The Ninjas Way

Ally Johnson, Jake Marshman, Charlie Mitchell
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to "The Ninjas Way," a one-of-a-kind podcast where the worlds of business and athletics meet the exciting realm of the Ninja industry. Tailored for business-minded individuals, sports enthusiasts, coaches, and parents of aspiring young ninjas, our show delves into a rich blend of topics. From insightful business strategies and inspiring athlete stories to innovative coaching techniques for kids and overcoming life's obstacles – we cover it all.

  1. Ep. 37 Lynn Ledford

    JAN 14

    Ep. 37 Lynn Ledford

    Families quit because of THIS… and gym owners don’t realize it. What started as one kids program grew into multiple thriving businesses across gymnastics, swim, dance, ninja, and early childhood. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, I sit down with Lynn Ledford, founder of Cali Kids and creator of Sweet Peas Gymnastics, to break down what it actually takes to build programs families stay with for years. From retention and early childhood strategy to evaluations, marketing, and community building, Lynn shares decades of insight from scaling sustainable, people-first kids programs. 🎧 In this episode, we cover.. 00:00 From law to kids programs 02:59 Why retention isn’t cheaper but is more controllable 04:19 How starting kids young creates a massive long term advantage 13:41 How to design a real journey instead of just filling classes 16:51 Why showcases, branding, and community matter more than most realize 20:42 What makes programs truly sticky inside and outside the gym 25:57 The hidden drop off points gym owners accidentally create 29:47 Why evaluations and leveling up can trigger cancellations 33:37 How marketing the outcome, not the activity, changes everything 37:42 Summit and learning from the best 41:02 Sweet Peas Gymnastics and early childhood licensing 📍 Learn more Summit Event: https://thesummiteducation.com/ Sweet Peas Gymnastics: https://sweetpeas.com/become-a-licensee/ Cali Elite Kids Programs: https://calelite.com/

    44 min
  2. Ep. 36 USA Ninja Challenge with Dale Grant and Robin Ann

    11/25/2025

    Ep. 36 USA Ninja Challenge with Dale Grant and Robin Ann

    From a small idea inside a gymnastics gym… to the largest ninja franchise in the world 🥷🔥 USA Ninja Challenge didn’t begin with a business plan or a corporate strategy. It started with a problem no one in gymnastics could solve: Boys were quitting the sport in huge numbers… and no one knew how to keep them. That single question “How do we keep boys in the gym?” sparked an experiment that reshaped an entire industry. What began as a way to keep kids engaged evolved into a movement one that would grow into USA Ninja Challenge, now the fastest-expanding kids ninja franchise in America. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, we uncover: How Ninja emerged from inside traditional gymnastics Why the first standalone Ninja gym sold out almost instantly The moment franchising became inevitable How 40+ locations scaled with zero debt And why Ninja is becoming the home for kids who never quite fit traditional sports You’ll hear how the program evolved from a simple set of obstacles… to a full-blown curriculum, level system, skill tracker, and national competitive pipeline.. all built around community, growth, and giving kids a place to belong. This isn’t just a franchise story. It’s the story of how a small idea became a national movement shaping the future of Ninja as a sport. Learn more about USA Ninja Challenge here- https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising

    46 min
  3. Ep. 35 F.I.N.A. Federation of International Ninja Athletics

    10/28/2025

    Ep. 35 F.I.N.A. Federation of International Ninja Athletics

    What started as a mission to serve athletes first has grown into one of the most community-driven and coach connected leagues in ninja sport today. In this episode, I sit down with Jen Miller and Kyle Vidovic, co-owners of FINA (Federation of International Ninja Athletics), to explore the story behind the league that’s rewriting the competition experience for athletes, gym owners, and families. From personal phone calls and comp-day support to a brand-new adaptive program in the works, Jen and Kyle aren’t just organizing competitions they’re investing in the future of ninja. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: 00:46 – How FINA was born from a parent’s passion 05:22 – Why personal connection still matters in youth sports 08:50 – What it means to be a FINA Partner Gym 18:40 – What’s coming for Season 7 (and why it’s different) 20:22 – What to expect at your first FINA comp 30:54 – Season 7 highlights + exciting new changes 35:45 – Building the adaptive program and opening new doors 👟 Want a league that puts people first? 💬 Interested in how to host FINA comps at your gym? 🎯 Looking for an inclusive, connected, and coach-supported league? 📍 Learn more: https://fina.ninja/

    42 min
  4. Ep. 34 Jeff Metzger with Small Business Bootcamp

    10/04/2025

    Ep. 34 Jeff Metzger with Small Business Bootcamp

    From a church basement… to America’s largest privately owned kids sports center 🥷🏗️ He started with three nights in a rented room and one rule.. never retreat, grow even by 1%. Five decades later, Kids First spans 184,000 sq ft, serves 25,000 weekly visits, and is the playbook gym owners travel to learn. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Jeff reveals the 1% growth theory that quietly compounds, and how owning your real estate (in the right demographics) can transform your wealth and your sleep. He also breaks down the leadership shift from hub-and-spoke control to true delegation, why mistakes are mandatory for growth, and how core values and open-book management turn teams into owners of the outcome. In this Episode 👇🏻 03:13 Building Kids First Sports Center 08:00 Philosophy on Growth and Real Estate 21:12 Evaluating and Expanding Programs 32:22 Decentralization and Business Growth 35:22 Allowing Room for Failure 39:47 Introduction to Small Business Bootcamp 43:10 Core Strategies for Business Success 49:56 The Importance of Core Values 55:16 Transparency and Open Book Management I’ll be in Ohio with Jeff for Small Business Bootcamp Nov 13th-17th for total immersion, all-inclusive, and laser-focused on building a generational business. Email info@metzkerbootcamp.com or visit https://metzgerbootcamp.com/

