American ninja challenge

The American Ninja Challenge was a nationwide competition sponsored by G4 to send two American citizens to Japan to compete in the hit TV show Ninja Warrior. This competition has been held since Sasuke 19 (The 19th tournament).

The Selection Process

G4's Attack of the Show hosts Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn broadcasted a competition to ninja aspirees everywhere to create a video displaying their 'ninja moves'. Hundreds of people send in submissions, and 6 finalists are selected. Through various competitions in America, the two winners are chosen, and leave for Japan. They there get to participate in the Ninja Warrior tournament.

Deciding the Ninjas - Competition 2

Once the videos were sent in, six finalists were chosen. These six finalists then went to a US Navy training camp, where they competed on a marine training obstacle course. In 1v1 challenges, 3 of the 6 competitors were eliminated. Once there were three challengers left, they competed on an improvised course consisting of several of the new Ninja Warrior's most difficult obstacles. The winner, Levi Meeuwenberg, cleared it in 45 seconds, followed by Brian Orosco at 72 seconds and Russelis Perry in third place at 76 seconds.

The Trip to Japan

Levi and Brian, prior to leaving to Japan, met with Olympic athlete and Ninja Warrior competitor Paul Terek, who has reached the third stage in past Ninja Warrior competitions. Paul trained them in strategies and tactics to quickly and successfully defeating some of the trickier obstacles of Ninja Warrior. Afterwards, they headed to Japan, where they enjoyed Japanese culture, and met for a dinner with Ninja Warrior's all-stars, including Makoto Nagano, the winner of the 17th Ninja Warrior tournament. Some others they met were Shingo Yamamoto, gas station manager, and Toshihiro Takeda, a firefighter, one of which has reached the final stage before.

The American Ninjas

Colin Bell - Sasuke 19 1st Place American Ninja
Failed on the Jumping Spider, Stage 1
Brett Sims - Sasuke 19 2nd Place American Ninja
Failed on the Jumping Spider, Stage 1
Levi Meeuwenberg - Sasuke 20 1st Place American Ninja
Failed on the Cliff Hanger, Stage 3
Brian Orosco - Sasuke 20 2nd Place American Ninja
Failed on the Flying Chute, Stage 1

Overall Results

The American Ninjas have been competing on a much more difficult course since Makoto Nagano's complete victory in Sasuke 17. However, Levi Meeuwenberg, who won the 2nd American Ninja Warrior competition, advanced all the way to the Cliff Hanger on the third stage, farther than any competitor (Including the All-Stars) on the new course.