By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
You know the typical sports of soccer, lacrosse, and baseball, but have you ever heard of Ninja? The American Ninja Warrior? What if we told you Walpole has its very own Ninja?
Griffin Mace is only eleven years old and he will be setting off to North Carolina at the end of June to face his fourth World Championship competition as a ninja. Practicing each week, Mace has developed a passion for ninjas since he was only seven years old. Starting at a day camp to try out ninjas at his gym in Franklin, Mace was quick to pick up Ninja as it was everything he enjoyed doing already so.
“I just thought it was really fun, I love swinging, even before Ninja I was always jumping off things like parkour. I like the competitiveness of it, being able to compete with teammates during NENA and I like WNL too,” said Mace.
Now you may be wondering what even is Ninja? Picture this: the American Ninja Warrior, that might ring a bell, like the television show. It is a timed contest between Ninjas who have to compete against one another, the best of the best to complete a 10 -12 obstacle course, of swinging through the air, gripping onto small ledges, and racing towards the finish platform in just under two minutes. It’s a competition unlike no other, Ninjas test their limits earning themselves top points to qualify for championships. NENA is the North East Ninja Association where all different gyms come together to compete against each other, each team hoping to rise to the top. Whereas WNL, World Ninja League is more individualistic, in which Mace will be competing come June for the World Championship. World’s isn’t just about competing, it’s also about coming together with other Ninjas as well to have fun and try the best they can.
“I’m nervous every year, but I’m excited as well to do my best with my team and stay at the hotel with my teammates and ninja friends we always go to the pool and have fun too,” said Mace.
The age groups vary throughout the Ninja Association, Ninja’s can compete in groups from ages 6-8, 8-9, preteen, young adults, masters- anyone over 40, and elite- anyone over 50. Being a Ninja allows players to have the best of both worlds of either competing individually or competing alongside a team during NENA.
Although Ninja may not be the most common sport, it is an up-and-coming new skill athletes can take on. It is for anyone who wants to try something new and learn new skills. Mace will be competing in the World Championship at the end of June, be sure to support our local Ninja!
