Sometimes, my family and friends ask me, why ninja? Or why rock climbing? Aren’t they dangerous? Or…So, you mean he does that ninja thing where they’re wearing masks?
I understand their concerns and questions, and yes, ninja and climbing are sports that are not that popular yet, but what they don’t understand is that ninja and climbing are unique!
When you’re a ninja and climber, the competition is not much against other athletes, but it’s about you overcoming obstacles or solving the puzzle of the climbing route!
They’re very grinding sports, where you’re putting on the work, showing up every day, making sacrifices, hands are raw or bleeding, feet are getting crunched, shoulders are sore, and…fails outnumber the triumphs.
Yet, you try again, and again, and fail, and then tell yourself, “I can get this!”, “One more time!”. Until, you finally succeed! “Finally! I sent that project!” “I nailed that move!” “I hit the buzzer!”
The feeling of overjoy and confidence after working so hard is priceless!
It’s hard to explain this to family and friends who don’t quite get the reason why our children choose these sports. The simple answer would be, “Because they love it!” They’d rather be training in the gym for hours than playing video games. They sacrifice hanging out with friends on weekends to travel to competitions but that’s ok, because they are pursuing their passion!
And I believe that because these sports are so challenging, the athletes become better and stronger individuals! They are better problem solvers, hard workers, and relentless!
JG started climbing when he was 8 years old. Because he was born in November, he was always the youngest in his age division. Also, he was pretty much always the smallest one. There were so many times and competitions where the routes were set for taller boys, and Joseph couldn’t even reach it, no matter how stretched out he was!
He knew he had to overcome this challenge, so he became more dynamic and started practicing a lot of dynamic moves, or what we call, dynos.
His journey has been a tough one. A lot more failures than victories, but when he succeeded, he did it big! He was the Regional champion against a strong group of boys from Texas! He also went to Bouldering Nationals, and because of his dynamic nature, he was able to place in the top 17 in the nation for speed climbing after just a few weeks of training!
Fast forward to ninja…Joseph started practicing ninja when he was 12 years old. He used to watch the ANW show since he was 6 years old, climbing on the walls at our home, saying how he was going to be the next American Ninja Warrior!
Just like in climbing, he has had many setbacks in ninja! Whether it was missing the Stage 2 of World’s due to 2 seconds (even after a full clear), having off days, or missing the championship podium due distraction when offered chalk (that’s how SLAPCHALKS was born!).
It would be easier to just quit, or move on and do something else or another sport. His school coaches have offered Joseph the opportunity to join their track team, or even cheerleading with the promise of college scholarships! But Joseph just stuck to his ground, his passion, and hustled!
His perseverance payed off! After submitting a video to the American Ninja Warrior show twice, (he submitted last year when he was 14 years old, but was turned down due to his young age), he got the call to compete!
It takes a lot to be able to compete on the ANW show! A lot of paperwork to fill out, Covid tests, zoom meetings, making props (Joseph built a robot for the show in 1 week!), and travel/school arrangements. But the experience of being on the actual set, meeting all the ninjas competing, making friendships, and competing on the course, it’s something that Joseph will remember for the rest of his life!
We’re so blessed for this amazing opportunity! For all the ninjas and climbers out there who are struggling and feeling like things are not working out, or it’s too hard, or frustrated with their progress, Joseph has his inspirational quote to share with you:
“For every situation there’s no limitation, only adaptation.”
If something is not working for you right now, adapt! Don’t limit yourself, or tell yourself you can’t do it! Find different ways to solve your problem!
Go out there, and keep working hard! You can overcome and succeed!
And don’t forget! Mark your calendar and get ready to cheer for “JG Rock” this Summer on American Ninja Warrior Season 15 on NBC! It will premiere this Monday, June 5th at 7pm CT. He should appear on the second episode on June 12th, get ready!
Thanks for reading! Vanessa Rouse (JG’s biggest fan)
