Unleash Your Natural Instincts

With expert Troop Leaders, a world-class habitat, and a pack that’s got your back, we’re here to help you evolve. Whether you’re a curious cub or an apex athlete, it’s time to claim your territory and conquer the canopy.

What we Offer

New Covered Outdoor Ninja Gym at the Zoo!

TRAIN WILD

Warped Walls, Nets, rings, ropes, tramps, airTracks and more!

Transform your fitness into an adventure. At Zoo Ninja, we combine elite obstacle training with primal movement to help you reach your peak. We train Ninja, tumbling, and body awareness that will help condition your body for any other sport.

Explore the Habitat

Offerings

Ninja Classes

For ninja warrior obstacle course learning. Options for kids, teens, and adults.

Summer Camp

Spend a day training your inner beast.  Structured day full of fun, fitness, ninja and monkeys! For kids ages 6-13.

Birthday Parties

Host a Wild Birthday party with us in our canopy.

Adults 15+ / Open Training

Access the entire gym to practice your ninja skills without formal instruction.

Wild Ninja Competition

The Wild Ninja course is a 2-mile adventure featuring 42 obstacles grouped into 10 Animal Challenges around the zoo. Your goal is to accumulate points and achieve “Least Concern” status.

Team Building & Private Events

Host a private ninja team building or special event with us.

Ninja Classes

Entry Classes

Coming Soon!

Bushbabies

Ages (1.5-3)
Saturday 9:00 - 9:50 am

Capuchins

Ages (3-5)
Saturday 10:00 - 10:50 am

Lemurs

Ages (6-9)
M/T 5 - 5:50 pm

Spider Monkeys

Ages (10-14)
M/T 6 - 6:50 pm

Gibbons

Ages (15+)
Monday 7- 7:50 pm

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    10 week session
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    March 23 - May 28
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    1 class/week
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    $250/session
Book Now
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    10 week session
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    September 1 - November 6th
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    1 class/week
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    $250/session
Book Soon

Advanced Classes

Coming Soon!

Siamangs

Level 2 - Invite only
Dates TBD

Silverbacks

Level 3 - Invite only
Dates TBD

Class Details

At Zoo Ninja Gym, we don’t just run drills—we embark on a survival mission. Our Ninja Warrior program is strategically broken down by age group, ensuring every ninja evolves at their own pace within a Troop that matches their size and energy. Level 2 and 3 classes are invite only and accessible after a ninja has passed the required skill tests.

Tracking Evolution

We track our ninja skills evolution. Our curriculum is built on the fundamental movements of the animal kingdom, designed to turn every "cub" into a master of their habitat.

    • Warm-up, mobility & safe falling (breakfalls, rolls)
    • Basic strength & bodyweight control (planks, squats, pull variations)
    • Grip, forearm & finger strength (dead hangs, towel hangs, fingerboard)
    • Balance & precision (beam/line walking, single-leg control)
    • Vaults & transitions (step-over, kong, speed vaults)
    • Climbing & footwork (slab traverses, overhang technique)
    • Swinging & momentum (two-hand swings, lache progressions, rope climb)
    • Advanced brachiation techniques. (rhythm of a gibbon moving through the trees)
    • Jumps & precision landings (standing/running jumps, depth drops)
    • Obstacle-specific techniques (salmon ladder, pegboard, pipe sliders, quintuple steps)
    • Tumbling & acrobatics basics (forward/back rolls, handstand prep, flips)
    • Flow & linking (transitions between obstacles)
    • Strategy & risk management (route planning, pacing, mental skills)
    • Recovery & injury prevention (mobility, posterior chain, load management)

Alpha Attributes

As our ninjas climb the Skill Tree, they sharpen the five markers of a predator:

  • Strength: Raw power to conquer the climb.

  • Agility: Lightning-fast reflexes for split-second shifts.

  • Balance: The rock-steady poise of a mountain goat.

  • Confidence: The lion-hearted courage to face new heights.

  • Flexibility: The snake-like suppleness to reach any hold.

The Code of the Wild

Our training doesn’t stop when you leave the gym. We instill a "Zoo Ninja" mindset that prepares our troop for the "Great Outdoors" of real life:

  1. Wild at Heart: We never forget that “monkeying around” is where the magic happens.
  2. Primal Perseverance: Never back down from a challenge.
  3. Protect the Troop: Community is our greatest strength.
  4. Conservation of Spirit: we are stewards of the planet
  5. Vigilant Survival: Total awareness and safety-first instincts.

Why Train with us?

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Authentic Obstacles

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Expert Safety & Technique

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Classes for Every Age

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A Troop of All Levels

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Beginner to Pro Progression

View the Obstacles

The Habitat:

Summer Camp

Ninja Camp!

