UBW in Rocky Mount, NC Is Closing - Honoring a Decade of Faith, Family, and Impact

After ten years of impact on the ninja and faith communities, Ultimate Backyard Warrior (UBW) in Rocky Mount will be closing its facility.

The announcement came directly from founder Mike Cook, who shared a heartfelt message reflecting on UBW’s journey - from a few obstacles in a backyard to a nationally respected ninja training facility with a mission rooted deeply in faith.

This is not a story of failure or decline. It is the intentional closing of a chapter that, in the founder’s words, has completed its original assignment.

From a Backyard Dream to a Nationally Known Ninja Facility

UBW began in 2015 as a small backyard setup. What followed was something far bigger than competition results, podium finishes, or prize money.

From day one, Mike Cook believed UBW was created for a higher purpose:to impact lives, build relationships, and reflect the love of Christ through the ninja community.

Over the next decade, UBW became:

• A training ground for ninja athletes

• A gathering place for families

• A spiritual home for many

• A community built on encouragement, service, and faith

For countless athletes, parents, and spectators, UBW was never “just a gym.” It was family.

A Season of Prayer, Wrestling, and Discernment

According to Cook, the decision to close did not come quickly or easily.

For more than a year and a half, he wrestled with questions many gym owners eventually face:

• Should the facility be sold?

• Should operations continue?

• Is it time to move on?

Despite outside advice to step away, Cook felt strongly that UBW still served a purpose as a beacon of hope and faith. That conviction was shaken again after the loss of John Brown, a deeply meaningful figure in the UBW community. The thought of turning a future Memorial Day competition into a memorial caused Cook to pause and seek clarity once more.

On December 3, 2025, after months of prayer and a pivotal conversation with his pastor, Cook says he received peace and confirmation that the work entrusted to UBW had been completed.

“The Original Assignment Is Complete”

In his announcement, Cook outlined the mission that guided UBW from the very beginning:

• Impact lives for Christ → Done

• Make disciples → Done

• Light the fire and pass the torch → Done

Rather than seeing the closure as an ending, he framed it as a handoff.

The impact of UBW is already being carried forward by other faith-driven ninja programs, including The Barn, run by the Folsom family, and Jungle Gym, led by the Bergstrom family. These programs, Cook noted, are extending the same heart, values, and mission into new communities.

In that sense, UBW’s influence isn’t shrinking, it’s multiplying.

What Happens Next for the UBW Facility?

With the decision made, the UBW facility will be placed up for sale. The obstacles, walls, and equipment will find new homes, continuing to serve athletes elsewhere.

While the physical location may close, the relationships formed, lives changed, and faith strengthened through UBW remain intact. Those outcomes, Cook emphasized, cannot be sold, dismantled, or erased.

A Legacy That Can’t Be Measured in Competitions

UBW’s legacy isn’t defined by titles or televised runs. It’s defined by:

• Kids who found confidence

• Families who found community

• Athletes who found purpose

• People who found faith

For the ninja community, especially those who trained, competed, or volunteered at UBW - this closure marks the end of a special era.

But as Cook reminded everyone: “What God started through a handful of us is alive and burning brighter than ever.”

Final Words from the Founder

Cook closed his message with encouragement that resonates far beyond one facility:

• Keep running your race

• Keep being bold for Christ

• The best is still ahead

UBW in its current form may be closing its doors, but its influence will continue to shape lives, gyms, and ministries for years to come.

2015 to 2025. To God be the glory, forever.