls, nudging us to start franchising sooner than planned. Initially, we aimed for 10 corporate locations before franchising, but the demand accelerated our timeline.Nick Powills: You clearly had a grasp on business before franchising. Did you fully understand franchising beforehand, or were there surprises?Richard Knight:&nbsp;Franchising surprised me with the variety of owners and their independent entrepreneurial spirit. Unlike hiring employees in a traditional business, franchisees are their own bosses. Our role is to support them in running successful businesses focused on children and community. The model intrigued me because it leverages external funds for expansion, which appealed to me greatly.Nick Powills: Navigating the relationship between franchisor and franchisee can be complex. How do you manage that dynamic?Richard Knight:&nbsp;Absolutely, it's a challenge. Each owner has unique opinions. Aligning everyone towards common goals while respecting their independence is crucial. We mediate and provide guidance, emphasizing adherence to our model backed by analytics to maintain performance standards.Nick Powills: Your background in executive leadership and sales must play a role. How does it contribute to your role now?Richard Knight:&nbsp;My experience in global sales and leading operational teams helps in negotiating win-win scenarios. In franchising, fostering mutual success is key. Moving away from “win-lose” mentalities towards collaborative outcomes benefits everyone involved.Nick Powills: Your approach seems to foster a unique culture. How does that translate to your franchisees and the business?Richard Knight:&nbsp;We've cultivated a "Ninja family" culture, focusing on positivity for children and the community amid today's negative influences. Unlike competitive school sports, our gyms celebrate every child's progress, creating a supportive environment. This positivity extends to franchise owners, where everyone finds value and positivity.Nick Powills: You've managed impressive growth as an emerging brand. What do you attribute that to?Richard Knight:&nbsp;Our success stems from a business model that's financially accessible and quick to break even. Unlike larger, capital-intensive gyms, we focused on creating a feasible model that delivers positive experiences without excessive overhead. This approach resonates well with franchisees and customers alike.Nick Powills: Your emphasis on customer experience is evident. How does this drive your business decisions?Richard Knight:&nbsp;Customer retention is high thanks to our focus on children's development through structured programs. We offer transparent progress tracking, which parents appreciate. Our gyms foster engagement and joy, creating a lasting impact on families — a rewarding aspect of our business.Nick Powills: Looking ahead, what's your vision for the future of your franchise?Richard Knight:&nbsp;By the end of this year, we'll reach 90 units, with 45 to 50 operational. Next year, we aim for 140 total units, with 80 to 85 open — a steady, responsible growth trajectory.Nick Powills: What would you tell someone considering franchising with you?Richard Knight:&nbsp;If you're passionate about working with children, families and the community, our franchise offers a fulfilling opportunity. We emphasize positivity and support, making it a great fit for those looking to make a difference while running a successful business.Watch the full interview&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Rm2olkeIY&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-offers-an-opportunity-that-is-both-lucrative-and-meaningful-for-passionate-franchisees-2726671" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info</a>.

USA Ninja Challenge Franchise Offers Unique Opportunity

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The kids Ninja gym franchise has proven its strength as a business, but that’s not all. Co-Founder Richard Knight shares how the system works together to create a fulfilling experience for owners and customers alike.

USA Ninja Challenge Offers an Opportunity That Is Both Lucrative and Meaningful for Passionate Franchisees

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USA Ninja Challenge Adds COO Role as Franchise Expansion Accelerates

USA Ninja Challenge Appoints Thomas Dievart as Chief Marketing Officer

USA Ninja Challenge Opens Three, Signs Two More Franchises in Q1

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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 with nearly 50 locations, has a strong development pipeline for 2026 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. The news follows a record-breaking 2025 when the brand saw 20 new unit sales and 11 new openings.&nbsp;The franchise started the year on a high note, with three new openings and two signed agreements, along with 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;“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,” said Dale Grant, president. “We continue to see demand from families across the country, and we look forward to even more growth during the rest of the year.”Also in Q1, the franchise expanded its leadership team, announcing 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.Additionally, the fast-growing franchise was recognized on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list at the beginning of the year. The franchise ranked 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.”Further into 2026, USA Ninja Challenge will host its annual summer camp programs and target locations, including Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, Colorado; Portland and 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>.

USA Ninja Challenge Opens 3 New Locations in Q1

The youth obstacle-course fitness franchise with nearly 50 locations continued expanding into new states, including Wisconsin, Texas and New Jersey.

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<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.

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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.

USA Ninja Challenge Nationals Showcase the Best of the Season

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Top 10 Reasons to Buy a USA Ninja Challenge Franchise

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USA Ninja Challenge Offers an Opportunity That Is Both Lucrative and Meaningful for Passionate Franchisees

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