JAMES CITY — Inspired by the popular NBC reality game show “American Ninja Warrior,” three James City County children recently competed in the United Ninja Athlete Association world championships.
Seven-year-old Raygen Slokovitz, along with twins Jacob and Elliott Pinos, also 7, participate in the Ninja Warrior program at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex, known as WISC. The trio advanced to the world finals, which were held July 10-12 in Dallas, Texas. About 2,000 ninjas of various ages worldwide from UNAA, the Federation of International Ninja Athletics and USA Ninja Association competed in the championships.
Ninja Warrior, a program based on “American Ninja Warrior,” involves a series of challenging obstacle courses that test one’s strength, agility and endurance. The WISC program, launched in 2018, is designed for children ages 5 and older, with teens and adults participating as well. The obstacles, which typically involve climbing and swinging off bars and other objects, are switched out every six weeks to keep it fresh and challenging for students.
“Ninja Warriors helps with grip, strength, working the upper body, balance and body awareness,” said Darwin Ignacio, founder and director of WISC’s Ninja Warrior program. “It’s a great development for other sports as well. Kids don’t realize they are getting a workout because they are having fun.”
Raygen started in gymnastics at the WISC but switched to the Ninja Warrior program two years ago after hearing about it from a friend.
“The monkey bars are my favorite,” said Raygen, who is also a wrestler. “I feel like it really makes me stronger.”
Her mother, Mary Slokovitz, said she’s been impressed with the program.
“It’s just like the TV show, but more intense,” Slokovitz said. “The coaches have all been great. Our goal was always to make it to finals. We are very proud.”
Raygen, who also attended last year’s world championships, finished 12th in the FINA Speed contest, 11th in FINA Endurance and made it to the finals in the Ninja vs. Ninja contest, coming in 11th place. Meanwhile, Jacob Pinos came in 8th place in FINA Endurance and 10th place in FINA Speed. In the UNAA event, Raygen came in 37th while Jacob placed 54th.
“The confidence and strength that my boys have gained through Ninja Warriors has been out of this world,” said Adriane Pinos, Elliott and Jacob’s mother. “I also like how the Ninja Warrior community is also very supportive of each other and there to cheer each other on.”
More than 100 students are active with WISC Ninja Warrior, which offers daily evening classes Monday through Thursday. Some participate recreationally, while others, like Raygen, Jacob and Elliott, practice for competition as part of the WISC Ninja Warrior team.
“I love working with these kids so much,” Ignacio said. “They are really committed and focused and really good at what they do.”
Raygen, a student at J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School, also recently advanced to the state championships in wrestling. Besides going to WISC, she also practices at home, where her parents have installed a rock climbing wall, monkey bars, a slide and a wrestling mat. She said she’s already eager to get back on the next obstacle course and prepare for the next world championships, which will be held in Pennsylvania in 2026.
“We had the best time this year,” her mother said. “We bonded with other teammates and she improved a lot from last year. We bought some Ninja equipment to put throughout our home. We can’t wait to train for next year.”
Brandy Centolanza, [email protected]