PHOTOS: USA Ninja Challenge now open at West Oaks Mall

USA Ninja Challenge Ocoee is now open in the West Oaks Mall, near the Orange County Tax Collector office, and is offering classes, camps and private parties to boys and girls from ages 4 to 17 — including students with special needs.

The new Ocoee location is one of many around the country that offer the year-round obstacle course training program that combines basic skills from gymnastics, climbing, cross-training and track-and-field, to not only to develop its athletes for the sport of obstacle course racing — similar to what is featured on the TV show “American Ninja Warrior” — but also to give kids a unique way to stay active and socialize. 

The curriculum includes six levels to master — each of which challenges participants with a wide variety of progressions and drills. Students advance to the next levels when they demonstrate mastery of each skill.

Coaches — who are trained in creating an immersive, fun and most importantly safe environment — guide students at their own specific pace through each level in small classes — six to eight students per instructor — to ensure personalized attention. 

According to its website, the purpose of this new youth-athletic program is to “help build children’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of accomplishment, one obstacle at a time.”

As the gym and its students grow in numbers, experience and ability, the hope is to introduce a competition team, so expect to soon see Ocoee’s Ninjas competing in the growing sport and bringing home trophies.