Sasuke is a Japanese sports entertainment television special in which 100 competitors attempt to complete a four stage obstacle course. An edited version, renamed Ninja Warrior, is screened in at least 18 other countries.  -wikipedia  (Please click on “Sasuke” for the Wiki link for a more comprehensive look.)

As many of you already know, four of us from CFM sent in audition videos so that we could get tryout spots for “American Ninja Warrior”, which is the U.S. version of Sasuke which basically is a run-off to see who are the best in the States and the top, let’s say, ten or so make it to Japan to compete in the Mac-Daddy version over there.  To the best of my knowledge there have been about 23 or so Sasuke’s since 1997 in which 100 people have cSo after much arm-twisting from me, we sent in videos for Roger, Jill Sprague, Tomio Mizuroki, and myself.  Jill and Tomio were a little incredulous when they actually got an e-mail from G4 (the television station that holds the contest) informing them that they scored a guaranteed audition spot to tryout in the obstacle course despite my repeated reassurance that they had a pretty good chance.  Roger’s tryout video is almost comically short, in his classic “let’s get this done as quickly as possible because I don’t have time” manner.  Here are a few videos to illustrate what goes on and give you guys an idea of how this all works:

Here are some of the Ninja Warrior “All Stars”, who have competed year after year in Japan:

Here’s Levi Meeuwenburg, one of the State’s best free runners and the best American Ninja Warrior in recent times in Sasuke 22:

Here’s another “good” run by what looks like a professional athlete of sorts.  This kind of ending is all too comon in Sasuke:

It’s not always this serious, though.  Sasuke is a great challenge, but it’s also for fun, and the Japanese can be very light-hearted and even though they are very passionate about their Sasuke, they have no trouble laughing at themselves and having a good time.  Check these out, they’re outrageous:

Ok, this one almost made me cry laughing:

There are many more.  Sasuke is really BIG in Japan.  While there is prize money for the “Ninja” who completes all four stages, it’s not talked about much because you’re supposed to compete for the honor and glory of it.  The competitors  just love Sasuke.  What prize money?   Hmmm…

Here’s a clip of American Ninja Warrior preliminary qualifiers from last year.  Notice our former Parkour coach Shane Daniels rocking the obstacles in the first part of the video.  Yep.  That’s him.

Alright, now that you’re starting to get the picture, you’ll see why lately I’ve been so excited about Sasuke.  Not only is there strength, coordination, agility and balance involved, but it’s also FUN.  Ok, so right now I’m a little obsessed, but can you blame me?

Here’s one last clip to cap it off.  Makoto Nagano is one of the best to compete in Sasuke.  The beloved fisherman was one of only 3 people (to my knowledge) to ever achieve “Total Victory” when he completed the final stage in Sasuke #17.  (Hope you guys like Spanish comentators.  =P  )

Tags: American, course, Ninja, obstacle, pipe, Sasuke, slider, wall, warped, warrior

This entry was posted on Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 2:55 am and is filed under Parkour, Sasuke, Skill work, Training, Tricks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.