American ninja challenge
Encyclopedia
American Ninja Challenge was a nationwide competition sponsored by G4
to send a number of American citizens to Japan to compete in the hit TV show Ninja Warrior. This competition has been held since Sasuke
19 (the 19th competition).
and Olivia Munn
broadcast a competition to ninja aspirees everywhere to create a video
displaying their 'ninja moves'. Hundreds of people sent in submissions, and six finalists were selected. Through various competitions in America, the two winners were chosen; Collin Bell from Washington and Brett Sims from North Carolina
went to Japan. They then participated in the Ninja Warrior Sasuke
tournament.
; martial artist Joe Simonsen from West Islip, New York
; Freerunner Brian Orosco from San Francisco, California
; Rick Seedman from New York City, New York; freerunner Levi Meeuwenburg from Ann Arbor, Michigan
; and Mark Witmer from Minneapolis, Minnesota
.
These six finalists then went to a US Navy training camp, where they competed on a marine training obstacle course. In '1v1' challenges, three of the six competitors were eliminated. Once there were three challengers left, they competed on an improvised course consisting of several of the new Ninja Warrior's most difficult obstacles.
The winner, Levi Meeuwenberg, cleared it in 45 seconds, followed by Brian Orosco at 1:12 and Russelis Perry in third place at 1:16.
, who has reached the third stage in past Ninja Warrior competitions. Paul trained them in strategies and tactics to quickly and successfully defeat some of the trickier obstacles of Ninja Warrior. Afterward, they headed to Japan, where they enjoyed Japanese culture and met for a dinner with Ninja Warrior's all-stars, including Makoto Nagano
, the winner of the 17th Ninja Warrior tournament. Some other all-stars they met were: Shingo Yamamoto, gas station manager, and firefighter Toshihiro Takeda, who has reached the third stage more than any other competitor.
, and freerunner/stuntwoman Luci Romberg (the first woman to qualify) of Valley Village, California. These winners joined American Ninja Challenge 2 winner Levi Meeuwenberg and both hosts from Attack of the Show!
, Olivia Munn
and Kevin Pereira
to compete. In Japan, they have the ultimate experience, along with training at Muscle Park, a scaled-down version of the Sasuke course located in a section of shopping mall called "Muscule Park".
Note: Adam Laplante returned as an alternate to compete in Sasuke
26 in Japan for the injured Levi Meeuwenberg who broke his wrist during practice-runs in Jump City Seattle.
to create a licenced version of Sasuke titled American Ninja Warrior, with contestants from the United States and all play-by-play commentary in English.
G4, working in conjunction with Pilgrim Films & Television
, held open tryouts on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30. Additionally, participants submitted entry videos through G4 to Pilgrim Films, and certain contestants were called to schedule a specific tryout on one of the two days.
The selected entrants were selected to compete on August 31 to retain their spot, going into September 1, to narrow the field down to the final 10 competitors. Those finalists were then selected by G4 to compete on Sasuke
23 (the 23rd competition) in Japan later that month. The six-episode series premiered on December 12, 2009.
and wrestler Henry Cejudo. 15 competitors competed in the challenge, 5 were eliminated, and 10 headed to Japan.
Challenge #1: Cinderblock/Bungee - tested competitors strength and endurance by carrying 25 pound cinder blocks while strapped to a bungee cord across the sand to a massive tire, setting them up in pyramid formation.
Challenge #2: Obstacle Course - the course featured three stages: 1. army crawl under a cargo net. 2. pick up a barrel and carry it while walking a log without falling off. 3. stepping through a set of tires.
(Ninja Warrior) 23:
TV and ran until December 23, 2010. The first two stages were hosted by Matt Iseman
and former MMA
fighter and Bellator
announcer Jimmy Smith
. In the qualifying round of the quarter-finals, 300 competitors tried to complete the course in the shortest time to advance to the semi-finals where they attempted to take on an extended course and were narrowed down to 15 finalists. These competitors had a chance to run the Ninja Warrior course in Japan at Mt. Midoriyama in the season finale, where they competed for $250,000 and a chance to be the first "American Ninja Warrior".
