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The Way of the Ninja

The Way of the Ninja

By Kadeem Aarons

The Way of the Ninja - Ninja Warrior has become a global phenomenon and personally changed my life.

I Want to share how it has helped myself and others in life and give you performance hacks to be a better ninja 😊

Make sure you SUBSCRIBE if you haven't and if you want to help support the podcast and help us grow, please considering becoming a Patreon member today!

patreon.com/52ninja

get 10% off at Ozigrip using kadeem10 ozigrip.com.au

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Currently playing episode

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 9: ANW National Finalist - Philip Scott

The Way of the NinjaDec 23, 2019

00:00
01:25:29
Ninja Warrior AU is coming back...so is the podcast!

Ninja Warrior AU is coming back...so is the podcast!

Sorry for such a long hiatus! I've been studying and needed a break from it all. With Ninja Warrior AU coming back on soon I'll be bringing the Roundtable conversations back! Will be good to get a few ninjas on and discuss the season!
Jun 10, 202102:36
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 37: Ninja Warrior Germany Finalist- Joel Mattli

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 37: Ninja Warrior Germany Finalist- Joel Mattli

Hey everyone! Great episode for you today with my friend Joel Mattli from Switzerland!  Joel has competed on several versions of Ninja Warrior in Germany & Switzerland.


We discuss Joel's experiences and the differences between the European Ninja Warrior franchises which I always find interesting to hear how they do things. Hope you enjoy!


Remember if you want to get Ninja strong then you need to get Ozigrip! you can get 10% off using my code kadeem10. If you want to support the podcast you can become a Patreon member today!

Feb 08, 202101:03:39
I am coming back

I am coming back

What was meant to be a short break has turned into 7 weeks! I do apologise 😬 these podcasts to take quite some time to make and with life being so busy, I was loosing time and started loosing motivation. But I will keep going!
Feb 06, 202102:22
2020 Podcast Wrap Up

2020 Podcast Wrap Up

Last episode for the year, will drop my next interview in the new years. Thank you all for your support! It's a big year for the podcast with some great guests and first sponsor Ozigrip! Which you can get 10% using my code kadeem10. Merry Christmas & Happy new years!
Dec 24, 202004:31
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 36: Managing Parkinson's & Ninja - Jimmy Choi

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 36: Managing Parkinson's & Ninja - Jimmy Choi

Hello Everyone! I have a fascinating episode for you with Jimmy Choi! Jimmy is a 4 x American Ninja Warrior and was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's Disease at the age of 27.


After years of denial, weight gain and a fall with his child due to loss of motor control, he decided to a make a change. Since then Jimmy has become apart of Team Fox with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and has run in many marathons as well as competed on American Ninja Warrior.


He also holds 2 Guiness world records and continues to defy the odds! Hope you enjoy this one :) You can support Jimmy's latest fundraising efforts for Parkinson's Disease here. Get Ninja strong with Ozigrip! get 10% using my code kadeem10. Support the podcast by becoming a Patreon member today!

Dec 17, 202001:08:07
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 35: How to Create an Entertaining Persona - Chad Flexington

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 35: How to Create an Entertaining Persona - Chad Flexington

What's going on everyone? Great episode for you today with Chad Flexington who real name is Ben Udy. We talk about his journey to Ninja Warrior and how he came up with the Chad Flexington persona.


I really enjoyed this chat because Ben really shows that you don't just have to just have a story, you can create something that provides entertainment. If you go down that road, you want to make sure you got the goods to do well too! We also talk a bit at the end about nutrition and how Ben stays so jacked! Hope you enjoy this one :)


Get Ninja strong with Ozigrip! Visit ozigrip.com.au and get 10% using my code kadeem10. Want to support the podcast? Become a Patreon member today!

Dec 13, 202001:37:22
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 34: The Moustache Ninja - Lucio Battista

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 34: The Moustache Ninja - Lucio Battista

what's going everyone!  Great episode for you today with my friend Lucio Battista! He is a 2 x American Ninja Warrior with a killer moustache! He is currently the world champion for his division in the World Beard & Moustache Championship.


