I first met Coach Summer during a Ninja Sport experience shoot, and I was surprised by her petite stature. However, as I watched her demonstrate powerful Ninja Sport moves, effortlessly leaping from one bar to another with agility and precision, I was truly amazed and impressed! Let me introduce the athlete invited by BBOLD: a professional in the exciting new sport of Ninja Sport, where she frequently competes with her team in events around the world.
What’s unexpected is that before becoming a Ninja Sport coach, Summer was actually a weightlifting coach. She has won the women’s division at the Taipei Gymefit Games in 2019, 2023, and 2024, showcasing her exceptional talent. Now, not only is she a professional Ninja Sport coach, but she has also achieved remarkable results in international competitions, including a gold medal in the women’s division at the 2023 Ozone Games in Malaysia, a silver medal at the 2024 Taichung Extreme Fitness Challenge, and completing Stage 1 challenges at the 2024 World Ninja League Championships in the U.S. and the Ninja World Cup in Australia. Summer’s transformation story not only highlights her passion for sports but also the unique allure of Ninja Sport.
From Weightlifting to Ninja Sport
When discussing her shift from weightlifting to Ninja Sport, Summer explained that while both are tests of physical ability and willpower, Ninja Sport places a greater emphasis on “problem-solving skills.” She elaborated, “In weightlifting, the goal is clear: to lift heavier weights. It’s relatively structured, with fixed methods to follow and practice. In contrast, Ninja Sport features varied obstacle designs, allowing everyone to find their own way to overcome challenges. The same obstacle can be approached in different ways by different people.” She added, “This makes it incredibly interesting because you not only need physical strength but also the mental agility to think creatively about how to navigate obstacles.”
The diversity of Ninja Sport obstacles means there’s no single solution. Summer explained, “For instance, with a hanging obstacle, you can choose to power through using strength, or you can use technique to get past it easily. You might even combine both approaches to find the method that suits you best.” This flexibility makes Ninja Sport challenging and encourages participants to continually push their limits.
Team Competitions: Breaking Personal Limits
Unlike the individual nature of weightlifting competitions, Ninja Sport offers more opportunities for team-based events. Summer believes that the greatest benefit of team competitions is the creation of “positive pressure.” She mentioned, “When you compete alone, your success or failure hinges entirely on your self-discipline and state of mind. But when you have teammates, even if you’re not at your best, you’ll strive to persevere for the sake of the team.” She feels that this pressure motivates individuals to challenge their limits.
Summer recalled a memorable team competition experience: “I wasn’t in great shape that day, but seeing my teammates giving their all pushed me to hang in there, and together we completed the competition. This spirit of teamwork is one of the most appealing aspects of Ninja Sport for me.”
Cultivating Courage and Problem-Solving Skills
As a Ninja Sport coach, Summer places special emphasis on training young people. She has observed that children abroad are often more willing to try new things, while those in Hong Kong, due to a more protective educational environment, tend to develop a fear of danger and reluctance to try. She believes, “Cultivating courage and problem-solving skills from a young age is crucial. This not only benefits them in sports but also helps them face various challenges in life.”
At Sasuke Ninja Park, Summer and her team offer professional training programs for children aged four and up. Through a progressive training approach, they aim to build confidence in kids, teaching them how to safely tackle obstacles while developing strong mental resilience in the process.
For Beginners, Courage Comes First
For beginners looking to get into Ninja Sport, Summer advises that understanding the various obstacles is key. Establishing basic safety awareness is essential to avoid injuries. Once they have a foundational understanding, beginners can gradually experiment with different techniques, enhancing their physical abilities while getting to know their bodies better.
Summer points out that the entry barriers to Ninja Sport are not as high as many think: “A lot of people believe you need to be big or strong to participate, but the most important qualities are courage and the right mindset.” She shares, “When I first started, I felt like I couldn’t conquer many obstacles. However, through gradual practice and experience, my confidence grew.” Naturally, those with backgrounds in gymnastics, parkour, or fitness may find themselves more agile and coordinated, allowing them to pick up the sport more quickly. Foundational training in core strength, balance, and coordination is incredibly beneficial for Ninja Sport.
Fearless in International Competitions
In recent years, Summer has achieved remarkable success in international Ninja Sport competitions, continually pushing her own limits. Her accomplishments are helping to raise awareness of Hong Kong’s Ninja Sport athletes, fostering greater recognition of the sport.
“Every time I compete internationally, I encounter top athletes from around the world, which helps me learn new techniques and strategies,” she explains. Although Ninja Sport is still relatively new in Hong Kong, with limited facilities, there are venues like Sasuke Ninja Sport Park, where experienced coaches provide patient and enthusiastic guidance, making the sport accessible to more people. With dedicated practice, anyone can improve and compete in events around the globe.
Looking ahead, Summer hopes to further promote Ninja Sport, inviting more people to understand and participate in this exciting activity. Whether for children or adults, Ninja Sport fosters courage, problem-solving skills, and teamwork—qualities that positively impact their lives and careers.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself and unlock your potential for courage and problem-solving, consider following Summer’s lead and embark on an adventure in Ninja Sport!