Ninja Classes for Kids
American Ninja Warrior–Inspired Ninja Classes
Is your child ready to climb, jump, and conquer like a real ninja? Our Ninja classes for kids give them a place to channel that energy through obstacle courses, parkour-style movements, and functional fitness challenges.
What Are Ninja Classes?
Our ninja program takes inspiration from American Ninja Warrior–style obstacle courses, reimagined for children of all skill levels. Each class introduces exciting physical challenges, such as climbing walls and monkey bars.
Kids learn body control, coordination, and agility as they leap, climb, and swing their way through courses designed just for them.
Ninja Classes We Offer
At Dominique Dawes Academy, we make ninja training accessible for every age and skill level. Whether your child is taking their first leap or mastering advanced obstacles, our classes grow with them.
Mini Ninjas
Mini Ninjas is a fun and engaging class designed for 3-year-olds to build confidence through obstacle courses and playful activities. Athletes develop strength, coordination, and body awareness while exploring movement in a safe and supportive environment. Every class is structured to keep kids active, learning, and having a blast.
Little Ninjas
Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children, our Little Ninjas program focuses on basic coordination, balance, and fun! Kids navigate safe, age-appropriate obstacle courses while gaining confidence and body awareness. Through playful challenges and encouraging coaches, every class builds the strength and social skills.
Ninja 1
Level 1 introduces the essentials of ninja training—swinging, landing, climbing and more! All students will learn how to move safely while building up their confidence. This level is perfect for all our beginner ninjas, looking to learn new skills on and off the course, and focuses on body awareness, coordination, and building courage for what’s ahead.
Ninja 2
In level 2, students will learn the efficiency of basic moves by working on putting obstacles together into a course. The students will work on grip strength, balance, and lean into more challenging obstacles. Emphasis is placed on strength control—moving with stability rather than speed. It’s all about progressing from basic movement to purposeful control.
Ninja 3
Level 3 introduces advanced obstacles while continuing to gain more strength– focusing on grip, speed and technique. Students also begin working on dynamic laches, learning how to swing and release from bars with precision and confidence. Students will continue to focus on body control and confidence, gearing up for big dynamic moves.
Ninja 4
At Level 4, ninjas develop explosive power through jump training, plyometrics, and rapid movement drills. They’ll practice speed transitions between obstacles, learning how to maintain rhythm while moving efficiently through a course. This level emphasizes quick decision-making, agility, and confidence under pressure.
Junior Ninja & Gymnastics Combo
The Junior Ninja & Gymnastics combo class is the best of both worlds. Your child will have the opportunity to navigate their way through challenging obstacles, then independently explore gymnastics fundamentals in our Junior gym. Children will gain a better understanding of various types of body movement while increasing problem solving abilities, eye-hand coordination and listening skills.
Ninja & Gymnastics Combo
The Ninja & Tumble Combo class is the perfect class for those who want a little bit of everything. After making their way through hanging and balancing obstacles, students will learn basic tumbling & jumping skills in the Recreational Gymnastics gym. This class is a great way to increase strength, agility, balance and overall body control while learning and having fun!
How Kids Progress Through Ninja Levels
Our ninja program follows a structured level system that helps students progress from foundational movements to more advanced obstacles at a pace that’s appropriate for their development. As students advance through the program, they earn level sleeves that recognize their progress. Ninja T-shirts can also be purchased for families who want to show off their Ninja spirit.
Many of the movement patterns introduced in early levels share the foundations of beginner gymnastics. The goal is to help children develop control and coordination before advancing to more challenging obstacles.
| Class | Recommended Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Little Ninjas |
4–5 |
Young children developing basic movement skills and confidence |
|
Ninjas |
6–12 |
Kids who enjoy obstacle courses, climbing, swinging, and athletic challenges |
|
Ninja & Tumbling Combo |
6–12 |
Students interested in ninja obstacles and floor-based tumbling skills |
|
Ninja & Gymnastics Combo |
6–12 |
Children who want a well-rounded mix of ninja training and gymnastics fundamentals |
Which Ninja Class Is Right for Your Child?
Every child brings a different personality and comfort level into class. Finding the right Ninja Warrior classes for your kids is all about creating an experience that’s fun and engaging yet offers opportunities for growth.
Not sure where to start? No problem. Our amazing staff can help you find the class that best matches your child’s age, experience level, and interests.
What to Expect in a Ninja Class at Dominique Dawes Academy
Every ninja class is designed to keep kids moving, learning, and having fun through obstacle courses, parkour-style movements, and functional fitness activities.
A typical class may include:
- Coach-led warm-ups that prepare the body for movement
- Age-appropriate obstacle stations and skill-focused activities
- Skill practice tailored to each student’s level
- Instruction on safe movement and landing techniques
- Opportunities to celebrate progress and learn new skills
- Positive encouragement and teamwork throughout class
As children swing, climb, balance, and navigate obstacles, they naturally develop coordination, grip strength, body awareness, and other skills that support fine motor skills and control as they grow. Obstacle challenges also encourage kids to think through movement patterns and adapt on the fly, supporting many of the cognitive benefits of gymnastics associated with active learning.
