Wow... Ten seasons of American Ninja Warrior- and it kicks off tonight with our beloved West Coast ninjas throwing down in LA. Hard to believe that this little, once-obscure obstacle course competition has grown into the behemoth we now know. What a decade!
This time of year is always a bit nostalgic for me. When I began my ANW career back in season two- nine years ago!- we ALL competed in LA. There were no other regional qualifiers! Two days of qualifying- and roughly 400 or so ninjas- would produce the top 30, who'd advance on to what was then known as the semi-finals. For the top 15, it was then the revered, infamous, beloved...bootcamp. The 10 survivors would then get the reward nearest and dearest to the heart of most ninjas: a ticket to Sasuke, in Japan, for the finals. With all the crazy ninja talent nowadays throughout this nation, can you imagine if we still had only ONE qualifier? That...would be intense!
My first two seasons, two and three, began right there in Venice Beach. (The regional format began in season four.) In season two I experienced quite the learning lesson during the semi-finals round (read: I got disqualified), whereas season three saw me begin in LA and ride the ninja train all the way to the land of the rising sun. And my...what a ride it was! So with the West Coast region typically kicking it off- the exception being my Atlanta/SE qualifier from season eight- it's easy to understand why not just a bit of nostalgia is stirred within me. The course location has since changed to the Universal Studios backlot, but the overall excitement remains unscathed.
It's remarkable the number of moments that have been created over ten years of this competition: hearts have been inspired, heros have been made, and a generation has been impacted, forever. I expect nothing less from season X. In fact, I would imagine this year will see more spectacular moments than ever before. I know I'm believing that for myself personally- if I get "the call," that is... (There may be a good post about the call "somewhere" but, I digress.)
We all have a platform to help others; it just so happens that for me and the many others in this ninja family, we get the opportunity to do so via running obstacles. Mind = blown. Thankful, is an understatement.
So LA ninjas, it's up to you to kick us off right! As exciting as it is to be that first region- again, I was surprised, and caught off guard, to get that experience two seasons ago- it's also a bit nerve-wracking. Being the first region to compete means you're also the first to see the new flow of the course for the season, complete with any new wrinkles, nuances, and subtleties. Not to mention the overall obstacle scheme taken by production and the masterminds at ATS (the company who designs our diabolical courses.) I guess sometimes the first region feels like guinea-pigs, but someone has to do it... LA ninjas, I know you're up to the challenge!
To all the ninjas getting ready to take on what is sure to be an incredible course, you're also getting the opportunity to start off an historic season on the right foot for the rest of us. You've got this!! There will be veterans and newbies alike sharing the same nerves, spilling the same blood, sweat, and tears, living out victories and...defeats. Together. Every single bit of it helps us grow as people, equipping for life's next challenge and the next opportunity to pour into others: those needing a helping hand or a kind word- and dare I forget, ninja tips?!
Having done this now for nine seasons (this year), this is not to be taken for granted- enjoy it and have a blast! Stay safe, of course, but hold nothing back- be the inspiration you were born to be. Most importantly...hit that buzzer!!
Season X, the ninjas are coming for you.