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

USA Ninja Challenge, 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 Richard Knight’s interest, and soon, USA Ninja Challenge 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 here.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info.