- First Dedicated Ninja Gym in Iowa: Ninja U became Iowa’s first obstacle training gym when it opened in 2018, paving the way for the sport in the state.
- Founded by an American Ninja Warrior: Started by Scott Behrends of Backyard Ninja Kids, a five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor.
- Home Gym to 14+ American Ninja Warriors: Athletes who train at Ninja U have competed on American Ninja Warrior, including Levi Enright, Ben Behrends, Chris Behrends, Jason Behrends, Jackson Twait, Drew Nester, Isaiah Barney, Nate Person, and more. We can help you get your name on this list!
- Two Iowa Locations: The Cedar Falls gym is the original location, with a second gym in Ankeny.
- Open Gym, All the Time: We believe in making ninja accessible, so our open gym is available daily—whether you’re local or just traveling through, stop in and play anytime!
- Inclusive Programs: Offers adaptive open gym sessions to ensure accessibility for athletes with specific needs.
- Comprehensive Class Offerings: Structured programs include Preschool Ninja, Beginner Ninja, Intermediate Ninja, and a Ninja U Team for competitive athletes.
- Expanding Competitive Reach: Proudly hosting various ninja competitions, bringing top-level athletes and events to Iowa.
- A Destination for Fun: More than just a gym—Ninja U is a go-to spot for birthday parties, field trips, and group events, offering exciting challenges for all ages.
- Strong Community & “Iowa Nice” Atmosphere: Known for its supportive and welcoming environment, fostering growth for all skill levels.
- Highly Rated by Customers: With a 4.9-star rating based on 149 reviews, Ninja U is praised for its top-tier facilities, coaching, and overall experience
OUR VISION
At Ninja U, we inspire people of all ages to challenge themselves, grow stronger, and believe in their potential. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a dedicated ninja, we want you to leave thinking about the obstacles you conquered, the fun you had, and the goals you’ll reach next. With open gym every day, top-tier training, and a welcoming “Iowa Nice” community, Ninja U is where fun meets determination, and every visit leaves you wanting more.
NINJA U’s AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR ATHLETES
Scott Behrends
Owner & Ninja U Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 11 (2019) Vegas Finalist, Season 14 (2022), Season 15 (2023) Vegas Finalist, Season 16 (2024) & Season 18 (2026). Started Backyard Ninja Kids with his 3 kids.
Levi Enright
Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 13 (2021), 14 (2022) Vegas Finalist ($10k Mega Wall Winner), & Season 16 (2024) Vegas Finalist. We call him the Brofesser.
Ben Behrends
Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, (Scott’s son), American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022), Season 15 (2023) Vegas Finalist, Season 16 (2024) Vegas Finalist, Season 17 (2025) Finalist, Season 18 (2026), & American Ninja Warrior Jr Season 1 (2018). His ninja name is “The Hype Guy”.
Jason Behrends
Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, (Scott’s son), American Ninja Warrior Season 18 (2026), Season 17 (2025) Finalist, & American Ninja Warrior Jr Season 1 (2018). Made history as the shortest ninja ever to get a buzzer at just 4’11”. His ninja name is “Biggie Smalls”.
Drew Nester
Ninja U Ankeny Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022) Vegas Finalist, & Season 16 (2024). He’s the “Ninja Medic”.
Nate Person
Ninja U Ankeny Coach, former Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 15 (2023)
Chris Behrends
Former Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, (Scott’s nephew), American Ninja Warrior Season 13 (2021), 14 (2022) Vegas Finalist (Fastest time in Qualifier!), & Season 16 (2024) Vegas Finalist. Now coaches in Milwaukee!
Isaiah Barney
Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 12 (2020) & 14 (2022)
Jackson Twait
Trains at Ninja U Cedar Falls, “The Cat Daddy” from Hudson, IA, American Ninja Warrior Season 11 (2019), Season 12 (2020), Season 13 (2021), Mega Wall Winner, Season 14 (2022) Vegas Finalist, Season 15 (2023) Vegas Finalist, & Season 16 (2024) Vegas Finalist.