We chat about his ninja journey and moustache journey which I think it's important to remember to have other interest too outside of ninja which is something I'm trying to work on. Hope you enjoy! Remember if you want to get super strong remember to checkout Ozigrip! you can get 10% using my code kadeem10. If you would like to support the podcast, become a Patreon member today!

Dec 05, 202001:33:13
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 33: National Finalist - Joe Capo

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 33: National Finalist - Joe Capo

What's going on everyone!  Great episode today for you with Joe Capo! We talk about his journey from gymnastics into Ninja, competing, managing mindset and how he trains so he's always ready for new obstacles. Hope you Enjoy!


Want to get ninja strong and get 10% off doing so? Go check out Ozigrip! Use my code kadeem10 at checkout. Want to support the podcast? Become a Patreon member today!

Nov 28, 202001:32:28
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 32: 2 x ANW Jr Champion - Vance Walker

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 32: 2 x ANW Jr Champion - Vance Walker

What's going on everyone? Great episode for you today with Vance Walker! He is the only competitor on the 2 seasons of American Ninja Warrior Junior to win back to back which is super impressive! 


We talk about how he got into ninja and how the format of ANW jr. Vance was actually one of a few teens at the age of 15 to be selected to compete on Ninja Warrior season 12 but fell through due to Covid. I really enjoyed this episode, it's crazy how talented these kids are!


Ozigrip are releasing a Mystery box for black Friday so get over there website quick! There will only be 50 available. Ozigrip.com.au. Discount code won't apply but use code kadeem10 for anything else in store! Support the podcast by becoming a Patreon member today!

Nov 20, 202001:03:27
Getting Ready for Ninja Auditions

Getting Ready for Ninja Auditions

Hey everyone! Quick one from me about Ninja Warrior Auditions in Australia! They are around the corner 😬 I talk about how the they have progressed over the years and what to look out for in the physical test.
Nov 12, 202009:25
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 31: Mindset Really Matters - Jessica Helmer

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 31: Mindset Really Matters - Jessica Helmer

What's going on everyone? I have a great episode for you today with Jessica helmer who competed for her first time on this current season of American Ninja Warrior!


This is a really important episode I believe because her story really reinforces what I've been saying about mindset and why the pros are pros. We talk about her ninja journey and how she felt leading up to filming, her performance and what she has learnt from that experience to become even better.


You never know if you'll get a 2nd chance on Ninja Warrior so having the lessons she has learnt BEFORE going on is really important if you actually want to do well and come back for more seasons. Hope you enjoy it! Get Ninja Strong with Ozigrip using my code kadeem10. Want to support the podcast and help me out? become a Patreon member today!

Nov 11, 202001:03:20
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 30: ANW National Finalist - Abby Clark

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 30: ANW National Finalist - Abby Clark

What's going on everyone! Great episode today with Abby Clark! She is an awesome ninja from the US who has competed on a few seasons of Ninja Warrior.  Was great hearing how she discovered ninja and her journey and how she approaches training and the show. I hope you enjoy!


Build superior grip strength with superior grip equipment. get 10% off at Ozigrip.com.au using my code kadeem10! Want to support the podcast? Become a Patreon member today!

Nov 02, 202001:13:47
How to Create a Ninja Application Despite Covid

How to Create a Ninja Application Despite Covid

What's going on? Just a quick thought I had. I've spoken to some people who really aren't sure about how to create a story about their lives during this pandemic. Everyone has been in a same boat to an extent so it's going to be hard to stand out. I give my 2 cents on how to make something from nothing. Hope it helps!
Nov 02, 202008:19
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 29: Barbados Ninja Throwdown - Delano Hinds
Oct 28, 202052:54
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 28: ANW competitor - Karen Sabo
Oct 14, 202001:22:04
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 27: The Phoenix - Najee Richardson
Sep 27, 202001:45:14
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 26: ANW 12 - Nick Hanson

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 26: ANW 12 - Nick Hanson

What's going on everyone? Great episode for you today, bringing Nick Hanson The Eskimo Ninja back on! We met, of course, leading up to the start of the season back in March which was postponed due to Covid but with some work from the network, they managed to pull off a modified season! 


