Austin area teens head to Ninja World Championships
Austin, TX – Three area teens and their coach head, Kye Ackel, with American Ninja Warrior season 9 participant and ANW course tester.
When the Ninjas aren’t taking on the American Ninja Warrior obstacles, they’re not exactly sitting around idle. Many of the fan-favorite competitors take part in local competitions, such as those organized by the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association.
The UNAA hosts qualifying and regional competitions all around the country, and now, the world. It all builds towards the looming UNAA World Championship Finals.
Over 2000 Ninjas have attended qualifiers held by 75 gyms (eight outside of the US) this season. The top Ninjas are now heading to the Championship Finals taking place July 19-21.
The UNAA hosts qualifying and regional competitions all around the country, and now, the world. It all builds towards the looming UNAA World Championship Finals.
Over 2000 Ninjas have attended qualifiers held by 75 gyms (eight outside of the US) this season. The top Ninjas are now heading to the Championship Finals taking place July 19-21.
Cayden Bell, Buda - Cayden has been pursuing his passions since he was 3 years old. From playing music to acting to acrobatics, parkour, and dancing, he actively performs them all. After seeing American Ninja Warrior on tv as a baby, he is now taking on the challenge of the UNAA Finals.
Seth Markham, Georgetown - Seth was introduced to ninja obstacles and competitions when a fellow archery team member invited him to go to one of the local gyms. As a natural athlete who has always climbed whatever he could find this was all completely natural to him. He has found the community of athletes to be the best part of the sport. “Even other athletes who I compete against, will take the time to help me figure out the best way to complete an obstacle. “ Seth is a homeschool high school sophomore who competes with Baseball Factory and Austin Royals baseball and track team.
Marie Young, Pflugerville - “You don’t have to be a gymnast or even an awesome athlete. What I love is that the community is here to help and support everyone.” Marie Y., the hot pink ninja, started rock climbing at Austin Rock Gym twelve months ago after body shaming and bullying because she was so tiny. She has made it her goal to go from twig to strong. She made it through multiple rounds of auditions for the upcoming season of American Ninja Warrior Junior. And is happy to be going to World Championships instead.
To qualify for the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) World Championship Finals in New Mexico, a competitor must first compete at an area qualifier. There were 68 area qualifier competitions held throughout the world. They qualified by placing in the top 50% at their area qualifiers held at Austin Ninjas and The Jungle Movement Academy in March. By placing in the top 50 percent in the 10-13 (Marie) and 14-17(Caden and Seth) year-old age group, they qualified to compete in a regional qualifier.
With only 26 locations throughout the world holding a regional qualifier competition, the three traveled to Houston for the regional qualifies. In that competition, held on May 19, they had to compete in three rounds of competition. To complete the various obstacles the competitor needed to utilize upper body strength, balance, and agility. Marie placed third for the 10-13 year old girl group, Cayden and Seth placed in the top five earning them a spot at the UNAA World Championship Finals in New Mexico.
More on Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association: http://www.ultimateninja.net/
More information:
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/bullied-body-shamed-austin-girl-scout-overcomes-obstacles-to-qualify-for-world-championships/269-571437409