The final 10 competitors saw how far they could get on American Ninja Warrior on the Sasuke Ninja Warrior course in Japan and were allowed to go on to Sasuke
26 which aired on January 2, 2011, where they tried to be the first American to achieve "total victory" to be "grand champion" and win the title of "Ninja Warrior".
The semi-finalists are divided into 3 teams: Red Dragons (headed by Travis Furlanic), White Tigers (Levi Meeuwenberg), and Blue Monkeys (Adam Truesdell).
In the order the competitors were given their American flag "colors" (bandanas):
Note: Adam Laplante returned as an alternate to compete in Sasuke
26 in Japan for the injured Levi Meeuwenberg who broke his wrist during practice-runs in Jump City Seattle.
and a chance to be the first "American Ninja Warrior".
The final 10 competitors saw how far they could get on American Ninja Warrior on the Sasuke Ninja Warrior course in Japan and were allowed to go on to Sasuke 27 which aired on August 22, 2011, where they tried to be the first American to achieve "total victory" to be "grand champion" and win the title of "Ninja Warrior".
The semi-finalists are divided into 3 teams: Red Dragons (headed by Ryan Stratis), White Tigers (Chris Wilczewski), and Blue Monkeys (Paul Kasemir).
In the order the competitors were given their American flag "colors" (bandanas):
G4 (TV channel)
G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
to send a number of American citizens to Japan to compete in the hit TV show Ninja Warrior. This competition has been held since Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
19 (the 19th competition).
Ninja Fest: The Selection Process (2006)
G4's Attack of the Show hosts Kevin PereiraKevin Pereira
Kevin Pereira is co-host of G4's Attack of the Show! .-Biography:While in high school, Pereira hosted Pointless Audio under the pseudonym Captain Immy...
and Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn
Lisa Olivia Munn is an American comedic actress, model, television personality and author. She began her career being credited as Lisa Munn. Since 2006, she has been using the name Olivia Munn personally and professionally....
broadcast a competition to ninja aspirees everywhere to create a video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
displaying their 'ninja moves'. Hundreds of people sent in submissions, and six finalists were selected. Through various competitions in America, the two winners were chosen; Collin Bell from Washington and Brett Sims from North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
went to Japan. They then participated in the Ninja Warrior Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
tournament.
Deciding the Ninjas: Ninja Fest 2 (2007)
Once the videos were sent in, six finalists were chosen. The six finalists were: Russelis Perry (aka "Blackie Chan") from Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. It is situated on Fountain Creek and is located south of the Colorado...
; martial artist Joe Simonsen from West Islip, New York
West Islip, New York
West Islip is a hamlet and CDP, located in Suffolk County, New York, USA. Situated on the south shore of Long Island, the population of the CDP was 29,907 at the time of the 2000 census.-Geography:West Islip is located at ....
; Freerunner Brian Orosco from San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
; Rick Seedman from New York City, New York; freerunner Levi Meeuwenburg from Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Washtenaw County. The 2010 census places the population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 344,791 as of 2010...
; and Mark Witmer from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
.
These six finalists then went to a US Navy training camp, where they competed on a marine training obstacle course. In '1v1' challenges, three of the six competitors were eliminated. Once there were three challengers left, they competed on an improvised course consisting of several of the new Ninja Warrior's most difficult obstacles.
The winner, Levi Meeuwenberg, cleared it in 45 seconds, followed by Brian Orosco at 1:12 and Russelis Perry in third place at 1:16.
The Trip to Japan
Levi and Brian, prior to leaving for Japan, met with U.S. Olympic athlete and Ninja Warrior competitor Paul TerekPaul Terek
Paul Anthony Terek is an American Olympic decathlete. He graduated from Livonia Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan. His personal best in decathlon is 8312 points, achieved in July 2004 in Sacramento at the United States Olympic Trials. Terek won the bronze medal and was placed on the United...