Nick and I catch up on what's been happening and discuss his epic run this season which if you haven't seen, click here! Nick has also been doing charity work in the meantime with the Break the Bicycle campaign so if you want to check that out and support them, click here! 


 Remember, grip strength is important for Ninja Warrior! If you want to take things to the next level, Ozigrip is the way to go! Use my code kadeem10 at checkout. If you want to support the podcast, please become a Patreon member!

Sep 23, 202001:16:38
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 25: The Deadly Ninja - Jack Wilson
Sep 12, 202001:10:33
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 24: Co-host of American Ninja Warrior - Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
Sep 09, 202001:20:29
AU Ninja Warrior Season 4 Total Victory Roundtable: Ben, Zak & Charlie
Aug 21, 202001:44:39
Inspired to Apply for Season 5 of Australia Ninja Warrior? Please listen!
Aug 09, 202010:33
AU Ninja Warrior Season 4 Eps 4 Roundtable: Charlie, Bryson, Fred, Jordy, Rainer, Matt & Rob
Aug 03, 202001:14:14
AU Ninja Warrior Season 4 Eps 3 Roundtable: Sam & Matt
Aug 02, 202048:39
AU Ninja Warrior Season 4 Eps 2 Roundtable: Ben, Olivia, Sarah & Raphaela
Aug 01, 202001:37:47
AU Ninja Warrior Season 4 Eps 1 Roundtable: Ashlin, Zak, Dan & Troy
Jul 31, 202043:16
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 23: The German Beastmaster - Max Sprenger
Jul 09, 202001:00:04
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 22: From Cancer to Ninja - Tash Sergi
Jul 02, 202053:25
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 21: The Ultimate Beastmaster - Corbin Mackin

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 21: The Ultimate Beastmaster - Corbin Mackin

What's up people! I'm bringing you an awesome episode today. Corbin Mackin is a 3 x Competitor on Ninja Warrior UK and the winner of Season 3 of the "Ultimate Beastmaster" on Netflix. Corbin served in the British Army, seeing in action in Afghanistan with the 3 Commando Brigade. 

This is an amazing story of redemption and what it takes to overcome adversity. If you haven't watched it already, go on Netflix and watch! 

Jun 25, 202002:14:55
The Obstacle that is Covid 19: Blessing or Curse?

The Obstacle that is Covid 19: Blessing or Curse?

Hello everyone! Hope you are well and have enjoyed the podcast so far! I will putting out some new interviews over the next few weeks. I wanted to talk about the Obstacle of Covid 19; was it a blessing for you or a curse?
Jun 19, 202006:24
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 20: Strength is Ageless - Virginia Maccoll

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 20: Strength is Ageless - Virginia Maccoll

What's going on everyone? Hope you are well! I took a break from the podcast but really happy to bring you this one! Ginny Maccoll Is a American Ninja Warrior who after seeing her daughter, Jessie Graff, crushing it in the ninja world, wanted to be able to do a pull-up at the young age of 65! 

Ginny has had a very interesting life and it was a pleasure chatting to her about her early years, training and the importance of setting goals no matter what your age is! Hope you enjoy this one :) 

May 28, 202001:04:18
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 19: The Ninjababes - Cara Poalillo

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 19: The Ninjababes - Cara Poalillo

Awesome episode for you today! We have Cara Poalillo from the Ninjababes Podcast. Cara is a 2 x American Ninja Warrior and an advocate for women empowerment. We discuss her journey of getting into Ninja Warrior and how it's changed her life! Lots great tips for the ladies :) Hope you enjoy!

May 01, 202052:17
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 18: National Finalist - Mady Howard

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 18: National Finalist - Mady Howard

What's up everyone? Today I have the impressive Mady Howard on the podcast! Mady debuted on American Ninja Warrior last season and made it all the way to the National Finals in Vegas. Mady's composure and aerial awareness makes her super exciting to watch! We talk all things ANW about how she felt as a woman coming into the sport, preparing for the show and how she deals with pressure. Hope you enjoy! 

