American Ninja Warrior-styled competition headed to Westchester with 'Grit Ninja Games'

Participants can perform depth-defying stunts on an obstacle course and show off athletic prowess when the first-ever Grit Ninja Games comes to Westchester in May.

Registration is open for the games, styled after the hit NBC show American Ninja Warrior, which take place Saturday, May 18 at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.

The games are created by Alison and Eric Meltzer, owners of the Grit Ninja obstacle gyms in Pleasantville, Long Island, Norwalk, Connecticut and Paramus, New Jersey.

What is a grit ninja?

They opened their first gym in Pleasantville in 2019 and offer obstacle-based fitness classes and an open gym for both kids and adults. They say obstacle course-based fitness builds "strength, coordination, agility, balance, problem-solving skills, self-confidence" and of course, grit.

Grit Ninja also offers a mobile class program called "Grit on the Go", which works with schools and parks and recreation departments in the New York metro area.

“We are so excited to bring The Grit Ninja Games to Croton Point Park and show the larger Westchester community the fun and excitement that the growing sport of ninja has to offer," the founders said in a news release. "We are looking forward to the excitement of having top ninja athletes race against each other in a brand new 4-lane format, while also providing fun and active experiences for the whole family to enjoy!”

Who can compete?

Children and adults ages nine and up are able to compete in several tournaments based on age divisions. Children ages 9 and 10 will compete in the youth division, 11- and 12-year-olds will be placed in the preteen division, ages 13 and 14 will be in the teen division and all other competitors 15 and over will compete in the elite division.

Four lanes of 200-foot-long, professionally designed obstacle course will be set up, allowing competitors to complete the course side by side. Each competitor is guaranteed two rounds but will compete in more if they advance. Each competitor can also choose their lane and heat for their first round.

Competitors can also appoint a coach, who is allowed with them in the warm-up and general competitor waiting areas.

Aspiring ninjas will be able to meet American Ninja Warrior contestants like Daniel Gil, Vance Walker, Isaiah Thomas, and Isabella Wakeham for meet and greets during the games.

There will also be food trucks, beginner ninja obstacle courses for those who are not ready to compete, and a professional ninja competition for spectators.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The Grit Ninja Games is a great way for families to come out and support each other, local vendors and spend time outdoors at the park. I’m excited to welcome The Grit Ninja and all participants to the County and Croton Point Park for the first-ever Grit Ninja Games.”

When are the Grit Ninja Games?

The first annual Grit Ninja Games will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Croton Point Park, 1A Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 19.

Parking is $10 per car, with or without a Westchester County Parks pass. Competitor tickets are $85. Spectator tickets for each division are $10 each. Each division requires a separate ticket.

For more information about the games, visit the Grit Ninja Games website. For more information about the obstacle gym, click here.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: American Ninja Warrior-styled competition headed to Westchester NY