Safe, Coach-Led Ninja Training for Kids
Safety features include:
Padded training surfaces
Coach-led instruction and supervision
Age-appropriate obstacle configurations
Safe landing and falling techniques
Progression based on readiness and experience level
Positive coaching that encourages effort and improvement
Benefits of
Social Benefits
Beyond fitness, ninja classes build friendships and teamwork.
Teamwork & Social Interactions
Collaborative courses encourage communication, patience, and leadership as kids learn to work together.
Positive Peer Interactions
With supportive coaches and classmates, every ninja gains social confidence and shared achievement.
While it’s true that our ninja training classes are fun, they also build a foundation for lifelong fitness and focus.
Here’s how our ninja classes can benefit your child:
Physical Benefits
Ninja classes provide a full-body workout disguised as play.
- Improved Strength & Agility: From jumping over padded hurdles to climbing mini walls, kids develop strength and sharpen their agility.
- Enhanced Balance & Flexibility: Activities like our rings and rope swings help kids refine their balance and flexibility.
- Increased Endurance: Ninja classes help boost cardiovascular health and encourage kids to stay active beyond class time.
Mental & Emotional Benefits
Ninja training challenges and improves the body and the mind.
- Confidence & Resilience: Completing new skills helps kids build self-esteem and a “can-do” attitude that carries into school and life.
- Problem Solving & Quick Thinking: Learning how to analyze each course helps kids improve problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Discipline & Focus: Repetition, consistency, and encouragement help kids understand the value of practice and determination.
Ninja Class Training Elements
Our Ninja classes combine three powerful training elements that prepare kids for sports—and life:
Parkour
Parkour teaches students how to move through space freely and efficiently—jumping, climbing, rolling, and vaulting with confidence. Each athlete learns to adapt their movements to different obstacles, enhancing agility and coordination while building creative expression through motion.
Ninja Obstacles
Our Ninja Obstacle courses challenge both the body and the mind! Each challenge encourages problem-solving, as athletes figure out the best way to conquer each station. Every obstacle conquered brings a new sense of achievement and fun.
Calisthenics
Calisthenics forms the foundation of every great ninja athlete. These exercises build the functional movement patterns needed to perform powerful jumps, stable landings, and smooth transitions between obstacles.
Ninja Classes vs. Gymnastics or Tumbling
Ninja Classes
Gymnastics
Gymnastics classes are ideal for children who want to learn structured skills on traditional gymnastics equipment. Students work on progressions that develop skills like coordination and flexibility across multiple events.
Tumbling
Tumbling classes focus specifically on floor-based movement. They help children learn rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, handsprings, flips, and other tumbling skills that can support cheerleading, gymnastics, and other sports.
Why Choose Dominique Dawes Academy’s Ninja Gymnastics?
Founded by Olympian Dominique Dawes
Our academy is proudly founded by three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes, whose mission is to build confident, resilient kids through movement and positivity.
Fun, Skill-Building Classes for All Ages
From preschoolers to teens, we offer programs that inspire kids to move, explore, and grow.
Passionate Coaches with Real Experience
Our instructors are certified in both safety and gymnastics; they are also passionate about helping children discover their full potential.
Designed for Safety, Built for Growth
Every piece of equipment and every class format is designed with child safety as the top priority, allowing every ninja to thrive in a safe environment.
Easy Month-to-Month Memberships
We keep things flexible for families with simple, no-stress membership options that fit your schedule.
Pricing Designed with Families in Mind
Affordable class packages make it easy to get started without long-term commitments.
Ninja Frequently Asked Questions
What skills will my child learn in ninja classes?
Children build confidence, teamwork, and discipline through fun, functional fitness activities that include obstacle courses, parkour-style movements, and calisthenics-based exercises.
Are ninja classes safe for young children?
Yes! Safety is always our top priority. Our facilities are fully padded, and classes are led by trained coaches who provide hands-on supervision.
How are ninja classes different from gymnastics?
While gymnastics emphasizes form and technique, ninja training focuses on movement, problem-solving, and agility. Both build confidence, coordination, and core strength.
Do you offer ninja classes at all academy locations?
Ninja programs are available at all locations including our Clarksburg, Rockville, Columbia, and Ashburn locations.
How do I know which ninja class level is right for my child?
Our staff will assess your child’s age, experience, and confidence to match them with the right class level. We also allow trial classes to ensure the perfect fit.
Can my child try a class before enrolling?
Of course! Families are welcome to schedule a trial class to see if ninja training is the right match before signing up.
Do you offer special programs like ninja birthday parties or camps?
Yes! Many of our locations host themed ninja birthday parties and summer camps that include obstacle courses, games, and fun challenges.
How do I register my child for ninja classes?
Registration is simple. Simply view our locations , select your preferred location, visit the location page, view the class schedule and register for class. Having trouble? Contact us for assistance.
Ready to Sign up, Have Questions or Need Help?
Ready to help your child unleash their inner athlete? Give us a call if you need assistance with registration or have any questions!
