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

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/F5Rm2olkeIY

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

usa-ninja-challenge-offers-an-opportunity-that-is-both-lucrative-and-meaningful-for-passionate-franchisees

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a USA Ninja Challenge Franchise

Why Franchise with USA Ninja Challenge

Franchisee Highlight

Executive Q&A

Learn

Visit Website

USA NINJA CHALLENGE

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

USA Ninja Challenge Appoints Thomas Dievart as Chief Marketing Officer

Dan Umpa’s Next Mission: Helping Kids Grow Through USA Ninja Challenge

USA Ninja Challenge Ends 2025 With 20 Units Awarded, Expanded Leadership Team and a Strong Foundation for a Landmark 2026

USA NINJA CHALLENGE MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT USA NINJA CHALLENGE

CONTACT USA NINJA CHALLENGE

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Individual Net Worth

Where do you reside? City & State

What city and state would you like to open a gym?

Leave us a message

If that territory is not available, please give us a second choice

As youth fitness continues to evolve, families are increasingly seeking programs that combine physical activity, confidence building and long-term development.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> has positioned itself at the intersection of those priorities, offering franchise owners a scalable business model supported by disciplined growth, operational depth and a mission-driven approach.Below are the top 10 reasons entrepreneurs are choosing to invest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">USA Ninja Challenge&nbsp;</a>franchise.<h2>1. A Full-Service Franchise Model From Day One</h2>USA Ninja Challenge operates as a full-service franchise, supporting owners throughout the entire lifecycle of ownership. From early education through long-term operations, the system is designed to reduce friction and provide clarity at every stage.“We’re with franchisees from call one to year 10,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuafaber/">Joshua Faber</a>, franchise development director. “You’re taken care of through the entire process.”The goal is to give owners guidance without limiting how they run their day-to-day operations.<h2>2. More Than a Franchise, a Business With a Soul</h2>At its core, USA Ninja Challenge is built around impact. The brand prioritizes confidence building, emotional growth and long-term development for kids while creating businesses that become community anchors.“We don’t want to just be another business,” Faber said. “We want to be a business with a soul.”That mindset keeps owners focused on building gyms that stay rooted in their communities rather than chasing quick wins.<h2>3. Accessible Investment With Efficient Use of Capital</h2>USA Ninja Challenge offers a more accessible total investment than many youth fitness competitors, paired with a smaller, efficient facility footprint. This allows franchisees to reach cash-flow positivity faster and with fewer members.“Most competitors are spending $1.5 to $2 million to open a gym,” Faber said. “Opening under half a million dollars is fantastic.”By avoiding oversized spaces and excessive build-outs, the model prioritizes smart capital deployment over scale for scale’s sake.<h2>4. A Proven, Year-Round Revenue Model</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/usa-ninja-challenge-from-start-to-finish-a-business-model-that-works-2729686">The USA Ninja Challenge business model is not seasonal</a>. Gyms operate year-round with consistent programming, allowing owners to generate steady demand regardless of weather or school schedules.“During the school year you have our regular classes,” said Faber. “During the summer, we have summer camps. And so we're able to cater to the always-changing lives of our families.”&nbsp;<h2>5. Strong Market Momentum and Olympic Tailwinds</h2>Ninja training continues to gain momentum across the U.S. and globally, supported by growing youth leagues and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2024-on-a-high-note-with-record-growth-and-exciting-developments-2728380">its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics</a> as part of the modern pentathlon.“Ninja as a sport has been growing for years, and the Olympics are only going to accelerate that,” Faber said.USA Ninja Challenge has scaled alongside that growth, expanding from a single location to 47 gyms nationwide.<h2>6. Industry-Leading Safety Standards</h2>Safety plays a central role in how USA Ninja Challenge operates, from program structure to athlete progression through training.“When you’re building a gym for kids, safety has to be absolutely everything,” Faber said.That focus has helped the brand maintain strong insurance rates and a safety record that differentiates it within the youth fitness category.<h2>7. Experienced Leadership and a Proven Curriculum</h2>The brand was founded by leaders with deep backgrounds in gymnastics, youth development and business, which informed how the curriculum was built over time.“This didn’t start as just a good idea and passion,” Faber said. “It was built with experience on both the gymnastics side and the business side.”The result is a program designed to engage kids while supporting sustainable franchise operations.<h2>8. Long-Term Customer Retention and Lifetime Value</h2>Rather than short-term memberships, USA Ninja Challenge is built around long-term relationships. Many athletes stay in the program for years, progressing through age groups and skill levels.“We have kids who start with us and end up becoming coaches in the same gym,” Faber said.That continuity strengthens retention, culture and staffing while increasing lifetime customer value.<h2>9. Protected Territories and Disciplined Growth</h2>USA Ninja Challenge takes a measured approach to expansion, offering protected territories based on population mapping rather than oversaturating markets.“Our goal isn’t to sprint and stack gyms on top of each other,” Faber said.That approach gives nearby locations room to work together without competing against each other.<h2>10. Scalable Model With Multi-Unit Ownership Potential</h2>The accessible investment and smaller facility footprint make&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/why-usa-ninja-challenge-provides-a-great-multi-unit-franchise-opportunity-2728455">USA Ninja Challenge well-suited for multi-unit ownership</a>. Franchisees can expand methodically while securing future territories.“You can open multiple gyms with us before you could open one with some competitors,” Faber said.Corporate systems and support structures are built to scale alongside owners as they grow their footprint.<h2>What It All Adds Up To for Prospective Franchisees</h2>Taken together, these factors show why&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2025-with-20-units-awarded-expanded-leadership-team-and-a-strong-foundation-for-a-landmark-2026-2731003">USA Ninja Challenge continues to attract franchise interest</a>. The model combines an accessible entry point with year-round demand, strong operational support and a clear focus on safety and retention. For owners who want to build a youth-focused business with staying power, the brand offers a practical path forward.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>.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a USA Ninja Challenge Franchise