, who has reached the third stage in past Ninja Warrior competitions. Paul trained them in strategies and tactics to quickly and successfully defeat some of the trickier obstacles of Ninja Warrior. Afterward, they headed to Japan, where they enjoyed Japanese culture and met for a dinner with Ninja Warrior's all-stars, including Makoto Nagano
Makoto Nagano
is a commercial fisherman and the captain of his vessel, and musician. He is regularly seen on the Japanese television show Sasuke where he is one of the "SASUKE All-Stars," a group of favored competitors who possess the greatest potential in completing the four grueling obstacle courses of Ninja...
, the winner of the 17th Ninja Warrior tournament. Some other all-stars they met were: Shingo Yamamoto, gas station manager, and firefighter Toshihiro Takeda, who has reached the third stage more than any other competitor.
Ninja Fest 3 (2008)
The third American Ninja Challenge contest by G4 wrapped up in August 2008, and aired as part of November 12, 2008. Viewers got to vote for their favorite competitors and the top three would be picked and flown directly to Japan to compete in Sasuke 21. The three winners were Brian Orosco (who qualified with a different video), gymnast Mark Witmer of Minneapolis, MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
, and freerunner/stuntwoman Luci Romberg (the first woman to qualify) of Valley Village, California. These winners joined American Ninja Challenge 2 winner Levi Meeuwenberg and both hosts from Attack of the Show!
Attack of the Show!
Attack of the Show! is an American live television program shown weeknights on G4, G4 Canada and Fuel TV in Australia. The program is hosted by Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey...
, Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn
Lisa Olivia Munn is an American comedic actress, model, television personality and author. She began her career being credited as Lisa Munn. Since 2006, she has been using the name Olivia Munn personally and professionally....
and Kevin Pereira
Kevin Pereira
Kevin Pereira is co-host of G4's Attack of the Show! .-Biography:While in high school, Pereira hosted Pointless Audio under the pseudonym Captain Immy...
to compete. In Japan, they have the ultimate experience, along with training at Muscle Park, a scaled-down version of the Sasuke course located in a section of shopping mall called "Muscule Park".
American Ninja Warrior/Challenge winner results at Sasuke (Ninja Warrior)
| Collin Bell | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 1-Winner | 19th | 87 | First |
|
| Levi Meeuwenberg | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 2-Winner | 20th | 1989 | Failed Cliff Hanger | Third |
| Invitation based on bids | 21st | 99 | Failed Salmon Ladder | Second |
| Invitation based on bids | 22nd | 91 | Failed Slider Jump | First |
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#2 Finalist | 23rd | 95 | Failed Cliff Hanger | Third |
| unknown | 25th | 48 | Failed Slider Drop | Second |
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | n/a | Did Not Compete | Injured |
| Brian Orosco | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 2-Runner-Up | 20th | 1945 | Failed Flying Chute | First |
| American Ninja Challenge 3-Winner | 21st | 75 | Failed Salmon Ladder | Second |
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#1 Finalist | 23rd | 73 | Failed Unstable Bridge | Second |
| Invitation to Return | 25th | 69 | Failed Doorknob Grasp | Third |
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 92 | Failed Roulette Cylinder | Third |
| Mark Witmer | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 3-Winner | 21st | 50 | Failed Log Grip | First |
| Luci Romberg | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 3-Winner | 21st | 35 | Failed Halfpipe Attack | First |
| Invitation to Return | 22nd | 63 | Failed Jumping Spider | First |
| David Campbell | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Challenge 4-Winner | 22nd | 50 | Failed Rope Ladder | First |
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Winner | 26th | 84 | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 98 | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| Travis Furlanic | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#3 Finalist | 23rd | 44 | Failed Jumping Spider | First |
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 82 | Failed Balance Tank | Second |
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 71 | Failed Metal Spin | Second |
| Paul Darnell | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#4 Finalist | 23rd | 43 | Failed Halfpipe Attack | First |
| Rich King | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1 #5 Finalist | 23rd | 42 | Failed Unstable Bridge | Second |
| Participated through New Zealand | 25th | 79 | Failed Log Grip | First |
| Caine Sinclair | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#6 Finalist | 23rd | 41 | Failed Rope Ladder | First |
| Shane Daniels | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#7 Finalist | 23rd | 34 | Failed Tarzan Rope | First |
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 83 | Failed Rope Ladder | First |
| Geoff Iida | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#8 Finalist | 23rd | 35 | Failed Warped Wall | First |
| Joop Katana | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#9 Finalist | 23rd | 33 | Failed Slider Jump | First |
| Rick Huelga | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 1-#10 Finalist | 23rd | 32 | Failed Slider Jump | First |
| Patrick Cusic | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 60(?) | Failed Rolling Escargot | First |
| Adam Truesdell | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 72(?) | Failed Giant Swing | First |
| Evan Dollard | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2 Finalist | 26th | 73(?) | Failed Rolling Escargot | First |
| Adam Laplante | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 59(?) | Failed Halfpipe Attack | First |
Note: Adam Laplante returned as an alternate to compete in Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
26 in Japan for the injured Levi Meeuwenberg who broke his wrist during practice-runs in Jump City Seattle.
