Woodstock Preteen Competes In 'American Ninja Warrior Junior'

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Do you think you have what it takes to compete on the hit-show "American Ninja Warrior?" Tate Allen, 12, of Woodstock, does and will show it on the April 13 episode of "American Ninja Warrior JuniorAmerican Ninja Warrior Junior."

Allen will be competing in the semi-finals for age group 11-12 on April 13. Universal Kids’ “American Ninja Warrior Junior” marks the first time the show’s biggest fans – kids - can become part of this five-time Emmy nominated worldwide phenomenon.

The show is hosted by original series hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila alongside Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez.

Some 200 Junior Ninjas from across the U.S. faced off head-to-head on courses in three age brackets: 9 - 10, 11 - 12, and 13 - 14 girls and boys. Three final winners (one per age bracket) will be crowned the first ever American Ninja Warrior Junior Champions during the season finale on April 27.

The “American Ninja Warrior Junior” courses will feature iconic Ninja Warrior obstacles, including Sonic Swing, Tic Toc, Spin Cycle and the Warped Wall.

In Allen's first episode that aired last October, episode 6, he won three races, earning him an advancement to the semi-finals this weekend.

Allen attends The Kings Academy in Woodstock, has two brothers and enjoys all sports, especially American Ninja Warrior Junior. He heard about the show through his coaches at Ninja Quest Fitness, and wanted to be on the show because he loves ninja and competiting.

"I have had a lot of support and encouragement from friends and coaches as well as other members at Ninja Quest," Allen said. "I have also had a few local newspapers and magazines write articles about my involvement with ninja. Even my school newspaper wrote an article, which was cool."

Allen said the best part about being on the show was being able to compete against other ninjas and making a lot of friends from all over the country that he's still in contact with.

"It was very challenging facing many great competitors," Allen said. "It was also very challenging participating in the many interviews I had and learning how to answer questions and be on camera. I trained six or seven days a week, both in my backyard and at Ninja Quest. A lot of my training included running speed courses because on the show you race others."

Allen said it was cool being one of 64 kids in his age group of 11-12. There were 192 kids total in all the age groups.

"It was an honor to get picked, and I was so thankful for this opportunity," Allen said. "I learned how to compete under lots of pressure, participate in various interviews and how to keep composure in the midst of the competition."

Allen continues to participate year-round in competitions all around the country.

"I loved my experience on American Ninja Warrior Junior and I hope to be invited back for season two," Allen said. "I love the support of the ninja community and how everybody encourages you to do your best and to try new things. I love all the friends that I have made and the opportunities to travel around the country. I also love pushing myself to the limit and seeing what I can accomplish."