Working with kids has been a part of husband-and-wife RaShawna and Djibril Coulibaly’s lives for decades. Djibril has spent 17 years coaching soccer, even leading high school teams to championship wins, while RaShawna taught music to elementary students for 10 years. 

Now, they’re combining their passion for mentorship, movement, and positive community impact by opening a USA Ninja Challenge gym at the Town Center Mall in Santa Maria, California, this September. The brand’s mission aligns perfectly with their values: build confidence and strength in children while creating a fun, active, and welcoming environment. With roots in the local community and a deep understanding of the youth they serve, the Coulibalys are ready to introduce something exciting, meaningful, and much-needed to Santa Maria families.

1851 spoke with the Coulibalys to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to the USA Ninja Challenge franchise, and their plans for the future. 

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

RaShawna Coulibaly: We both have a love for children and for doing something positive in our community. I was a music teacher for 10 years, and Djibril has been a soccer coach for 17 years. Working with kids has always been a huge part of our lives.

Djibril Coulibaly: I’ve always been passionate about mentoring youth through physical activity. I really believe in serving the youth in our community — whether that’s through sports or anything else that helps them grow. That’s where my heart is.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Djibril: Right now, I’m still working in B2B sales with a mechanical engineering company. Before that, I was in hospitality management. RaShawna also worked in hospitality management before becoming an elementary music teacher. Franchising started making sense when I was thinking about how to bring more physical activity and play into kids’ lives. At first, I wanted to build something on my own — but then I thought, maybe someone’s already done this. When I started researching, I came across USA Ninja Challenge, and it just clicked.

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’re in it?

Djibril: I really just wanted something playful that encouraged physical activity for kids. When I discovered USA Ninja Challenge, I saw that they had already created exactly what I was imagining. The thing that really sold me compared to other franchises was the level of support I was going to receive. That made a big difference.

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

Djibril: I love the model that USA Ninja Challenge has — the curriculum, the mission, all of it. But what really stood out was the support. That was the biggest factor for me when comparing franchises. I knew I wouldn’t be doing it alone.

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

Djibril: We’re definitely thinking about exploring other territories. This brand is still new in this area, and we see a lot of opportunity for growth along the Central Coast. We’re starting with this location, but we’re already thinking about what’s next.

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

RaShawna: Djibril started out as a recreational and club soccer coach, then he became president of the local club. He’s currently coaching at St. Joseph High School and has won two championships. He’s really well-known in the community. As for me, being a music teacher meant I built strong connections with so many kids and families. We’ve been working with this age group for a long time, and this new venture feels like the perfect continuation of that.

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

Djibril: Be patient. Understand why you want to do this — if your “why” is strong enough, definitely pursue it. This kind of business is such a great service to any community, especially where youth are involved. We all know how important physical activity is for kids — it helps them develop properly, builds confidence, and sets them up for success. If that’s the kind of impact you want to have, I’d encourage anyone to go for it.

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.