USA Ninja Challenge

Matthew LaVoie's Ninja journey began long before it was a household word. He first got involved as a young child, taking “Mommy and Me” classes at a local gymnastics studio. When the owner introduced one of the first Ninja programs in New England in 2013, LaVoie was among the small group of kids invited to try it out.LaVoie was part of the first group he jokingly called the “pioneer ninjas.” However, what began as a small experiment soon became the foundation of his athletic career. By 2014, he was competing, winning his age group, and realizing he could hold his own against older athletes. “To be told that I beat everyone really put a spark to the tinder,” LaVoie said.That spark carried him for years. He trained multiple days a week, poured his energy into competitions, and became the very first Level 6 athlete in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives-2730516" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">USA Ninja Challenge</a> system. Today, at 20, LaVoie is in the Navy training as a nuclear mechanic, but the lessons of Ninja continue to shape his path.<h2>Lessons That Last a Lifetime</h2>LaVoie says Ninja is about far more than physical skill. The program taught him discipline, resilience, and how to handle failure. “Patience, humility… humility is a big one,” he said. He admits he wasn’t the most humble kid, but Ninja pushed him to grow beyond raw competitiveness.The sport also forced him to slow down and focus. Early in his competition career, he would rush through obstacles he knew well, only to fail on simple moves like slackline traverses or long jumps. With the help of his coaches, he learned to stop, take a deep breath and reset.&nbsp;That small adjustment carried into his life beyond the gym. “I actually now have the words ‘take a breath’ tattooed on the inside of my right forearm,” LaVoie said. “Sometimes you just need to take a breath.”<h2>Giving Back Through Coaching</h2>Before enlisting, LaVoie returned to the Concord&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> gym as a coach. He worked with kids on their first ropes, walls, and courses, helping them push through the same challenges he once faced.He recalls one student who struggled to climb the knotted rope required for Level 1. “He persevered through everything,” LaVoie said. “He had help along the way. And that’s what the coaches are there for.”<h2>Shaping Successful Humans</h2>For USA Ninja Challenge franchise owners, the chance to make a lifelong difference in a child’s life is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership. Franchisees create environments where kids learn discipline and confidence that extend well beyond Ninja courses. That lasting impact on families and communities is what continues to fuel USA Ninja Challenge’s growth across the country.Looking back, LaVoie says the lessons of Ninja shaped his character just as much as his athleticism. The mix of physical training, mental challenge, and supportive community prepared him not just for competitions but for the next stages of life.What stands out most to him today is how those lessons continue to ripple outward. Kids may show up to Ninja classes for the fun of climbing ropes or conquering warped walls, but they leave with tools that carry into school, work, and relationships — patience, persistence, and the ability to recover from failure.For LaVoie, that growth is what defines success in the program. “Ninja is 90 percent failure, but that 10 percent is so sweet and so beautiful,” he said. “Perseverance and dedication breed greatness.” His journey shows how the sport is less about trophies and more about shaping confident, capable humans ready to take on whatever obstacles life throws their way.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>.

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

USA Ninja Challenge: How Ninjas Shape Successful Humans

1851 Franchise

Matthew LaVoie grew up in the USA Ninja Challenge program, and his story shows how the sport helps kids build confidence, perseverance, and skills they carry into adulthood.

where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives

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.

The Independent: Dublin Father Puts Kids First in New Gym Business

dublin-california-franchise-aman-takhar

<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the nation’s leading children’s ninja fitness franchise, opened in Santa Maria, California, to bring its movement-based training to kids ages 4 to 17 through a structured, progression-focused obstacle course program. Located inside the Town Center mall in Santa Maria, the gym emphasizes confidence, coordination and screen-free physical activity in a supportive, non-competitive environment, reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noozhawk.com/kids-can-now-train-like-ninjas-in-santa-maria/">Noozhawk</a>.The gym officially opened Dec. 20 and is owned by longtime youth mentors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/djibril-coulibaly-b939a8a9/">Djibril</a> and RaShawna Coulibaly. Drawing on years of coaching and teaching experience, the owners designed the space to help children develop foundational movement skills that are often overlooked in traditional sports. The result is a program that focuses on climbing, jumping, swinging and balance while encouraging kids to move at their own pace.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">USA Ninja Challenge</a> uses a tiered program that lets kids move forward as they build skills on different obstacles. Children start at an entry level and advance after showing they can complete specific movements, such as climbing, swinging or jumping. Coaches track progress during class, and students earn different shirt colors as they move up. The structure gives kids a clear sense of progress while encouraging them to keep trying new challenges.Classes are one hour and follow a consistent structure that includes a warm-up and rotation through multiple obstacle stations. The gym maintains small class sizes and a low coach-to-student ratio to ensure safety and individualized instruction. Obstacles can be adjusted to meet different ability levels, allowing children of all backgrounds and skill sets to participate.Popular features include the warped wall, climbing stations and long jump challenges, all designed with padded flooring and safety in mind. The program also supports children who may feel intimidated by traditional team sports by offering an inclusive setting focused on personal growth rather than competition.In addition to weekly classes, the Santa Maria location offers birthday parties and special events, giving families multiple ways to engage with the program. Overall, USA Ninja Challenge Santa Maria provides a structured fitness experience that helps kids build strength, confidence and resilience through movement.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.noozhawk.com/kids-can-now-train-like-ninjas-in-santa-maria/">here</a>.&nbsp;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>.

Noozhawk: USA Ninja Challenge Launches Youth Obstacle Gym in Santa Maria

The new USA Ninja Challenge gym offers age-based classes that focus on movement, coordination and confidence for kids ages 4 to 17.

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS