Ninja Orientation SOP
The ninja course at Aspire 2.0 has expanded with more obstacles to explore, practice and train. Rather than individual lanes, the course allows for individuals to link obstacles together for movement and flow between balance and swinging obstacles.
The ninja course is difficult, so it requires practice and determination.
How it Works
The ninja course offers a mix of the following:
Balance obstacles on the ground
Hanging obstacles attached to the frame
Warped walls
Salmon ladder (advanced test required)
Balance Obstacles
At any given time, the course offers a wide range of balance obstacles to practice parkour style movements to link obstacles together. Think of it like creative ground play with games like “the Floor is Lava” to make it from one series of obstacles to another.
Important guidelines:
Do not move or reposition obstacles. Each week they are positioned to provide new challenge. The objective is to link as many series of obstacles as possible.
When obstacles are set in U or S turns, these are specifically chosen paths — Do not reposition as this leads to premature wear and tear to the Velcro and carpeted floors preventing obstacles from sticking in place.
Hanging Obstacles
Hanging obstacles are attached to various parts of the frames to provide exciting challenges for ninja to link new lines. These obstacles may be more difficult than others so it’s important to explore and challenge yourself. One leads to two, then three and so on! The best way to get started with linking hanging obstacles is to use the rings to learn how to generate swinging momentum to move through a series of rings. With this fundamental skill, it leads to more options and possibility and your build strength, balance and body awareness.
Warped Walls
The warped walls are a big hit for newcomers into ninja. We offer a 10ft, 13ft and 16ft warped wall. The goal is to make it to the top of each wall — only the 10ft wall is available to “top-out”. For success on the warped wall, the goal is to run up the wall and secure the top bar.
Before attempting, we must practice how what happens if you don’t make it to the top. First, run up the wall as fast as you can to reach the top but practice coming down.
DO: slide down on your bum to slide down the wall with your feet in the air. This is much safer and a lot more fun!
DON’T: run down the wall backwards — you risk catching your heels on the carpet and tripping, perhaps hitting you’re the back of your head or bruising your butt.
DON’T: turn around and run down the wall forwards — you also risk tripping on the carpet and injuring your wrist, elbow shoulder or collarbone trying to catch your fall
When you reach the top of the 10ft walls, you can climb over the top and climb down the ladder along the right side. If you reach the top of the 13ft or the 16ft wall, traverse across with your hands to top out on the 10ft wall. The slots in the wall are there to make it easier, but the real challenge is ignoring them to make it to the top!
Rules of the Warped Walls:
1Only one person on the wall at a time
Only one person at the top at a time
Keep the runway clear when others are attempting the walls
Respect the line-up and take turns with other ninjas
Salmon Ladder
To use the salmon ladder, participants must demonstrate the basic movement and strength skills to prevent injuries when attempting the salmon ladder. They must pass the salmon ladder test. Note, the salmon ladder is not always available.
Salmon Ladder Test
Head over to the monkey bars in the bouldering area
They must demonstrate the ability to make it to the top of the monkey bars with both hands simultaneously on each bar, then make it down in the same manner
If they pass this test, you can take them to the salmon ladder for an orientation
Salmon Ladder Orientation
Matt needs to provide a better description of this….
General Ninja Course Rules and Etiquette
Running shoes are required on the ninja course for ankle stability
No socks or bare feet
Keep the fall zones clear
Do not walk underneath ninjas or in their path of movement
If you feel unsafe with an obstacle, ask for help or assistance to find something similar to practice skills for success
Take turns and respect any lines to give everyone a fair chance on the obstacles
Use moveable pull mats in areas to protect against larger falls
Do not move balance obstacles
Keep chalk bags and personal items off the mats and keep the fall zones clear
Once the orientations are complete, give everyone a first bump and have fun!