Ninjas in Negaunee? Well, not exactly. Not your traditional ones that most people are familiar with, or at least what Hollywood tries to portray them to be.

Negaunee’s newest business, Forest Flyers Ninja Academy does feature their own fun take on the hit programming of the TV show, “American Ninja Warrior.” For those not familiar with the show, it’s where contestants from all walks of life compete in an obstacle course race. Contestants are tested through impossible tests of strength and endurance to reach the finish line, or get as far as they can. The show and sport has grown in popularity to the point of obstacle course racing being added to the 2028 Olympics in the pentathlon.

Forest Flyers have similarities, but it is not necessarily just about competition. They do feature professional obstacle course structures, but they work to provide life skills that can be applied both at the academy and outside of the facility. These skills include: Perseverance: Strength through struggles, Confidence: Belief in myself, Courage: Try the hard thing, Accountability: Do what’s right, Growth mindset: Willingness to try, Communication: My words matter, Gratitude: See the good, and Kindness: Lifts up. These life skills are not just limited to kids but can be a good foundation in anyone’s life.

Forest Flyers Ninja Academy is a family-owned and operated business run by Jason and Adela Piper. Originally from the Detroit Metro area, they originally moved here a few years through expansion of Adela’s workplace with Siren Communications, a strategic communications firm.

“Since moving to the Upper Peninsula in 2021, we’ve fallen in love with the area and, in many ways, see a lot of similarities between the Ninja Warrior community and the community here. Living in the U.P. means enduring long and harsh winters. With that, comes a growing need for indoor activities that empower our youth. Forest Flyers Ninja aims to meet that demand,” Adela said.

“Forest Flyers Ninja Academy emerged from our family’s deep love for the sport of Ninja Warrior and the ways it helps individuals tackle life’s obstacles. It’s been something that’s tied our family together-from watching the inspiring stories on American Ninja Warrior Jr., to taking part in the sport ourselves, to the Ninja Warrior obstacle we built in our basement for our kiddos and their friends-we’ve seen firsthand the impact Ninja Warrior can have on both physical and mental health,” Jason shared.

Forest Flyers Ninja is on a mission to inspire children to lead active and healthy lifestyles by providing a fun, safe, and challenging environment where they can develop physical skills, build self-confidence, and make new friends. Teaching children to face life’s obstacles and challenges with courage, determination, resilience, and grit, both in the gym and in life.

They are a fully-equipped indoor ninja gym offering a dynamic, interactive, and fun fitness experience for children ages 3 to 17 of all abilities, backgrounds, and mindsets in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The facility features a wide range of activities, including structured ninja classes, birthday parties, private events, and more. With a focus on fun and fitness, combining the thrill of Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses with expert instructors to help children stay active, care for their well-being, and thrive in a supportive community.

Classes are designed for preschool, elementary, teen, and home school groups; kids will swing, jump, roll, balance, and tackle obstacles such as warped walls, angled steps, and rings, all while building discipline, focus, and self-confidence. Classes are held once a week for 40 to 50 minutes, grouped by age, in designated zones tailored to different skill levels. Ninjas progress through a six-level curriculum, maintaining a maximum 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Even adults are welcome to participate through a newly added adult class, held on Wednesday nights. Come bring out your inner kid and try out the course.

Should you be looking for a fun and unique activity for your children, you should consider their Summer Ninja Camps. Running Monday through Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., kicking off the week of June 23 and ending the week of Aug. 25, if interested, they are taking on enrollees now! To learn more about this and Forest Flyers Ninja Academy, visit them on their website at www.forestflyersninja.com, or visit them on Facebook.

According to the owners, they decided to set up shop in Negaunee due to existing space that was needed to further develop into a high-quality, fully equipped ninja gym–all while remaining centrally located in Marquette County for the families that make up this community.

“From our family to yours, we can’t wait to share this new adventure with our beloved U.P. community,” Adela expressed. I definitely agree, this a place where you can Forge Your Adventure, what a perfect fit for Negaunee.