The children’s gym offers a ninja warrior-style gym with options for weekly sessions and party rentals.

“Our facility features a wide range of activities, including structured ninja classes, birthday parties, private events and more,” said co-owner Jason Piper. “With a focus on fun and fitness, Forest Flyers Ninja combines 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.”

There are classes for ages 3 through 17, which Forest Flyers hopes to use to encourage physical activity and to build both mental and physical strength.

“In classes 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,” said Piper. “Classes will be 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-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio.”

The academy gym, located at U.S. 41, Suite 106, in Negaunee, is pictured. (Photo courtesy of Forest Flyers Ninja Academy)

Forest Flyers is a family-owned business operated by Jason and Adela Piper. It came to fruition from the family’s deep love of the ninja warrior and the stories from the TV show “American Ninja Warrior Junior.” The parents even built a ninja warrior obstacle course in their basement for their kids, and have seen the benefits of ninja warrior first person.

“We realized that fact when our family lived downstate, and our kids found a love for participating in ninja classes,” said Jason Piper. “We saw how the sport was a perfect blend of fun and fitness, cultivated a supportive environment in which to take on challenges, and created a strong sense of community in an individual sport while supporting physical and mental health and well-being.

“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. After months of careful planning and preparation, my wife, Adela Piper, and I are thrilled to introduce this nationwide sport to our community and share the transformative, positive impact it has had on us with others.”

Jason and Adela Piper strive to bring a mission to Negaunee that intends to instill foundational beliefs of an active lifestyle and tenacity in the children who sign up for their classes.

“Driven by a whole lot of passion, 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,” said Jason Piper. “Forest Flyers Ninja is about teaching children to face life’s obstacles and challenges with courage, determination, resilience, and grit–both in the gym and in life. From our family to yours, we can’t wait to share this new adventure with our beloved U.P. community.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is