12-year-old to be on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ youth show
Anna Muntean looks quite at home on the obstacle course.
The 12-year-old from Livonia zips through the course at Gripz Gym in Southfield — a ninja-style setup that takes a great deal of balance and upper body strength — like it’s no problem.
Muntean recently put those skills to the test at an “American Ninja Warrior Junior” competition. She’s set to appear on the Sept. 30 episode of the show, which streams on Peacock. She was 11 years old during taping.
“It was really fun,” Muntean said of the experience. “I met a lot of people there, and the people in casting were really nice. I got to try out a bunch of obstacles, and it was cool being above the water.”
“American Ninja Warrior Junior” pits two racers, both 14 or younger, against each other to see who can finish a ninja obstacle course first. The show is a spinoff of “American Ninja Warrior,” an individual competition for teens and adults 15 or older. “American Ninja Warrior” is also owned by NBC. Contestants apply for the shows by submitting videos showcasing their physical ability to complete the obstacle course.
Ninja competitions like “Ninja Warrior” are becoming increasingly popular, and Muntean already has awards to her name. She’s recently traveled to Ohio and New Jersey for competitions, at which she enjoys competing and cheering on her friends. In the three years she’s been competing, Muntean has earned top 10 honors in three national leagues.
She says what she really enjoys, though, is the challenge.
“I like going from one bar and flying in the air to another bar,” she said. “I can challenge myself and see how far I can go with that.”
Past cheer, dance and gymnastics lessons have helped give Muntean the “ninja” skillset she has now. Muntean is the latest in a growing line of Gripz goers who have made an appearance on a “Ninja Warrior” show.
“With this, it’s like every time she comes the gym is set up different,” Sara Muntean, Anna’s mother, said. “Every time you go to a competition, it’s different obstacles. It’s very challenging in that way, just trying new things.”
The Munteans celebrated the Sept. 9 season premiere of “American Ninja Warrior Junior,” which was also Anna Muntean’s birthday, with friends in Ohio. They plan on having some more fun when they watch the Sept. 30 episode.
People can watch “American Ninja Warrior Junior” on Peacock, a free streaming service from Comcast.