After building a career in finance and coaching, Arnaldo Brasil knew he wanted his next chapter to have a deeper impact, something that reflected his values and his passion for developing confident kids. When he discovered USA Ninja Challenge, it immediately resonated. As a lifelong athlete and father of three, he was drawn to the brand’s commitment to not just physical fitness, but also personal growth and community. 

In an era where kids are increasingly turning to screens to find connection and self-worth, Brasil saw an urgent need for something different — a space where children could be challenged physically, make real friendships and build confidence in who they are. USA Ninja Challenge offered exactly that. Backed by a proven franchise system and a clear focus on child development, the opportunity felt like the perfect blend of mission and model.

Now preparing to open in San Jose, California, Brasil is building more than just a gym. His vision is to create a vibrant, encouraging space where kids feel seen, supported and excited to grow. Whether it’s through structured classes, birthday parties or camps, his goal is to help each child walk out the door stronger in strength and in character. For families in San Jose, that’s something worth showing up for.

1851 Franchise spoke with Brasil about his journey from competitive athlete and finance professional to purpose-driven entrepreneur, and why USA Ninja Challenge was the right fit for his goals. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Arnaldo Brasil: I’m originally from Brazil and spent a big part of my life there. I came to the U.S. when I was 18. In Brazil, I was a competitive swimmer, so sports have always been a part of my life. After moving here, I started a family — I have three kids — and I worked in the mortgage industry, so mostly in finance. I also did some coaching. 

1851: How did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Brasil: At a certain point, I realized I wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. Kids have a special place in my heart, and I wanted to create something meaningful for them. That’s what drew me to USA Ninja Challenge. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Brasil: I always wanted to open a business. That was the reason I came to the U.S. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family — my parents had a business, so that was always a goal for me. I studied kinesiology in Brazil, was a personal trainer and coached swimming from the age of 16 to 18.

When I got here, I realized how hard it is to run a business. As a business owner, you wear so many hats  —marketing, customer service, operations. It becomes all-consuming. I saw that in my parents' lives, and I didn’t want that kind of stress.

Then I learned about franchising. I loved the concept: working for myself, but not by myself. A franchise is like a well-oiled machine with systems in place, so I wouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s still hard work, but it’s a more structured and supported way to start a business. I knew that if I was going to open a business, it would be a franchise because of that community and support system.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Brasil: Our family is very active. I’ve been involved in sports my whole life, and my wife was an athlete as well. We’ve always enjoyed obstacle course training and competitions. When I came across USA Ninja Challenge, I immediately loved the concept because it felt like a perfect fit for us.

What stood out was that USA Ninja Challenge isn’t just about fitness — it’s about helping kids grow in character, too. Today’s kids are under a lot of pressure, especially with social media. Many are trying to find their identity online, and that’s having a real impact on their lives.

USA Ninja Challenge creates a space where kids can grow, not only physically, but emotionally and socially. They can find their identity through movement, real friendships and a supportive community, not through likes and followers. For me, that was a huge win. It’s fun, it’s challenging and it builds real confidence inside and outside the gym. And because their niche is kids, that made it an even better fit for what I wanted to do.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Brasil: My vision for the gym in San Jose is for it to be more than just a gym. I want to build a community where kids feel seen, appreciated, encouraged and challenged in the best ways possible. Whether it’s through classes, birthday parties or camps, I want kids to walk away feeling stronger, more confident and better prepared for whatever life brings their way.

I want kids to walk in and say, “This place is different.” I want them to truly enjoy coming to our gym and feel that they’re growing, not just physically, but personally as well.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Brasil: One of the most important parts of my life and story is that my faith is a big part of who I am. It shapes how I interact with others, how I live and how I lead. It starts with respecting people, being kind and patient, and understanding that every person — every child — has dignity and deserves to be treated that way. My faith is vital to everything I’m doing.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Brasil: I’d say the best advice is to come into it with the right expectations. As a franchisee, you’re part of a team. Nobody’s perfect — we’re all learning and making mistakes — but you need to be open-minded and recognize that the franchisor is doing their best to help you. Their success depends on your success.

You have to trust the system they’ve put in place. They have more experience than you do. You can offer your input, but it’s important not to come in trying to change everything they’ve worked hard to build. Come in with the mindset of, “What needs to be done, and how can I do it?” — not, “How do I make this different?” That attitude makes all the difference.

About USA Ninja Challenge

USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kid’s 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 and 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 www.usaninjachallenge.com.