Startup cost
$50k–$250k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Ninja Warrior Gym
Decision Snapshot
Ninja Warrior
Idea Score
42
Profit margin
4%
Break-even
18 mo–36 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–12 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Ninja Warrior Gym business - Background
Popularized after the TV series “American Ninja Warrior,” ninja warrior gyms offer obstacle courses and training classes. Customers utilize the facility as a fun way to build strength and get in shape. More serious gym members are there to train competitively in preparation for the national competition.
You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Ninja Warrior business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a ninja warrior gym?
Industry leaders estimate a budget of $50,000 to $250,000, depending upon the size and complexity of the facility.
Initial start-up costs include the following:
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Leasing/purchasing building large enough to comfortably build your obstacles — Gym owners report leasing 11,000 to 30,000 square feet for their gym.
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Becoming an official Ninja Warrior training gym — Ninja Warrior offers three separate packages, with prices ranging from free to $85 per month.
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Official blueprints for obstacles — Can be purchased online and includes schematics, lumber shopping list, cut list, and building instructions. Prices range from $10 to $55.
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Labor and materials for building obstacle — Each obstacle can cost upwards of $600. Some retailers offer starter packs, which will set you back $5,750 to $8,500.
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Mats and other equipment — Mats are $500 a piece. Use the square footage of your facility to determine how many mats are necessary.
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Insurance — Consult with an attorney and/or insurance agent to determine necessary insurance.
What are the ongoing expenses for a ninja warrior gym?
The bulk of the monthly budget will go towards leasing your space and utilities to cool/heat the facility. Prices vary greatly, depending upon location and size of space. Additional expenses, which could run from $3,000 to $10,000 per month include:
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Official Ninja Warrior training expenses
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Insurance
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Marketing
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Hosting events
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Travel expenses
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Continuing education
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Payroll
Who is the target market?
While it is natural to assume the large part of your customer base will be dedicated to their fitness regimen, this is actually not the case. Most ninja gym owners indicate the majority of their revenue is generated from classes, activities, and camps for young children. This is an excellent and safe place for kids to become a part of the show, expending energy and getting fit, in the process.
Your second largest client base will be individuals who are there to build strength in a more social atmosphere. The men often have a climbing or parkour background, while the females’ athletic background is often in dance or gymnastics. The obstacle course layout is a welcome change from their regular conventional gym workouts.
You will also have a consistent number of clients who are fanatics of the show. These athletes are dedicated to their ninja warrior training. Their primary goal is to make it onto the show and win the competition.
How does a ninja warrior gym make money?
Your gym will generate revenue from each customer that comes in to take a class or utilize the facility.
How much can you charge customers?
Fees will vary depending upon the services and amenities offered. An average fee structure would include the following:
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One day/session pass — $15
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Pass for five sessions — $50
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Monthly pass with signed annual contract — $30
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Monthly pass without signed annual contract — $40
How much profit can a ninja warrior gym make?
Successful ninja warrior gyms report an annual revenue of $200,000 to $500,000.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Industry opportunities to increase profits include:
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Host children’s parties
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Summer camp
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Online training videos
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Dedicate a portion of your space for a conventional gym. This will help build a more loyal customer base.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a ninja warrior gym?
To cater to the needs of your clients, your days will be kept to a regular schedule. Daily activities include:
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Fielding phone calls and emails, answering questions for current and potential clients.
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Overseeing tours of the facility for potential clients.
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Ensuring facility remains clean and maintaining obstacle courses.
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Researching the latest fitness trends.
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Following official “Ninja Warrior” activities to ensure your gym offers the best courses to prepare customers training for the show.
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Networking within the community, both on a local and national level.
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Planning, hosting, and participating in events.
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Marketing your business.
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Overseeing and training staff.
Additionally, there are a number of administrative tasks that must be addressed regularly. As the gym starts to build a solid membership base, you may want to add a member to your team who can handle these duties.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful ninja warrior gym?
As a gym owner, it is important that you are passionate about what you do. This passion should shine, motivating your clients to always strive for more. Since your client base will be diverse, you should be able to connect with every age group and personality type.
To meld and balance one’s passion with business successfully is no easy feat. If you are inexperienced with the intricacies of running a business, consider taking a basic business course online or at your local college.
Your customers expect to see physically fit instructors running the facility. They also expect a certain level of knowledge regarding Ninja Warrior competitions, obstacles, and current events. For long-term success, ninja gym owners are urged to become a certified Ninja Warrior training facility.
What is the growth potential for a ninja warrior gym?
As “American Ninja Warrior” continues to grow in popularity, so, too, will ninja warrior gyms. Last year, over 75,000 athletes auditioned for the show. These numbers are expected to grow, offering a unique business opportunity to entrepreneurs dedicated to achieving their goals.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a ninja warrior gym?
Leaders in this industry offer the following tips:
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When designing and installing the course, leave yourself the option to easily remove and replace each obstacle.
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Get your community involved by hosting events. This will only help build your business, as excitement builds and inspires others to train.
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When developing your brand, consider the broad age range you are trying to appeal to. Maintain consistency.
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Stay aware of the latest Ninja Warrior events and obstacle additions.
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Consider the hours your clients keep when building the gym schedule.
How and when to build a team
As classes start to fill up, you will want to add members to your team. Your diverse customer base requires an equally diverse team, comprised of both men and women. All gym personnel should attain first aid and CPR certification.
Part 2 - Is a Ninja Warrior Gym business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Ninja Warrior business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Ninja Warrior Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Ninja Warrior Gym business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.