    59 min
  5. Ep. 33 Julie Gelsinger with Pop and Hold and Ninja Logic

    08/30/2025

    Ep. 33 Julie Gelsinger with Pop and Hold and Ninja Logic

    The hidden lessons of gym ownership and the surprising story behind Pop and Hold’s fully customized mission. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Julie Gelsinger shares what most gym owners overlook when it comes to creating a thriving ninja community from the importance of first impressions to building lasting buy-in from families. She also reveals the unexpected way Pop and Hold began, and why its mission is centered on fully customized holds and awards designed for the unique needs of each gym. What started as one creative spark has grown into a brand equipping gyms, athletes, and parents with tools that educate, inspire, and train. In this Episode 👇🏻 00:24 Julie's Background and Career 00:49 Starting the Ninja Gym Journey 04:31 Lessons in Gym Ownership & Community Building 17:06 Educating the Community about Ninja 22:31 The Birth of Pop and Hold 31:44 Involvement with WNL 37:11 Future of Ninja Competitions 42:17 Balancing Life and Business Learn more about Pop and Hold here- https://www.ninja-logic.com/shop

    45 min
  6. Ep. 33 Mike Cook and UBW

    08/09/2025

    Ep. 33 Mike Cook and UBW

    From the brink of suicide… to building the most beloved ninja competition in America 🥷✝️ When Mike Cook lost over million and nearly ended his life, he never imagined God would give him a mission that would unite the ninja world. What started as a few obstacles in his backyard has grown into Ultimate Backyard Warrior (UBW) one of the most faith fueled, community driven competitions in the sport. In this episode of The Ninjas Way Podcast, Mike opens up about the lowest point of his life, the exact moment God stepped in, and how that led to a mission that combines high level ninja competition with a platform to bring people to Christ. You’ll hear how UBW evolved from a homemade course to a professional gym experience, the generosity and support that shaped its growth, and the strategies that keep sponsors and athletes coming back year after year. In this Episode 👇🏻 00:30 Mike Cook’s Journey to Ninja Warrior 18:48 The Birth of UBW Competitions 25:42 Future Plans for UBW 28:12 Building a Community of Young Ninjas 34:33 From Backyard to Professional Gym 39:36 Memorial Day Competitions and Future Plans 46:14 Sponsorship Strategies and Success Stories Learn more about UBW here- https://www.facebook.com/ubwfit/

    53 min
  7. Ep. 32 Reece O'hara and the Ninja Connect Conference

    08/02/2025

    Ep. 32 Reece O'hara and the Ninja Connect Conference

    What happens when a preschool gymnastics coach goes all-in on ninja? Reece Ohara helped transform Queen City Ninja from a side program into a thriving 500+ student department, and now he’s leading the charge to bring the industry together with Ninja Connect. The very first ninja specific industry conference happening Aug 22-24th. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a successful ninja program from the ground up, why most gyms stumble early, and the intentional pivot that changed everything for his team. We also dive into the power of business analytics, investing in your staff, and how Ninja Connect was born to give gym owners and program directors the tools they’ve been missing. 🎧 In this episode.. 00:32 Reese's Journey into Ninja 03:06 The Pivot to Full On Ninja Program 05:22 Growth and Success of Queen City Ninja 06:49 Training and Connecting with Coaches 08:12 Ninja Connect Conference 16:15 Importance of Business Analytics ➡️ Want to Join Reese and I with other top industry leaders in person? Join us Aug 22–24 in Cincinnati for Ninja Connect. 🎟️ Info + tickets: https://www.kidsfirstsports.com/ninja-connect Join our free facebook group for Ninja tips and tricks for owners and managers 👇🏻 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ninjagymacademysimplesolutions

    36 min
  8. Ep. 31 Justin Conway World Ninja Sport

    07/26/2025

    Ep. 31 Justin Conway World Ninja Sport

    Justin Conway wasn’t looking to build a business, he just wanted to train like the athletes he saw on G4 with his son. But when there were no ninja gyms, no obstacles, and no community… he built it himself. From late-night ninja sessions in his apartment to launching World Ninja Sport, Justin’s journey is a blueprint for dreamers who start with what they have. We talk training, business, DIY builds, and the community that’s grown around his vision. In this episode 👇🏻 02:11 The Birth of World Ninja Sport 02:26 Competing on American Ninja Warrior 04:20 Evolution of Ninja as a Sport and Industry 20:08 World Ninja Sports: Mission and Services 21:25 Building Safe and Effective Ninja Gyms 22:33 Common Mistakes in Home Ninja Builds 31:20 The Impact of Ninja on My Life

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Ninjas Way," a one-of-a-kind podcast where the worlds of business and athletics meet the exciting realm of the Ninja industry. Tailored for business-minded individuals, sports enthusiasts, coaches, and parents of aspiring young ninjas, our show delves into a rich blend of topics. From insightful business strategies and inspiring athlete stories to innovative coaching techniques for kids and overcoming life's obstacles – we cover it all.

Information

  • Creator
    Ally Johnson, Jake Marshman, Charlie Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Ninjas Way