Local ninja coach returns for 15th season on NBC show
Jamie Rahn has always been a go-getter and enjoys pushing limits in order to be the best version of himself. One way the Lincoln County resident strives to reach new heights is by appearing on “American Ninja Warrior,” a sports and entertainment reality television show.
“It gives me the opportunity to really challenge myself which is what drew me in the beginning,” he said. “One shot to try something not in your everyday life. The show gives me the opportunity to reach other people and train and inspire them to be active, try things they are not good at, get better, and overcome those fears.”
The show is based on its Japanese counterpart, “Sasuke” and Rahn is competing for the 15th time, advancing to the in semifinals, so far. The competitions involve obstacle courses in different locations and the top winner receives a $1 million prize.
The furthest Rahn has ever made it in the competition is the end of stage two which he says is victory enough as each challenge is a test in endurance, strength, discipline and focus.
Like every season, Rahn says he will give each obstacle his best effort and that is where his attention will remain.
“To be an ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ you have to train a lot of endurance,“ Rahn said. “You have to train a lot of variety and you have to train your brain to overcome fear, but also to problem solve and be adaptable right in the moment.”
Some of the exercises necessary for training for the show according to Rahn include laches and strides as well as rock climbing, pull-ups and lock-offs. Also, he says having a good attitude and a good mindset is helpful in achieving success on the show. Now in the show’s 17th season, Rahn says he plans to hit as many buzzers as he can to advance forward.
“With ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ they allow a percentage to move up and then move on several rounds until you get to the finals,” he said. “With this season being a little bit different, I just want to clear as many courses as I can, regardless of how everyone else does. I just want to know that I’m still able to keep up with the new obstacles, the new challenges, and the skill level they have to adapt to as people get stronger and faster.”
When not competing on the show, Rahn is usually coaching or being a dad to his three-year-old son Ziggy who is picking up some ninja moves and trying obstacles.
Shortly after his first season on the show, Rahn started to coach others. When he started, there were not many ninja gyms so he would teach a class here and there. As time went on, Rahn began building and designing obstacles and training and coaching students.
Currently, he still coaches but mostly with the Ninja Stars program in Lake Saint Louis.
Through all of his years of competing on the show, Rahn said he has learned two critical skills — patience and discipline — that not only help in training and coaching but also in parenting. It’s also those skills that play a part in auditioning again each season. In fact, he plans to keep returning to the show for as long as possible.
“I always said I would keep going until they don’t let me back. It’s a great experience and I love trying the obstacles and being around the community,” he said.
The show airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC and can also be streamed on Peacock.