| Brent Steffensen | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 74(?) | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 79 | Failed Metal Spin | Second |
| Paul Kasemir | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 2-Finalist | 26th | 61 | Failed Doorknob Grasper | Third |
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 89 | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| Ryan Stratis | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 63 | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| Travis Rosen | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 78 | Failed Metal Spin | Second |
| James McGrath | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 57 | Failed Ultimate Cliffhanger | Third |
| Drew Drechsel | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 54 | Failed Warped Wall (Incomplete Due To Injury) | First |
| David Rodriguez | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 66 | Slider Drop | Second |
| Jake Smith | Competition | Order # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Ninja Warrior 3-Finalist | 27th | 53 | Failed Salmon Ladder | Second |
Hosts and Announcers for G4
| Kevin Pereira Kevin Pereira Kevin Pereira is co-host of G4's Attack of the Show! .-Biography:While in high school, Pereira hosted Pointless Audio under the pseudonym Captain Immy... |
Competition | # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack of the Show Host | 21st | 40 | Failed Log Grip | First |
| Olivia Munn Olivia Munn Lisa Olivia Munn is an American comedic actress, model, television personality and author. She began her career being credited as Lisa Munn. Since 2006, she has been using the name Olivia Munn personally and professionally.... |
Competition | # | Obstacle | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack of the Show Hostess | 21st | 27 | Failed Sextuple Step | First |
| Attack of the Show Hostess | 22nd | 40 | Failed Circle Hammer | First |
Obstacles in American Ninja Warrior Qualifiers
| ANW | Qualifying Round | Semi-Finals | |||||||
| 1 | Quad Steps | Rope Swing | Spinning Log | Spider Walk | Pipe Slider | Warped Wall | Tarzan Rope | Jumping Bars | Rope Ladder |
| 2 | Quad Steps | Rope Swing | Bridge of Blades | Spider Walk | Jumping Bars | Warped Wall | Salmon Ladder | Circle Slider | Rope Ladder |
| 3 | Quad Steps | Log Grip | Bridge of Blades | Jump Hang to Cargo Net | Jumping Bars | Warped Wall | Salmon Ladder | Unstable Bridge | Rope Ladder |
American Ninja Warror
The popularity of the American Ninja Challenge led G4G4 (TV channel)
G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
to create a licenced version of Sasuke titled American Ninja Warrior, with contestants from the United States and all play-by-play commentary in English.
American Ninja Warrior (2009)
The first season of the licensed production was recorded in 2009. The competition was filmed in Los Angeles, California from August 29 through September 1, 2009.G4, working in conjunction with Pilgrim Films & Television
Pilgrim Films & Television
Pilgrim Films & Television is a television production company based in Sherman Oaks, California. It was founded in 1997 by Craig Piligian. It is best known for producing reality television shows for the Discovery Channel.-Television series:...
, held open tryouts on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30. Additionally, participants submitted entry videos through G4 to Pilgrim Films, and certain contestants were called to schedule a specific tryout on one of the two days.
The selected entrants were selected to compete on August 31 to retain their spot, going into September 1, to narrow the field down to the final 10 competitors. Those finalists were then selected by G4 to compete on Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
23 (the 23rd competition) in Japan later that month. The six-episode series premiered on December 12, 2009.
Opening
Narrator:Training Challenges
The final round called "training challenges" was held on the beach and tested the competitors strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Judging the competition are two former U.S. Olympicians: decathlete Paul TerekPaul Terek
Paul Anthony Terek is an American Olympic decathlete. He graduated from Livonia Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan. His personal best in decathlon is 8312 points, achieved in July 2004 in Sacramento at the United States Olympic Trials. Terek won the bronze medal and was placed on the United...
and wrestler Henry Cejudo. 15 competitors competed in the challenge, 5 were eliminated, and 10 headed to Japan.
Challenge #1: Cinderblock/Bungee - tested competitors strength and endurance by carrying 25 pound cinder blocks while strapped to a bungee cord across the sand to a massive tire, setting them up in pyramid formation.
Challenge #2: Obstacle Course - the course featured three stages: 1. army crawl under a cargo net. 2. pick up a barrel and carry it while walking a log without falling off. 3. stepping through a set of tires.
2009 Finalists
Competitors going on to SasukeSasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
(Ninja Warrior) 23:
| Order # | Finalist | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Levi Meeuwenberg | Failed | Third | Shin Cliffhanger |
| 2 | Brian Orosco | Failed | Second | Unstable Bridge |
| 3 | Travis Furlanic | Failed | First | Jumping Spider |
| 4 | Paul Darnell | Failed | First | Half-Pipe Attack |
| 5 | Rich King Rich King Richard Thomas King is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1st round of the 1991 NBA Draft out of the University of Nebraska. A 7'2", 260-lb... |
Failed | Second | Unstable Bridge |
| 6 | Caine Sinclair | Failed | First | Rope Ladder |
| 7 | Shane Daniels | Failed | First | Trazan Robe |
| 8 | Geoff Iida | Failed | First | Warped Wall |
| 9 | Joop Katana | Failed | First | Slider Jump |
| 10 | Rick Huelga | Failed | First | Slider Jump |
American Ninja Warrior 2 (2010)
On August 7, 2010 filming began for the second season in Venice Beach, California that took place over the course of four days. The eight-part season premiered on December 8, 2010 on G4G4 (TV channel)
G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
TV and ran until December 23, 2010. The first two stages were hosted by Matt Iseman
Matt Iseman
Matthew C. "Matt" Iseman is an American comedian, actor, and television host, who began his career as a physician.- Early life and medical career :...
and former MMA
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
fighter and Bellator
Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Fighting Championships is a mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States. "Bellator", which is Latin for "Warrior", is organized into seasons with each event hosting the rounds of championship knockout tournaments for three-five weight divisions.-History:In its first season,...
announcer Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith (fighter)
Jimmy Smith is an American mixed martial arts fighter. He is the co-host of the television show Fight Quest, with Doug Anderson, on the Discovery Channel. He was primarily trained in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.- Early life :...
. In the qualifying round of the quarter-finals, 300 competitors tried to complete the course in the shortest time to advance to the semi-finals where they attempted to take on an extended course and were narrowed down to 15 finalists. These competitors had a chance to run the Ninja Warrior course in Japan at Mt. Midoriyama in the season finale, where they competed for $250,000 and a chance to be the first "American Ninja Warrior".
The final 10 competitors saw how far they could get on American Ninja Warrior on the Sasuke Ninja Warrior course in Japan and were allowed to go on to Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
26 which aired on January 2, 2011, where they tried to be the first American to achieve "total victory" to be "grand champion" and win the title of "Ninja Warrior".
Opening
Narrator: "This is Mt. Midoriyama in Japan. More than 1,500 feet of metal, mud, and pain. Over the past 13 years, 2,500 competitors have apptempted to conquer this most punishing of obstacle courses. Only three have ever succeeded: Kazuiko Akiyama, Nagano Makoto, and Urushihara Yuuji. No American has achieved "total victory", but this elite group may change all that."Ninja Warrior Boot Camp
This season, 30 challengers will advance to the next stage and out of those, 15 semi-finalists will move on to a competition of team challenges at the "Ninja Warrior Boot Camp" located in the remote mountains of California. Hosted by Matt Iseman.The semi-finalists are divided into 3 teams: Red Dragons (headed by Travis Furlanic), White Tigers (Levi Meeuwenberg), and Blue Monkeys (Adam Truesdell).
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Furlanic | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Balance Tank) |
| 2 | David Campbell | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 3 | Thomas Hall | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 4 | Brent Steffensen | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 5 | Paul Kasemir | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Doorknob Grasper) |
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Levi Meeuwenberg | White Tigers | Did Not Compete (Injured During Training) |
| 2 | Adam Laplante | White Tigers | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Half-Pipe Attack) |
| 3 | Rich King | White Tigers | Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 4 | Ryan Cousins | White Tigers | Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 5 | Shane Daniels | White Tigers | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Timed Out On Final Platform) |
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Truesdell | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Giant Swing) |
| 2 | Patrick Cusic | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Rolling Escargot) |
| 3 | Brian Orosco | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Roulette Cylinder) |
| 4 | Evan Dollard | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Rolling Escargot) |
| 5 | Dorian Cedars | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
In the order the competitors were given their American flag "colors" (bandanas):
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brent Steffensen | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| 2 | Travis Furlanic | Red Dragons | Failed | Second | Balance Tank |
| 3 | Paul Kasemir | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Doorknob Grasper |
| 4 | David Campbell | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane Daniels | White Tigers | Failed | First | Final Platform (Timed Out) |
| 2 | Levi Meeuwenberg | White Tigers | Traveled to Japan | -- | Did Not Compete (Injured During Training) |
| alt | Adam Laplante | White Tigers | Failed | First | Half-Pipe Attack |
Note: Adam Laplante returned as an alternate to compete in Sasuke
Sasuke (TV series)
Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
26 in Japan for the injured Levi Meeuwenberg who broke his wrist during practice-runs in Jump City Seattle.
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Orosco | Blue Monkeys | Failed | Third | Roulette Cylinder |
| 2 | Patrick Cusic | Blue Monkeys | Failed | First | Rolling Escargot |
| 3 | Adam Truesdell | Blue Monkeys | Failed | First | Giant Swing |
| 4 | Evan Dollard | Blue Monkeys | Failed | First | Rolling Escargot |
American Ninja Warrior 3 (2011)
On May 12, 2011 filming began for the third season in Venice Beach, California that took place over the course of four days. The eight-part season premiered on July 31, 2011 on G4 TV and ran until August 22, 2011. The first two stages were hosted by Matt Iseman and former MMA fighter and Bellator announcer Jimmy Smith. In the qualifying round of the quarter-finals, 300 competitors tried to complete the course in the shortest time to advance to the semi-finals where they attempted to take on an extended course and were narrowed down to 15 finalists. These competitors had a chance to run the Ninja Warrior course in Japan at Mt. Midoriyama in the season finale, where they competed for a chance to win a $500,000 endorsement deal with K-SwissK-Swiss
K-Swiss, Inc. is an American footwear company based in Westlake Village, California. The company designs, develops, and markets a range of athletic shoes under the K-Swiss brand.- History :...
and a chance to be the first "American Ninja Warrior".
The final 10 competitors saw how far they could get on American Ninja Warrior on the Sasuke Ninja Warrior course in Japan and were allowed to go on to Sasuke 27 which aired on August 22, 2011, where they tried to be the first American to achieve "total victory" to be "grand champion" and win the title of "Ninja Warrior".
Opening
Narrator: "This is Mt. Midoriyama in Japan. More than 1,500 feet of metal, mud, and pain. Over the past 14 years, 2,600 competitors have attempted to conquer this most punishing of obstacle courses. Only three have ever succeeded: Kazuiko Akiyama, Nagano Makoto, and Urushihara Yuuji. No American has achieved "total victory", but this elite group may change all that."Ninja Warrior Boot Camp
This season, 30 challengers will advance to the next stage and out of those, 15 semi-finalists will move on to a competition of team challenges at the "Ninja Warrior Boot Camp" located in the remote mountains of California. Hosted by Matt Iseman.- Michael "Frosti" Zernow injured himself during training and was unable to compete, so Jake Smith replaces him in Boot Camp.
The semi-finalists are divided into 3 teams: Red Dragons (headed by Ryan Stratis), White Tigers (Chris Wilczewski), and Blue Monkeys (Paul Kasemir).
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Stratis | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 2 | David Campbell | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 3 | Travis Rosen | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Metal Spin) |
| 4 | James McGrath | Red Dragons | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 5 | Alan Connealy | Red Dragons | 4th Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Wilczewski | White Tigers | 2nd Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 2 | Brent Steffensen | White Tigers | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Metal Spin) |
| 3 | Brian Orosco | White Tigers | 5th Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 4 | Drew Drechsel | White Tigers | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 1 (Warped Wall, Incomplete Due To Injury) |
| 5 | David Rodriguez | White Tigers | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Slider Drop) |
| Pick # | Semi-Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Kasemir | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 3 (Ultimate Cliffhanger) |
| 2 | Travis Furlanic | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Metal Spin) |
| 3 | Jake Smith | Blue Monkeys | Eliminated in Japan, Stage 2 (Salmon Ladder) |
| 4 | Brandon Douglass | Blue Monkeys | 3rd Eliminated in Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
| 5 | Dustin Rocho | Blue Monkeys | 1st Eliminated In Boot Camp (Heavenly Ropes) |
In the order the competitors were given their American flag "colors" (bandanas):
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Kasemir | Blue Monkeys | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| 2 | Travis Furlanic | Blue Monkeys | Failed | Second | Metal Spin |
| 3 | Jake Smith | Blue Monkeys | Failed | Second | Salmon Ladder |
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James McGrath | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| 2 | Ryan Stratis | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| 3 | David Campbell | Red Dragons | Failed | Third | Ultimate Cliffhanger |
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brent Steffensen | White Tigers | Failed | Second | Metal Spin |
| 2 | David Rodriguez | White Tigers | Failed | Second | Slider Drop |
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Rosen | Red Dragons | Failed | Second | Metal Spin |
| Order # | Finalist | Boot Camp Team | Outcome | Stage | Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Drechsel | White Tigers | Failed | First | Warped Wall (Injured) |
See also
- American Ninja WarriorAmerican Ninja WarriorAmerican Ninja Warrior is a spin-off of Sasuke. It began on December 12, 2009 in Los Angeles, California, with the top 10 competitors moving on to compete at Mount Midoriyama in Japan...
- SasukeSasuke (TV series)Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries....
- Kunoichi (Women's version of Sasuke)Kunoichi (TV series)was a women's obstacle course competition held in Japan and broadcast on the Tokyo Broadcasting System. It is a spin-off of Sasuke, another obstacle course series. Kunoichi is different from Sasuke in that the competitors are exclusively female.-Participants:Participants compete for a prize of 2...
- Kinniku BanzukeKinniku Banzukea.k.a. Unbeatable Banzuke was a weekly Japanese television program and the premier sports entertainment variety show of the Tokyo Broadcasting System . Its successors were and . They succeeded by Muscle Musical...
(known in America as Unbeatable Banzuke) - Viking: The Ultimate Obstacle CourseViking: The Ultimate Obstacle Course, sometime abbreviated to Viking: TUOC, is a Japanese obstacle course endurance game show using an obstacle course produced by Fuji TV and Monster9. The English version of Viking is produced by ESPN2 with two American commentators calling the action. In Europe it airs on Eurosport 2 with the...
- Pilgrim Films & TelevisionPilgrim Films & TelevisionPilgrim Films & Television is a television production company based in Sherman Oaks, California. It was founded in 1997 by Craig Piligian. It is best known for producing reality television shows for the Discovery Channel.-Television series:...
- G4 (TV Channel)G4 (TV channel)G4, also known as G4 TV, is an American cable- and satellite-television channel originally geared primarily toward young adult viewers, originally based on the world of video games...
External links
- Ninja Warrior on G4
- Levi Meeuwenberg Website of Ninja Warrior Levi Meeuwenberg