6 Types of Ninja Classes for Kids Based on Age and Ability

6 Types of Ninja Classes for Kids in New York

A young boy practicing his Ninja training by hurdling over blocks at Gold Medal Gymnastics & Ninja.

Ninja classes give kids a way to build physical strength, mental focus, and social skills all while having a great time. Each type of Ninja class is crafted to fit children’s developmental stages, ensuring they can progress safely and gain confidence with each new skill they master.

From foundational classes for toddlers to competitive Ninja training for advanced young athletes, there are Ninja classes designed to help every child thrive.

This post covers the unique offerings of each Ninja class so you can choose which is best for your family.

  • 6 types of ninja classes tailored to age group and ability
  • Activities and benefits unique to each level
  • How to choose the right class type

Ninja Babies to Build Agility, Confidence, and Motor Skills (Ages Walking - 3)

Age Group

For toddlers who are walking up to age 3, involving parents as active participants.

Skill Level

Entry-level, focusing on basic motor skills and socialization.

Key Activities:

Dynamic obstacle courses, basic tumbling (rolling), climbing short walls, and using bars for strength.

Benefits for Kids:

Develops balance, coordination, social skills (taking turns, following instructions), and early strength. Ideal for energetic toddlers ready for structured play and parent bonding.

Mommy and her toddler enjoying a Ninja Babies classNinja Babies classes build early agility, confidence, and motor skills in toddlers with parent involvement, setting the foundation for healthy movement, positive socialization, and coordination.

Ninja Babies is more than just physical training; it’s a Parent & Tot program that gives parents a unique opportunity to bond with their children while supporting their developmental milestones

Starting as soon as toddlers can walk, this class offers a safe and engaging environment where children up to age 3 can explore dynamic obstacle courses alongside their parents. This class offers a safe, structured environment where children can burn energy and discover new physical abilities. Parents are active participants, helping their toddlers navigate dynamic obstacle courses and basic gymnastics movements, guided by our high-energy coaches.

In Ninja Babies, toddlers develop strength and balance through activities like using low bars, crawling over soft climbing walls, and tackling age-appropriate obstacle courses. 

Basic tumbling exercises, such as rolling, help young ninjas become familiar with controlled movement, fostering spatial awareness and flexibility. 

One of the highlights for toddlers is the opportunity to test their courage and motor skills by crawling up our 7-foot warp wall—an exciting feat that builds both physical strength and self-confidence.

Besides physical benefits, Ninja Babies classes prioritize social development by teaching toddlers essential social skills. Through group activities, children practice taking turns, following simple instructions, and interacting positively with their peers. This early exposure to a structured, playful group setting boosts their confidence and prepares them for future classes and social environments.

 

 


 

Little Ninja: The Fundamentals of Ninja Skills (Ages 3-5)

Age Group

Suited for ages 3-5, laying the groundwork for ninja techniques and fitness.

Skill Level

Beginner, progressing through levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold).

Key Activities:

Balance-focused obstacle courses, bar skills, parkour basics (vaulting and safe landing), and introductory martial arts.

Benefits for Kids:

Builds focus, patience, strength, and confidence, while teaching children positive encouragement and teamwork. Perfect for young kids excited to learn the basics of ninja training in a supportive environment.

A young boy in a Little Ninja classLittle Ninja classes introduce children to the core skills needed to become future ninja warriors, focusing on foundational strength, agility, and focus in a fun, supportive environment.

Designed for ages 3-5, Little Ninja is the starting point for our Gold Medal Ninja Curriculum, where young ninjas learn the basics of five essential skills: flips, bar skills, parkour, martial arts, and strength training.

Through these activities, children gain confidence and body awareness while building a solid skill foundation for more advanced classes.

Our structured program uses obstacle courses to teach balance and agility, while bar skills and the ninja rig help kids build strength and coordination. These early experiences with flips and parkour basics foster physical awareness and encourage children to challenge themselves safely.

In addition to physical training, Little Ninja classes emphasize character skills like patience, focus, and positive encouragement. Our coaches work closely with students, teaching them to be patient with themselves and to support their peers, helping them build social skills alongside physical abilities.

To keep children motivated and track their progress, the Little Ninja program includes a 3-level medal system: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level requires mastering nine core skills, allowing children to celebrate achievements as they grow.

This approach encourages a sense of accomplishment and drives them to improve steadily. By the end of Little Ninja, students are well-prepared to advance to the next stage, equipped with a strong foundation in physical skills and the discipline needed to thrive.

 

 


 

Ninja Kids: Strength, Agility, and Advanced Coordination (Ages 6+)

Age Group

For kids aged 6 and up, ready to tackle more challenging ninja skills.

Skill Level

Beginner to intermediate, with a Color Level System (White to Black) to encourage progression.

Key Activities:

Tumbling (flips, rolls), bar skills (swings, flips), rock wall climbing, and structured martial arts drills, including kicks and punches.

Benefits for Kids:

Develops full-body strength, coordination, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills as children advance through levels at their own pace. Ideal for kids motivated by structured skill progression and building athleticism.

A kid hanging from a rope during a Ninja Kids class

Ninja Kids classes advance children’s ninja skills with strength, agility, and coordination training designed to help them become ninja warrior athletes.

Tailored for kids aged 6 and up, Ninja Kids introduces them to five core elements—flips, bar skills, parkour, martial arts, and strength training. Through these skill areas, children gain the strength, control, and discipline needed to progress at their own pace and reach new levels of mastery. This class builds physical confidence and body awareness that prepare kids for more advanced ninja challenges.

In addition to core ninja techniques, Ninja Kids have the opportunity to test their skills on specialized equipment, including our rock wall, ninja rig, and the impressive 12-foot warp wall.

These activities add exciting, real-world challenges that build endurance, grip strength, and agility.

Our band-level system tracks each child’s progress, allowing them to move through color-coded levels:
White, Yellow, and Orange for beginners
Purple, Blue, and Green for intermediate ninjas
Brown, Red, and Black for advanced athletes

We test monthly to offer kids the chance to demonstrate their progress, celebrate accomplishments, and advance to higher skill levels.

The Ninja Kids program provides a motivating path for young athletes, allowing them to grow in skill and confidence at their own pace. By the time they complete this class, they are well-prepared for more specialized training, such as Warrior Tumbling, ready to take on even greater ninja warrior challenges.

 

 


 

Advanced Ninja: Mastering Obstacle Navigation and Speed Techniques (Ages 6+)

Age Group

Ages 6 and up, ideal for children who have completed foundational ninja training.

Skill Level

Intermediate to advanced, preparing kids for competitive-level challenges.

Key Activities:

Advanced obstacle courses inspired by ninja warrior challenges, focusing on upper body strength (rope climbs, muscle-ups), speed, and precision.

Benefits for Kids:

Builds resilience, quick thinking, and the ability to tackle high-intensity physical challenges, ideal for kids with a strong foundation in ninja training ready to advance.

A boy jumping from wall to wall in our Advanced Ninja class

Advanced Ninja classes offer an exciting, ninja warrior-inspired experience through challenging obstacle course training that builds essential athletic skills like strength, balance, and coordination.

Advanced Ninja challenges students with obstacle courses similar to those seen on TV. Each session focuses on navigating these obstacles with precision, speed, and refined technique, helping children build the advanced physical and mental skills needed to excel as a ninja athlete.

The courses vary regularly, introducing kids to new obstacles that test and improve their agility, quick thinking, and hand-eye coordination. By learning to tackle each course with the right technique and speed, children develop a foundation of strength, balance, and control that sets them apart.

Advanced Ninja is all about pushing boundaries safely and learning to move with the speed and accuracy needed to master high-level challenges.

This program is ideal for kids with a passion for ninja training who want to feel like true ninja warriors. Advanced Ninja classes not only prepare students for competitive environments but also instill the confidence and skill level needed to take on more advanced Ninja Warrior Competitions in the future.

 

 

 

 


 

Ninja Team: Competitive Ninja Training for Athletic Development & Confidence (Ages 6+)

Age Group

Ages 6 and up, with a focus on students interested in competitive training.

Skill Level

Advanced; participants are typically those who have excelled in previous ninja programs.

Key Activities:

Tournament-style ninja challenges (qualifying and final rounds), timed courses, strength and agility drills, and competition-focused training.

Benefits for Kids:

Encourages athletic growth, competitive spirit, and teamwork through regular competitive challenges. Ideal for kids seeking a structured, goal-oriented environment to showcase their ninja skills and develop camaraderie with peers.

