From Japanese TV shows to its debut at the 2028 Olympics
For those looking for something more challenging than running or workout, ninja sports has emerged. This discipline combines elements of parkour and rock climbing and requires serious training and concentration. We explain how this sport grew out of TV shows and whether it is realistic for a beginner to master it.
What Is The Essence Of The Discipline?
Ninja sports is a discipline in which an obstacle course is completed against the clock. The track consists of a variety of equipment that must be navigated quickly. Suspended equipment is mainly used: horizontal bars, nunchucks, rings, and steps.
To do well, you need skills in running, parkour, rock climbing, CrossFit, and related sports. The most important qualities for an athlete are agility, endurance, strength, speed, and attentiveness. Training develops all muscle groups, but strength in the arms, shoulders, and back is especially important.
Where Did Ninja Sports Come From?
It all started with television. In the late 1990s, a show appeared in Japan where participants overcame an obstacle course with an emphasis on grip. Viewers were delighted: the course looked spectacular.
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Today, there are many similar programs around the world. In Russia, these are “Russian Ninja” and “Super Ninja.” Both experienced athletes and amateurs participate in them. Even children take part in the obstacle course.
Are There Any Competitions
OCR competitions are held at various levels, including the world level. In 2025, the largest event, the World Championship, was held in Sweden. Athletes from 140 countries participated in it. In 2026, Ireland will host the tournament.
Obstacle course racing, including the ninja discipline, has been recognized as an official sport in Russia since 2019.
Although ninja sports are not yet a separate Olympic sport, they have already been included in the program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. The ninja course will be part of the modern pentathlon, along with fencing, running, shooting, and swimming. Instead of a competition, athletes will overcome a strip of eight obstacles in ninja style.
Where To Try
There are ninja sports training centers in many large cities in Russia. For safety, the floors are soft, and even children can train under the supervision of an instructor.
If you have zero physical training, start with simple exercises: hanging on a horizontal bar and simple handstands.
You can also train on outdoor playgrounds. To start, hang on the bar for 20-30 seconds. And if your training allows, try to complete the entire handstand in one go.
To avoid injuring your muscles, ligaments, and joints, warm up before training. To protect your palms, it is better to wear sports gloves (professional athletes most often use magnesium). And if you get calluses or wounds, don’t ignore them: they can easily become infected.
Another way to experience the atmosphere of ninja sports is at a rope park. You need to move around and overcome obstacles at a low height. A good mood and a slight adrenaline rush are guaranteed.