The youth fitness franchise combines accessible investment, year-round demand and disciplined growth to support long-term ownership.

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-usa-ninja-challenge-franchise

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

usa-ninja-challenge-nationals-showcase-the-best-of-the-season

CONCORD, N.H.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> has named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdievart/">Thomas Dievart</a> as its new chief marketing officer, bringing nearly two decades of global marketing leadership to the youth fitness franchise as it accelerates growth nationwide.Dievart joins the brand after holding senior marketing roles across sports, fitness and sporting goods, including global brands such as Wilson Tennis, Ironman Triathlon and Technogym. His background spans international brand strategy, digital marketing and growth-focused leadership within high-performance sports environments.“I love the fact that first and foremost it’s a sports company giving kids the ability to challenge themselves, to grow and to gain confidence,” Dievart said. “I think there’s a lot of room for growth for the company.”In his new role, Dievart will focus on strengthening marketing foundations across the system, supporting new openings and ensuring franchise owners are equipped with consistent, high-quality tools as the brand scales.“Putting all the foundations in place so that they are successful, that’s first and foremost,” he said.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> has seen strong momentum, with year-over-year growth exceeding 60% and continued expansion across key U.S. markets. Dievart says a major priority will be aligning franchise owners on digital marketing while amplifying the brand’s&nbsp;2028 USA Pentathlon Multisport Partnership.“We are going to heavily focus on the Pentathlon partnership as well,” he said. “We’re working on a rebranding and a new website.”Support for existing franchise owners will include structured, month-to-month marketing packages designed to drive local engagement and consistency across markets.“We are developing a calendar of content and month-to-month packages that we would deliver to them, including blogs, articles, photos, campaigns, and advertising both for print and digital,” Dievart said.As the only ninja-focused youth fitness franchise with a&nbsp;USA Pentathlon Multisport Partnership, USA Ninja Challenge plans to lean into storytelling tied to the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, while continuing to build confidence and community among young athletes.“We’re the only ninja franchise with a partnership with the&nbsp;Pentathlon,” Dievart said. “We are going to build a storytelling campaign about the road to 2028 narratives.”Looking ahead, Dievart said the brand’s direction remains centered on growth, values and long-term impact.“The mission is to empower kids to grow stronger and braver through fun and challenging obstacle training that builds skills for life,” he said. “And the vision is to create a world where every child feels capable, unstoppable and empowered to overcome any obstacle in the gym or in life.”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 40 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 veteran global sports and fitness marketer joins the youth fitness franchise as the brand continues to scale nationwide amid rapid, systemwide growth.

usa-ninja-challenge-appoints-thomas-dievart-as-chief-marketing-officer

image of usa ninja challenge ranking on entrepreneur's top 500 franchise list

USA Ninja Challenge Ranked No. 361 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®

2026-franchise-500

<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>.

Photo of child and coach participating in USA Ninja Challenge class

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

Santa Maria Sun: A Santa Maria Obstacle Course Helps Kids Build Confidence and Stay Active

santa-maria-kids-fitness

<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>.

USA Ninja Challenge Franchise - Aman Takhar - Dublin California - 1851 Franchise

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.

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS