By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Jake’s Take is thrilled to welcome Wolfpack Ninjas co-founders Ian Dory and Dr. Noah Kaufman to the website.
The Wolfpack Ninjas are made up of the top ninjas and parkour athletes from across the country and made appearances on the popular NBC television show American Ninja Warrior. Their mission is to make the world healthier one kid at a time. Through the Wolfpack Ninja Tour, the ninjas travel across the country to inspire athletes of all ages. They do it through their small-group training classes and give them the opportunity to work with their favorite ninjas.
In addition to touring, the Wolfpack Ninjas also deliver educational and inspirational messages through their YouTube channel and podcasts. On the weekend of February 16, the Wolfpack Ninjas will travel to the New York City area to appear at the New York Open. The Wolfpack Ninjas team are scheduled to perform demonstrations, meet-and-greets, and clinics.
In this edition of A Conversation, Ian and Dr. Noah shared the Wolfpack Ninjas’ origin story. They also talked about overcoming the challenges that the organization faced, and previewed the Wolfpack Ninjas’ upcoming trip to the New York Open.
Jacob Elyachar: Could you please share the Wolfpack Ninjas’ origin story with my readers?
Ian Dory: The Wolfpack Ninjas was started as an elite training group that was focused on completing the hardest obstacle course in the world. After the Wolf Pack took down the mountain (American Ninja Warrior’s Mount Midoriyama), our focus shifted to helping inspire our fans and future ninjas. The Wolfpack is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity and diabetes. One in three kids overweight and seven in ten adults overweight we have committed ourselves to inspire others to take control of their health. The Wolfpack Ninjas are inspiring the next generation of ninjas through obstacle racing and training.
Jacob Elyachar: How has the Wolfpack Ninjas community grown?
Dr. Noah Kaufman: It has been incredible. It’s exponential! There are year-round events and several Ninja-founded organizations that are trying to partner with large companies. They are also trying to get real sponsorships and turn this TV phenomenon into a real sport. Which it is not currently. The TV show is up to “producer discretion” so rules change on the spot, and the only true sport of Ninja exists in grassroots events.
Jacob Elyachar: What are some of the challenges that the organization faced? How did the Wolfpack Ninjas organization overcome those obstacles?
Dr. Noah Kaufman: I would say that the American Ninja Warrior Experience was a challenge. They aggressively tried to compete with us and steal Ninjas out of contracts. In the end, the event was poorly run, and the organizers failed. We stayed together as a Ninja family and meandered our way through that one.
Jacob Elyachar: Let’s talk about Wolfpack Junior. Why did the organization decide to create this subgroup? Do you believe it led to the creation of American Ninja Warrior Junior?
Ian Dory: (Laughs) It is indeed a perfect fit as the Wolfpack is all about inspiration and motivation. However, I am not sure that I would credit American Ninja Warrior Junior to us, but I am sure we helped it along.
Dr. Noah Kaufman: I have no idea if American Ninja Warrior Junior was started because of Wolfpack Junior, but we were definitely here first. We created this club to incentivize kids to get healthier. Sadly, we have not had as much traction with it as we would like.
Jacob Elyachar: On the weekend of February 16 and 17, the Wolfpack Ninjas will be at the New York Open. Could you describe to my readers how did that opportunity present itself?
Ian Dory: The New York Open is the chance get on a professional quality ninja course and just have fun. The Wolfpack is flying in many of the top ninjas from around the world to teach classes and inspire ninjas of all ages. If you have ever wanted to get on a ninja course or see what it is all about this is the perfect opportunity to join the community.
Dr. Noah Kaufman: It is going to be incredible! The Wolfpack Ninja Pros are coming to Long Island. We are bringing a perfect course for kids! Come check it out!
Jacob Elyachar: What can ninja fans expect from this event?
Ian Dory: Fans can expect to meet and greet with some of the best ninjas in the world as well as play on a world-class obstacle course. There is also an opportunity for a VIP experience as well as classes for all ages and skills. This is a Tennis and Ninja calibration!
Jacob Elyachar: Both parkour and ninja training have experienced a plethora of growth over this decade. In your humble opinions, where do you see the evolution of the sport and ninja training?
Dr. Noah Kaufman: Ninja gyms are becoming ubiquitous and once a true sport is established, coaches will train specifically for difficulty or speed, whichever way the sport goes first. There will be specialists.
Ian Dory: Motivation and fun are fueling the desire for this kind of sport and I would only expect that to grow, when you feel good you want to stay that way and the only way to do that is by taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Obstacle course racing and training is fun and different, the functionality carries into all parts of your life which is extremely useful.
Jacob Elyachar: If you had the opportunity to meet with people who are struggling with their fitness journeys and want to turn to ninja training, what advice would you share with them?
Dr. Noah Kaufman: Join a gym and join the community! Except for the climbing community, I have never before seen such a supportive and kind community that lifts each other up and encourages lasting improvement! Find a gym nearby and get to work!
Ian Dory: My advice is to think about what you want and think about what you want to do with the time you have. You need to set your goals so that when you wake up in the morning you are excited about the day, excited about your life. To stay motivated you really need to have goals that excite you and that you are willing to sacrifice for. If you can put passion into your goals you will be setting yourself up for success.
For more information about the Wolfpack Ninjas organization, visit the website! You can also buy tickets for the Wolfpack Ninjas’ visit to the New York Open by clicking here.
You can also connect with the Wolfpack Ninjas on social media. Visit their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube channels.