An elite Ninja Team athlete flexing in his Gold Medal Ninja shirt

Ninja Teams offer young athletes a competitive Ninja Warrior program where they can hone their skills, build strength, and challenge themselves in a tournament setting.

Ninja Teams provide the opportunity to experience the thrill of Ninja Warrior-style events while fostering teamwork, personal growth, and a love for fitness that lasts a lifetime.

Through regular, tournament-style competition, children gain not only physical prowess but also resilience, focus, and confidence as they strive for new personal bests. This class is open to committed ninjas who practice 1-3 times a week

The GMGC in-house team competes against other Gold Medal locations in structured Ninja Challenges. These events are held five times a year, allowing team members to participate in multiple qualifying and final rounds that progressively test their speed, agility, and strength. 

The Ninja Team program emphasizes skill progression and technique through consistent, focused practice. Athletes train under the guidance of skilled coaches, building upper and lower body strength and refining their technical skills for competitive success. 

With options for two days a week, the training schedule allows for flexibility, especially during the summer months.

Additionally, team members wear designated Gold Medal Ninja shirts representing their skill level, reinforcing team spirit & unity during both practices and competitions.

 

 


 

Ninja Parties are for Kids of all Ages

Age Group

3-11 years old, with activities tailored to match different ages and energy levels.

Skill Level

Suitable for all skill levels; activities are adjustable to ensure safety and inclusivity.

Key Activities:

Customized obstacle courses, time trials, relay races, age-appropriate tumbling, balance stations, and agility challenges led by trained instructors.

Benefits for Kids:

Provides a fun, active celebration that encourages teamwork, builds confidence, and gives kids the chance to experience Ninja Warrior-style challenges in a safe, supportive environment.

Kids playing on a blow up slide at a Ninja party

Ninja Parties offer a unique, high-energy way for kids ages 3-11 to celebrate birthdays and special occasions in a safe, structured environment designed for excitement and skill-building.

Ninja parties feature customized obstacle courses that test strength, agility, and speed, allowing children to compete with one another in a fun and supportive setting. All activities are led by trained instructors, ensuring a safe experience for even the most energetic guests.
Each party is set up to provide a Ninja Warrior-style experience, complete with time trials, relay races, and age-appropriate challenges that make every child feel like a true ninja.

The courses are fully padded and designed to accommodate various skill levels, ensuring every participant can join in, enjoy the experience, and leave feeling accomplished.

With stations tailored to each child’s age and ability, from tumbling to balance obstacles, Ninja Parties provide an inclusive, fun-filled experience.

Ideal for parents looking for an engaging and memorable celebration, Ninja Parties are structured to promote physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition, making them a fantastic option for any active child’s big day.

 

 

 

 


 

Ninja Martial Arts Classes Are Fun for Kids of All Ages and Skill Levels

Ninja training provides a unique blend of physical, mental, and social benefits, making it an excellent choice for well-rounded child development. Each type of ninja class offers specialized skills that match kids’ ages and abilities—from Ninja Babies building early motor skills and confidence to Ninja Teams fostering competitive spirit and strength.

Ninja training evolves with children, allowing them to build foundational abilities, grow in athleticism, and gain important life skills like discipline and resilience.

Every class type is crafted to offer specific benefits that nurture children’s physical health, emotional confidence, and social interaction. Ninja training supports kids at every developmental stage, providing a dynamic pathway from early movement skills to advanced athletic challenges.

For parents interested in this exciting path, get started with our ninja classes and parties here!

 

Is Your Child Ready for GMGC?

For over 50 years, Gold Medal Gymnastics & Ninja offers an exceptional experience in gymnastics and ninja training for kids ages 3 months to 18 years and all skill levels. With expert coaches, top-notch facilities, and programs designed to boost confidence and strength, we provide a foundation for both fitness and fun. Ready to have your child join in on the fun?

Contact us today to book a free trial or learn more about our gymnastics classes at any of our 6 Long Island, NY locations (Centereach, Huntington, Rocky Point, Smithtown, Levittown, Garden City) or our new Short Hills, NJ location!

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Gold Medal Gymnastics & Ninja offers world-class training with coaches, trainers, and support staff dedicated to helping gymnasts of all levels achieve their best. We proudly support aspiring gymnasts across seven locations in New York and New Jersey. Our programs include preschool classes, advanced classes, recreational gymnastics, ninja lessons, tumbling and trampoline lessons, as well as camps, events, birthday parties, and professional competitive teams.

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