Peyton Coffin
Trains at Ninja U Cedar Falls, lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, American Ninja Warrior Season 17 (2025) & Season 18 (2026).
Tim Gallenbeck
Trains at Ninja U Cedar Falls, from Marion, IA, American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022) & Season 16 (2024). He is the “Etch-a-Sketch Ninja”.
Nick Hansen
Trains at Ninja U Cedar Falls, American Ninja Warrior Season 13 (2021) & Season 17 (2025). His ninja name is “The Rugby Ninja”.
Ella Sankey
American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022), Has been training at Ninja U since the day the Ninja U Cedar Falls opened, UNI student
Jon Klippenstein
Former Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, American Ninja Warrior Season 14 (2022), from Minnesota & also works at Conquer Ninja Gyms
Evelyn Schmitz
Ninja U Cedar Falls Coach, American Ninja Warrior Jr Season 2 (2019)
(Insert Your Photo Here)
This Could Be You!
Start training with us and we can help you become the next
American Ninja Warrior!
Ninja U is owned by two local dads that had a big (crazy) dream to bring an American Ninja Warrior style gym to Cedar Falls & Ankeny
JACOB PAULI
(pronounced like Paul-eye)
Jacob is a dad to 4 kids (Wil, Julian, Violet, & Olive), a husband to Nikki, and pretty much a jack of all trades. The most impressive part is that he is the most decorated pole vaulter in the history of UNI’s track & field program. He earned a total of six All-American citations over his career, and in 2001 he captured the NCAA Indoor national title in the event. Jacob claimed six Missouri Valley Conference championships in the pole vault, earning him a spot on the MVC All-Centennial Team.
Following his successful career at UNI, he made an impact on the national scene, finishing fifth at the 2008 Olympic Trials and being selected as an alternate for the United States team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. As a member of the 2007 USA World Team, Jacob finished third at the outdoor USA Championships and fifth at the indoor USA Championships.
He also holds two Drake Relays crowns – one as a collegiate athlete and one as a professional. He still holds the indoor (18-07.75) and outdoor (18-06.50) school records in the pole vault. So yah, he was really good. And he’ll be just the coach to know how to push you to be your best at Ninja U.
SCOTT BEHRENDS
(pronounced like Bear-renz)
Scott has lived in Cedar Falls since he was 5 years old and probably will never leave. He married his high school sweetheart and has 3 kids. He attended UNI and studied Personal Training, but then changed his major to Computer Science. He keeps up with all things tech and has worked in IT since graduating.
Scott fell in love with ninja when he first saw American Ninja Warrior. It was the sport he always wished he had as a kid because #climber. (If you are a parent, you might know this type!) In 2016, his sons kept making obstacle courses in the backyard & timing themselves. Scott recorded them & uploaded one to YouTube. “Backyard Ninja Kids” was born, and it now has over 10,000 YouTube subscribers & over 14,000 Instagram followers. Scott and his sons (Ben & Jason), daughter (Lia), and wife (Lindsey) have enjoyed being part of the ninja community. Scott competed on 5 Seasons of American Ninja Warrior. In Season 11, he hit the buzzer in Tacoma City Qualifiers & moved onto Tacoma City Finals, where he placed 9th which qualified him to compete at the American Ninja Warrior Finals in Las Vegas. (Season 11: Episodes 4, 10, & 14). In Seasons 14, 15, & 16, he competed with his oldest son, Ben. He & Ben became the 1st Father/Son Duo to ever make it to Vegas Finals. His sons, Ben & Jason, also competed on American Ninja Warrior Junior Season 1, along with season 17 of American Ninja Warrior, making it to the top 16, and top 32 respectively. You find find them on episodes 14, 16, & 17 (and many more…)
All 7 of the Ninja U kids are so excited for you to come play!