It began in Japan as the series "Sasuke " and was known in the U.S as "American Ninja Challenge." Now, in its eighth season, "American Ninja Warrior" (ANW) has become a favorite among many, and for good reason. It's the sport for non-sport people, and an event even the biggest sports-lovers enjoy it. If you're not watching ANW, here are seven reasons why you should.
1. The Hosts
Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila are two of the best hosts on TV today. They definitely don't take themselves seriously, crack as many jokes and bad puns as possible while the contestants are running the course, and really just have a good time. They say the darndest things, and there's even a fan-run twitter account for the things Akbar says, known as "Akbarisms."
2. Motivation
The biggest part of ANW is the motivation. The people competing are insanely motivated, whether by personal struggles or just the challenge of becoming an American Ninja Warrior. Not only that, but the people competing motivate those watching. Whether they motivate the fans at home to just get up off the couch and work out or inspire them to run the course, ANW is full of motivation.
3. The Backstories
Motivation is usually told through contestants backstories; which definitely ropes you into rooting for new contestants. Michael Stanger, for instance, a rookie in season seven, runs for his wife and two daughters. His wife, Enedina, has a rare genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos syndrome, which causes her joints to dislocate easily, even though she is not wheelchair bound. Before Michaell ran in season eight, both his daughters were diagnosed with the same condition. Because he runs for them, he had some of the most emotionally powerful runs in season seven.
4. Diversity
ANW is the most diverse competition of modern sports! While the minimum age to run the course is 21, there is no maximum age and there is a strong group of people over the age of 50 who compete. Chuck Mammay is the old contestant, being a 72-year-old war vet. The contestants also come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny five-foot Kacy Catanzaro, to the internet sensation James Carter (aka stronglikejames). From professional football players to Olympic athletes, and even one-legged pro wrestler Zach Gowen, contestants range from stock brokers to rock climbers, race car drivers to stay-at-home parents, and everything in between. ANW truly embodies diversity and encourages people from all walks of life to try their hand at the course.
5. Unity
Just as important as diversity, is the support of the ANW community. Every person in the ANW community is extremely supportive, cheering on every contestant as they run, and feeling their pain when they fall on an obstacle. No one running the ANW course is ever put down, even if they don't make it past the first obstacle.
6. Female Power
"A woman's place is on top of the Warped Wall." This became a popular saying during season seven of ANW, a year after Kacy Catanzaro made history. In the 2014 Dallas Qualifiers, she became the first woman to make it up the 14-foot Warped Wall. The same season, two other women, Michelle Warnky and Meagan Martin, also made it up the Warped Wall. Since then, countless women have been inspired to train for ANW and run the course, reminding us that yes, girls can run with the boys.
7. The T-Rex
Under the 'everything in between' list of careers for contestants, T-Rex is one of them. Yes, an actual Tyrannosaurus Rex ran the course in Atlanta this season. Spoiler: he fell on the fourth obstacle, but he got back on the course to make it up the Warped Wall.
American Ninja Warrior is the perfect show for everyone. A great mix of humor, competition, and inspiration, ANW reminds each of us that anything is possible with a little hard work and a positive attitude.
