FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is USA Ninja Official?

Yes! USA Ninja is an affiliate and technical committee of USA Pentathlon Multisport, a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and is recognized by UIPM, the international governing body for the Olympic Sport of Modern Pentathlon and five other multi-discipline sports.

How is USA Ninja run?

As a National Federation(NF), USA Ninja is run by volunteers made up of sport professionals, athletes, medical practitioners and event producers from across the United States. Committee members are nominated by members prior to election at annual general meetings.

Are National Federation committee members paid?

As a not-for-profit organization, all members are volunteers and are not paid. Members are entitled to be reimbursed for expenses if they are pre-approved by the Executive Committee.

Who does USA Ninja support?

USA Ninja’s primary purpose is to support the members and the growth of the sport from the grass roots level through to elite athletes competing at international multisport Games, world, and continental events. USA Ninja is constantly working to reduce barriers to access for the sport and develop programs focused on safety, coaching, and officiating.

What is a National Federation?

A National Federation (NF) is a country's primary organization responsible for administering and promoting a particular sport. It typically:

• Establishes rules and standards for the sport. 
• Organizes national competitions and championships. 
• Develops coaches, officials, and athletes. 
• Represents the country within the sport's international federation.

What is a National Governing Body?

A National Governing Body (NGB) is a U.S.-specific designation for the organization recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the exclusive authority for a sport in the United States.

An NGB is responsible for:

• Governing the sport nationwide. 
• Selecting and preparing U.S. national teams. 
• Managing high-performance athlete development. 
• Conducting national championships. 
• Ensuring compliance with Olympic and Paralympic standards.
• Maintaining athlete safety and governance requirements.  

USA Pentathlon MultiSport (USAPM) is the USOPC-recognized NGB for Modern Pentathlon in the United States.

Will USA Ninja stifle innovation?

No. A goal of USA Ninja is is to encourage the growth, diversity, and innovation in Ninja Sport, along the same guidelines as World Obstacle.  While USA Ninja will develop obstacle guidelines and safety / medical standards for various National Championships, these guidelines will not hinder race organizations innovating obstacles or formats or require them to include restrictive race rules.

Will USA Ninja force race brands and leagues to adhere to strict guidelines?

No. It is our goal that race directors and leagues from across the United States will adhere to health, safety and medical guidelines that benefit all athletes. Competition organizers should continue to operate and innovate new obstacles and competition formats.

There are international guidelines for regional, national, and international championships, part of a long-term strategy for Ninja Sport to achieve medal events at international multisport Games.

What is the history of Ninja Sport?  

1997 Sasuke TV Show Competition, TBS Japan

2006 Sasuke “Ninja Warrior” airs on G4 Network in the USA

2009 American Ninja Warrior (ANW) season 1 in the USA (season 12 in 2020)

2015 Ninja versus Ninja (head-to-head sport version)

2016 NNL championships inaugurated

2016 UNAA championships inaugurated

2017 Team Ninja Warrior (head-to-head mixed relay)

2018 American Ninja Warrior Junior (head-to-head) ages 9-14

2019 Ninja World Championships, Russia “Arena of Heroes” (head-to-head and mixed relay)

2022 Ninja World Cup series kicked off in Manila, Philippines

2022 Ninja speed format adopted by UIPM to replace equestrian in the new Pentathlon format

2023 Ninja World Cups in 5 countries

What will the sport look like in the future?

USA Ninja is working to ensure that Ninja Sport continues to include the things we love about the sport. This is an innovative sport inclusive of all abilities and ages with a thriving community.

How can USAN help me?

As a member-based nonprofit, USA Ninja exists to represent the needs of the athletes. Please sign up to become a member and recommend USA Ninja membership to your friends. You can get further involved by joining a committee and help shape the sport.

What is the Difference between a World Cup and a National Championships?

A National Championships is the highest level competition run in a country to identify the best athletes in that country. World Series, World Cups, and World Championships (any event with "world" in the title) are international events for the purpose of competition between national teams of individuals representing their country.