Who Won the First American Ninja Warrior? The Historic Victory That Changed the Sport
Who Won the First American Ninja Warrior?
If your child watches American Ninja Warrior and dreams about someday hitting a buzzer, there's a piece of Ninja history they should know.
The first official winner of American Ninja Warrior was Isaac Caldiero, who won during the Season 7 finale on September 14, 2015.
But there's an interesting twist to the story.
Another athlete actually conquered the entire course before him that same night.
Geoff Britten Made History First
Before Caldiero took his final run, Geoff Britten became the first American competitor to successfully complete all four stages of the National Finals course.
The final challenge was Mt. Midoriyama: a 75-foot rope climb that had to be completed within 30 seconds.
Britten reached the top in 29.65 seconds.
Then Caldiero went.
He completed the climb in 26.14 seconds, beating Britten's time by approximately 3.5 seconds. Under the competition rules, the fastest finisher won the season and its $1 million prize.
So there's an important distinction:
Geoff Britten was the first competitor to complete Stage 4.
Isaac Caldiero was the first official winner of American Ninja Warrior.
Contemporary reporting from The Washington Post documented this unusual situation as well: Britten completed the entire course first, but Caldiero subsequently posted the faster Stage 4 time and won the competition.
It Took Seven Seasons to Get a Winner
American Ninja Warrior began in 2009, and no competitor won the American competition during its first six seasons.
By the Season 7 finale, roughly 3,500 athletes had competed on the show. Until that historic night, no competitor during the regular American competition had progressed beyond Stage 3.
Then Britten and Caldiero both achieved Total Victory on the same night.
That's part of what made the 2015 finale such an important moment in American Ninja Warrior history.
How Did Isaac Caldiero Train?
Caldiero wasn't simply naturally good at obstacles.
He was an experienced rock climber who specifically prepared for Ninja Warrior.
In a 2015 interview after his victory, Caldiero explained that his year-round preparation involved rock climbing, grip-strength development and coordination work. As the competition approached, he incorporated more Ninja-specific training along with exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups and cardio. He even built replicas of obstacles for training.
That highlights something young athletes can learn from Ninja Warrior:
Obstacle ability develops through training.
Grip strength matters.
Coordination matters.
Balance matters.
Strength matters.
Body control matters.
Technique matters.
And practicing actual obstacle skills matters.
Ninja Warrior as Youth Sports and Athletic Fitness Development and Training
Ninja Warrior doesn't have to be something kids only watch on television.
Obstacle training can become part of youth sports and athletic fitness development and training, giving children opportunities to practice climbing, hanging, swinging, balancing, jumping, agility, coordination and body control.
Kids don't need to start out as elite athletes, either.
They start by learning.
One obstacle at a time.
One skill at a time.
One attempt at a time.
That's how progress happens.
Start Ninja Warrior Classes at Amped Obstacles
If your child is inspired by American Ninja Warrior, give them an opportunity to actually experience the sport.
Amped Obstacles - Grand Prairie offers coached Ninja Warrior classes in Grand Prairie, TX, with age-based programs for developing obstacle skills, strength, coordination, balance and overall athletic ability.
Whether your child dreams about competing someday or simply wants a new physical challenge, they don't need to wait until they're an adult to start learning.
Amped Obstacles
2626 Aero Dr.
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Ready to Try Ninja Warrior?
Book a class at Amped Obstacles and let your child start developing the skills behind the sport.
New youth athletes can also inquire about a free trial class before committing to a membership.
The first American Ninja Warrior winner made history in 2015.
Your child's first obstacle can start today.
References
A. Smith & Co. Productions, the production company behind American Ninja Warrior: “American Ninja Warrior Crowns First Ever Winner After 7 Seasons.”
TV Insider: Interview with American Ninja Warrior executive producer Kent Weed following the historic Season 7 finale.
NPR / All Things Considered: Interview with Isaac Caldiero following his victory.
The Washington Post: Coverage of Geoff Britten and Isaac Caldiero completing Mt. Midoriyama and Caldiero winning the $1 million prize.
Esquire: Post-victory interview with Caldiero discussing his Ninja Warrior training and preparation.
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Services at Amped Obstacles:
⭐️Ninja Warrior Classes (Kids, Teens, Adults)
⭐️Corporate/ Team Building Events
⭐️HYPERVOLT Percussion Massage Therapy & Recovery Sessions
⭐️Adult Obstacle Course Private Training
Location
2626 Aero Dr, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
We’re just minutes from major attractions and rapidly growing developments, including:
EpicCentral
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
The Epic Recreation Center
Bolder Adventure Park
Grand Prairie Premium Outlets
Topgolf Grand Prairie
The Landing by Tiffany Derry
Asia Times Square
This puts Amped Obstacles right alongside some of the most popular destinations families are already visiting, making it a perfect stop for a full day of fun and activity.
