What is the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA)

Hayden Wilcox
Oct 28
5 min read

If you're into ninja-style obstacle course racing and hungry for competition, the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) is one of the most established leagues out there. Here's a detailed breakdown of who they are, how their competition structure works, and what we know about Season 11. Plus, if you’re training or planning to train, you’ll find a great call to action at the end to book lessons to prep for upcoming events.

What is UNAA?

Founded as a national and international league for ninja-style obstacle course events, the UNAA describes itself as “Made For Athletes… By Athletes.”
The league organizes events at different levels: Area Qualifiers, Regional Qualifiers, and finally a Championship / World Series Final.
The age divisions are broad: children starting at age 6, teens, adults, masters (40+ and 50+). So it’s inclusive of beginners, youth athletes and seasoned competitors alike.
Part of the production includes international qualifiers and worldwide coordination: for example, the “World Ninja Athlete Games” (WNAG) is a UNAA-run format where gyms around the world run the same course in the same weekend.

Competition Format & Key Features

Area Qualifiers: Local gyms host UNAA sanctioned events. The top performers from each division move on to Regionals. For example: a gym in Bedford, TX announcing a UNAA Season 11 Area Qualifier on Nov 1–2, 2025.
Regional Qualifiers: Bigger events collecting top athletes from those Area events. The rules for advancement into Regionals are evolving for Season 11. For example: “More qualifying opportunities and new rules for Finals qualifying!!” on UNAA’s Facebook.
Worldwide Events: Such as the WNAG, where gyms globally host the same course at the same time and the results are aggregated.
Championship / World Series Final: The pinnacle event where the best from all divisions converge. For Season 10, this was held in Dallas, Texas in July 2025.
Rules: Typical obstacles, point scoring, and fail conditions. For example, one qualifier site: “If an athlete fails 3 obstacles, that concludes their run. You may finish the course but will not receive a score for the remaining obstacles.”

Highlights of Season 11

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new or noteworthy for Season 11 of UNAA.

Schedule & Qualifier Dates

We know a few confirmed events: Qualifier at Ninja Intensity on Sept 13–14, 2025.
Area Qualifier at Conquer Ninja Gyms - Bedford scheduled Nov 1–2, 2025.
The World Series Final for Season 11 has been announced for July 11–16, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Rule Changes & Expanded Qualifying

The league has posted “BIG NEWS FOR SEASON 11!! More qualifying opportunities and new rules for Finals qualifying!!”
On Instagram they noted: “Season 11 Updates are live!! The rules are up, including expanded qualifying…”
Age divisions for Season 11 are aligned to age as of January 1, 2026 (important if your birthday falls in the window).
The schedule is still being finalized; many gyms are waiting for dates as indicated by their posts.

Participation & Divisions

Divisions cover a wide range: 7 and Under, 9 and Under, 11 and Under, 13 and Under, 15 and Under, Amateur, Intermediate, Pro, 40+, 50+.
The “Open” divisions (6-13 Open, 14+ Open) are offered in some events as optional for athletes who did not qualify via age/skill divisions.

Global Reach

UNAA has qualifiers not only in the U.S. but internationally. For example, the Asia-Pacific Championship (Australia) on Nov 7-9, 2025.
The WNAG event is coordinated globally: athletes from multiple countries run the same course weekend.

What You Should Know If You’re Competing

Always check the run order, check-in time, and walk-through time for your age/division. Example: Republic Warrior Sports qualifier list details check-in and start times.
Athletes must sign waivers, pay registration fees, and comply with the age rule (age as of Jan 1, 2026 for Season 11) and run the official course under UNAA rules.
Courses change gym-by-gym though under UNAA sanctioning; check each event’s rule sheet for specifics (obstacle count, time limits, fails allowed).

Why It Matters for You & Your Gym

If you own or operate an obstacle or ninja warrior gym, or coach students preparing for ninja events, Season 11 of UNAA is an opportunity:

It gives your athletes a clear pathway: local qualifier → regional → world finals.
Having your gym host a UNAA event can raise your profile and draw athletes.
Knowing the schedule early helps you plan training cycles, block event dates, and target qualifications.
For adult training or family offerings you run, you can position your programs as UNAA-prep (especially since UNAA includes adult divisions).

Quick Snapshot: What We Know of Season 11 Schedule

Event	Date	Location	Notes
Qualifier at Ninja Intensity	Sept 13 - 14, 2025	Colorado	Area Qualifier, all age divisions.
Area Qualifier at Conquer Ninja Bedford	Nov 1 - 2, 2025	Bedford, TX	Sign-up for Season 11.
Asia-Pacific Championship	Nov 7 - 9, 2025	Australia	International qualifier to Season 11 Worlds.
World Series Finals (Season 11)	July 11 - 16, 2026	Harrisburg, PA	Championship event.

Note: This is a partial list. UNAA states schedule is still being updated.

How to Prepare (and Why You Should)

Mark key event dates: For your athletes, or for your own training, knowing when Area Qualifiers start (Sept onward) means you want your peak training ahead of that.
Age check-in: Since age is based on Jan 1, 2026, have your athletes’ ages documented and train them in the correct division.
Run through the rules: For example, for some events an athlete fails after 3 misses. That impacts strategy: do you push hard, or pace?
Train obstacle-specific skills: Grip strength, agility, transitions, endurance.
Consider your gym’s role: If you’re hosting or co-hosting an event, manage logistics: check-in, walk-through, run order, spectator capacity.
Market to your audience: If you’re training kids or adults for UNAA, highlight that your program aligns with the league and Season 11 opportunities.

It's Time To Start

If you’re looking to step up your game and compete in the UNAA circuit for Season 11, or if you want to train for strengths, obstacle transitions and agility to dominate at your next local qualifier, book Ninja Warrior Training Lessons or Obstacle Course Training Lessons today. AFTS offers tailored sessions for kids (6-13), teens and adults, so you’ll be ready when the UNAA competition doors open. Let’s get you qualified, strong and confident.