Apr 28, 202040:23
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 17: The Backyard Ninja Kids

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 17: The Backyard Ninja Kids

What's up people? Hope everyone is well! I have gotten my first Ninja family on the podcast! Ben & Jason are were both on season 1 American Ninja Warrior Junior and their father Scott debuted on Season 11 of American Ninja Warrior making all the way to Vegas! It was great getting the kids perspective on their experience with the junior version on the show and how ninja has brought them together. Hope you enjoy! 

Apr 24, 202001:20:29
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 16: The Fan Favourite - Jake Murray

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 16: The Fan Favourite - Jake Murray

What's up everyone! Hope you all are continuing to survive quarantine :) I managed to catch up with 5 x American Ninja Warrior Jake Murray who was meant to compete with me in LA. Jake always has something crazy he pulls out on the course and is known for making amazing entrances, then backing that up with serious athleticism. 

Apr 17, 202053:04
Secrets of Ninja Eps 15: The Eskimo Ninja - Nick Hanson

Secrets of Ninja Eps 15: The Eskimo Ninja - Nick Hanson

Wow, 30th podcast episode published,  15 ninjas interviewed and over 1200 downloads.  Happy to make this one as part of the milestone. Nick Hanson, the Eskimo Ninja is a 5 x American Ninja Warrior competitor coming all the way From Alaska and was the first person in history to conquer the 18ft Mega wall! We talk about growing up and training in Alaska, competing in World Eskimo Indian Olympics and much more! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Apr 03, 202001:14:29
Secrets of the Ninjas Eps 14: The OG Ninja - Ryan Stratis

Secrets of the Ninjas Eps 14: The OG Ninja - Ryan Stratis

What's up everyone! Hope you all are surviving quarantine! It's been hard to get training in while being stuck at home, but luckily I can get more podcasts done! 

Ryan Stratis is one of 4 ninjas in America to compete on every season of American Ninja Warrior. Ryan and I discuss his past in the Military and how 11 years of Ninja Warrior has shaped him. 

Enjoy! :) 

Mar 29, 202057:34
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 13: Being Short and Dominating - Tyler Yamauchi

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 13: Being Short and Dominating - Tyler Yamauchi

An awesome live podcast episode I recorded while in America with Tyler Yamauchi! Tyler is a 5 x American Ninja Warrior and has been the shortest male competitor coming in at 5'1". He still to this day is the shortest person ever in American Ninja Warrior history to clear stage 1 in Vegas. In Testing for Season 10, he was 1 of only 2 athletes to clear stage 2. We talk about being smaller than most competitors and what it takes to still crush. Hope you enjoy! 

Mar 17, 202052:12
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 12: ANW veteran - Karsten Williams

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 12: ANW veteran - Karsten Williams

A quick chat with this legend before heading off to America. Karsten is a 6 x ANW veteran over in the US who finally made it to Stage 3 last season! Karsten is the pure example of hard work and not losing faith in your abilities.
Mar 02, 202030:28
Don't compare your abilities to others

Don't compare your abilities to others

Do you find your self subconsciously judging or comparing other people's performances? I sometimes do but try hard not to. We are all at different parts of our ninja/athletic journey so we must support each other!
Feb 20, 202007:44
Getting ready for the show? Listen to this, even if you're not on

Getting ready for the show? Listen to this, even if you're not on

Since finding out I'll compete on American Ninja Warrior, I've been questioning myself, can I do this? Only to remember the work I've been putting in, the skills and experience I've acquired over the years. I have some advice that is apart of my personal game plan that you might find useful.
Feb 08, 202013:23
Got the call....I'll be on American Ninja Warrior!

Got the call....I'll be on American Ninja Warrior!

After waiting for weeks since I applied for ANW just got my call that I'll be competing on American Ninja Warrior! This will make me the first Dual Aussie to compete on the show. Can't wait to get over there!
Feb 07, 202007:32
Secrets of The Ninja Eps 11: The Weather Man - Joe Moravsky

Secrets of The Ninja Eps 11: The Weather Man - Joe Moravsky

Managed to interview a legend in this sport! Joe Moravsky. Probably one of the best ninjas in American Ninja Warrior history, making it to stage 3 of the national finals 5 out 7 years of competing and achieving the "Last Ninja Standing" title twice. This guy knows what's it's like to be consistent and perform at the highest levels. I apologise for the static in the background in the audio, I couldn't get rid of it. Hope you still enjoy :) 

Jan 30, 202001:02:55
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 10: Captain NBC - Jamie Rahn

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 10: Captain NBC - Jamie Rahn

Managed to get Captain NBC Jamie Rahn on to the podcast! This guy is a 9 x American Ninja Warrior and a 6 x National Finalist and one of the most recognised ninjas in the world of Ninja Warrior. Jamie has a background in Parkour but has developed the skills and strength to become one of the top competitors.

