Child 1 Age 6 - 8 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Ninja Warrior
Child 2 Age 4 - 6 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Ninja Warrior
(5) Overall experience
My kids had never tried Ninja Warrior before and this was the first gym they had ever attended that has Ninja Warrior obstacles. We first went to the gym on a weekend and they got to try out all of the obstacles. They were very excited to try new things and were very proud to complete some of the obstacles. There is a good variety of obstacles at the gym and the staff were very friendly during our first visit. Since that visit my kids loved it so much that I enrolled them in the Adventure Club and Advanced Ninja class in 2023. Since then my kids have progressed to the Rising Ninja class and the Competitive Ninja Team. They train weekly at the gym and attend various Ninja competitions which are held at the gym and at other gyms in the GTA. My kids are very happy and proud when they can complete a new obstacle and learn that training pays off. They love trying all the new obstacles as the obstacles are always changing on a weekly basis. Unlike other sports, my kids have never said they don’t want to go to the Ninja gym. I am so happy that we found this gym because it has become a big part of our lives, from the kids being active on a regular basis, learning life lessons, and meeting new friends. As a parent, I also started training at the gym doing Ninja Warrior which has made me realize that you can do anything you want to do. It just takes some training and consistency. From not being able to do the monkey bars at all to being able to complete more complicated obstacles I am very proud of my achievements. Ninja Warrior instills a large sense of accomplishment for the kids and adults who participate in the sport. I would recommend this gym specifically to anyone of any age to try something new and exciting as they have obstacles for any level of experience and lots of different programs for all ages and abilities. The facility is also very clean and large and the staff are very approachable and friendly.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
My son first became aware of the sport when he was watching American Ninja Warrior on TV and he said “When can I do that Mom?” I found the Steel Peak gym online after a search for Ninja Warrior gyms and we went to check it out and the kids loved it. I signed up the boys a few months later for two different programs, the Adventure Club (4-5-year-olds) and Advanced Ninja Class (as he had some experience doing obstacles by this point and had started doing some Ninja competitions). The programs were definitely something different compared to regular sports but the kids found them exciting and never boring. The coaches were always very engaging and positive with the kids. The cost may be a little higher than regular sports but I believe it is worth the price. The programs also come with a gym membership which means the kids can come anytime and go on the Ninja course or do some rock climbing (rental shoes are included in the fee).
(5) Program quality and activities
The program quality is very good. The coaches are very attentive and make sure all the children get involved and participate equally. The kids stay engaged throughout the whole class and definitely do not get bored like in some other sports. The Adventure Club includes Ninja Warrior and Rock climbing so my son enjoyed trying out both which helped him decide once he turned six years old which sport he would like to continue with. The lessons also change every week so it’s always fun and exciting for the kids.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My kids definitely made a lot of new friends throughout the various classes they attended and have even brought some of their existing friends to the gym. Although the sport of Ninja is a person doing the obstacles by themselves the kids have learned to cheer on and support their fellow ninjas and work as a team to learn new obstacles. There are some team activities that the kids do in class which bring them closer together and get them to work toward a common goal. If any bullying occurs, as kids will be kids, the coaches would address the problem right away with the child and make them aware that in the class everyone is included and gets a fair chance to try things. Also, if there are any incidents, the kids are informed as a group that negativity and putting other kids down is not acceptable and the kids would listen.
(5) Skills and growth
My kids have gained a tremendous amount of skills from the classes. Mainly if you put the work into something you will see results and that dedication pays off. Also, a solo sport can be very inclusive, and trying new things can be fun. They have gotten over some fears of heights and gained confidence in their daily lives. My younger son was very afraid of heights and over time he has gotten a lot more comfortable. He was never pushed past his limit and the coaches would be very encouraging and supportive of his choices of how high he would go on the climbing walls. My older son has also done many Ninja competitions now which can be stressful for some and over time he has definitely become more confident in his everyday life from doing Ninja and the competitions.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff are very friendly and the coaches in the classes are very supportive and encouraging to the kids. The kids really liked all of the coaches in all of their classes. In each class the coaches would not change so it was a nice consistency for the kids where the coaches and kids got to know each other. The staff is also very approachable so if there are any concerns or feedback they are very receptive. The management team is also amazing, they are very friendly and always want to ensure that the kids/parents are happy and that the environment is safe for the kids. The staff regularly remind the kids not to run under the climbing walls when there is someone climbing. Also, the staff go over all the safety rules when someone first attends the gym.
(5) Advice and tips
I would recommend anyone to try this gym and any of the programs they have to offer. They have program trial classes for the kids so it is something they can try out before making a commitment. It is definitely something new and exciting for kids to do. You never know, maybe the kids will find a new sport that they want to continue with and you may as well!