This recorded during a live chat on Instagram so please excuse any loss in audio. Hope you enjoy! I certainly did :) 

Jan 09, 202055:58
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 9: ANW National Finalist - Philip Scott

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 9: ANW National Finalist - Philip Scott

Finally got an American Ninja Warrior on! Philip Scott debuted last season in America and had an awesome rookie season.  Philip is self Proclaimed Ninja Warrior superfan, who has watched it for the last 12 years all over the world. 

Philip starting training after being inspired as a kid and we talk about that journey in great detail going from superfan to the reality of fulfilling that dream. 

He goes into great detail about his experiences from the qualifier round to the national finalists and even had a moment where he almost pulled out of competing! I found his experiences very valuable and hope you do too!

Dec 23, 201901:25:29
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 8: Australian Ninja Warrior Champion - Charlie Robbins

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 8: Australian Ninja Warrior Champion - Charlie Robbins

The champ is here!
Finally managed to get Charlie on. It was a quick chat as he was in the car and the reception was going to get worst but I think there is plently of value and things to learn.
Charlie took out the Season 3 title of 'Last Ninja Standing' with a notice paycheck, an amazing feat for a 'Rookie' season and at 21 years old!
DISCLAIMER: There is some casual swearing which I have bleeped out but everyone apologises :)
Dec 12, 201927:55
Getting ready for Ninja auditions? Listen to this

Getting ready for Ninja auditions? Listen to this

Ninja Warrior auditions are coming up. These tryouts are physical, but being the fitness, isn't the most important thing. Have a listen and you'll understand 😊
Nov 28, 201907:39
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 7: The Queen of Ninja - Olivia Vivian

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 7: The Queen of Ninja - Olivia Vivian

Wow, where do I start?

The Queen of Ninja Warrior is on!

Olivia Vivian is currently the best female Ninja in Australia and I guess technically the world, as she came 1st place in the OCR/Ninja World Championships.

She is an Olympian, World Championship and Commonwealth Games Gymnast Who doesn't take no for an answer.  We talk about her life in Gymnastics, how she made it into the Olympics, the transition into Ninja Warrior and what made her so successful. 

If you haven't subscribed, please do! Hope you enjoy :) 

Nov 21, 201901:09:44
Secrets of the Ninja Eps 6: NCL 2019 Champion - Bryson Klein

Secrets of the Ninja Eps 6: NCL 2019 Champion - Bryson Klein

This guy is a beast!

The first I heard of Bryson before his Australian Ninja Warrior debut in season 2 was from my friend the late Paul Lyons. He said this guy is beating everyone, watch out. 

He came on to Season 2 and ended up coming 2nd overall in his first season. He has since consistently stayed in the top 5 of the most elite ninjas and has taken on the world stage representing Australia in the USA vs the World special in America, even winning a round for Australia. 

We talk about his training background and how he deals with obstacles. This guy is one of the few who I think can take out the whole show one day....

Nov 14, 201931:34
Ninja Challenge League 2019 Finals Wrap-Up

Ninja Challenge League 2019 Finals Wrap-Up

What a great week it was with the community in Perth. 105 Ninjas competing in the Ninja Challenge League Finals. This is a wrap-up of finals for me and the lessons I've learnt.
Nov 07, 201918:51
Train the Obstacles You're Not Good at

Train the Obstacles You're Not Good at

No interviews this week, but next week during the National Ninja Finals in Perth I'll be hopefully doing a heap of interviews 😊. Today I talk about the importance of working on your weaknesses and surrounding yourself with better athletes to improve.
Oct 24, 201912:50