  • Dates available: June 1 - August 16
  • Offered 2-3 days per week
  • Sold as daily sessions
  • 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • $95 per participant

Camp Details

  • Ages: 6–13

  • Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Cost: $95 per participant

  • Staffing: Coaches may divide campers into age-specific groups for the day.

at the zoo

Our camp is Wild! It's packed with a blend of high-quality athletic training, games, and real-world inspiration. We visit the true masters of jungle - 2 troops of Siamangs at the Metro Richmond Zoo

Why Choose Our day Camp?

  • Safety is our foundation, so fun can be the focus

  • We love monkeying around.

  • We mix fun, training and strategic breaks to keep ninjas engaged

  • They will go home tired!

Note to Parents: Please ensure your child arrives with a water bottle, lunch, and appropriate athletic gear. (no crocks or sandals)

Birthday Party in the Canopy:

Birthday party

Package
$350/Party
  • 1 hr in Gym and 40 minutes to party
  • Private access to our 7,200 SF Gym
  • Up to 12 kids (Adults are not counted)
  • $20 for additional children
  • Available @ 11am, 1pm, or 3pm on Saturdays
  • Climate controlled shipping container access as needed
  • Coach Hosted activities: Ninja games/challenges
  • Table coverings, plates, napkins, utensils, and 1 water bottle per guest.
  • Food, cake, and decorations are not included. 

Open training

Kids Only (Ages 6-14)

Adults only (ages 15+)

Come and train at your own pace!  Adult Open training is available Monday and Tuesday 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm starting at the top of each hour and Saturdays 4:30-5:30 pm. (more dates to come) Kids only Open Training is on Saturdays at 9:00 am and 10:00 am.  Please note that coached classes may be held during these same hours. Classes always have "right of way." If a class is working on the balance obstacles, those obstacles are off-limits to open trainer participants until the class moves to a different station. There is plenty to go around, just move to another rig.

Team building & Private events

Group training session

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zoo ninja focused

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semi-competitive games

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FAQ

What are your gym hours?

We operate on a seasonal schedule to make sure our ninjas have the best experience possible!

  • Season: Open March through November.

  • Monday – Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Classes & Open Training).

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Classes, Open Training & Birthday Parties).

  • Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: Closed.

WINTER SEASON & SPECIAL EVENTS

We are closed for general training following Daylight Saving Time (November through March). However, the gym doesn't go completely dark! We remain open for birthday parties and private events upon request during the winter months.

Do you offer personal training?

Yes, we do! Our Coaches are available to help you achieve your individual fitness goals. You can inquire here start a personal training inquiry.

What if I'm new to ninja?

Don’t worry—every pro was once a beginner! Ninja training isn't just about strength; it’s about balance, agility, and learning how to move your body in new ways. We welcome "New-bies" of all backgrounds with open arms. Here is how we get you started:

  • Foundation First: We offer "Level 1" classes that focus on basic techniques—like how to land safely (the most important skill!), how to grip properly, and how to build momentum.

  • Scalable Obstacles: Most of our obstacles are adjustable. Can't hit the 14-foot Warped Wall yet? We have 10-foot and 12-foot versions to help you build your confidence.

  • A Supportive Tribe: Our community is our secret sauce. You’ll find that seasoned ninjas are often the loudest ones cheering for you as you tackle your first obstacle.

  • Expert Coaching: Our coaches will walk you through the "beta" (the strategy) of every move so you never feel lost or over-extended.

You don't need to be an athlete to start—you just need to be ready to have fun.

What do I need to bring to the gym?

  • Clean Athletic Shoes: This is our most important rule! To keep our obstacles grippy and safe, please bring a clean, dedicated pair of closed-toe athletic sneakers. Avoid shoes with muddy soles, cleats, or sandals.

  • Moveable Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable workout clothes that allow for a full range of motion. We recommend long leggings or pants to help prevent "obstacle burn" on shins and knees.

  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated! We have filling stations available to keep you fueled throughout your session.

  • A "Can-Do" Attitude: Ninja is all about trial and error. Be ready to fail, learn, and try again!

What's at the gym?

The Zoo Ninja Gym is where you come to unleash your inner beast! Located in the upper parking lot of the Metro Richmond Zoo, our facility offers a 7,200 sq. ft. open-air experience that mimics training in the wild.

The Habitat

  • Train Like an Animal: We operate as an open-air gym. While we don't have central A/C, we provide high-powered fans and a dedicated cooling space to keep you moving safely.

  • Pro-Level Obstacles: Our 7,200 sq. ft. space is packed with everything you need to progress:

    • Iconic Warped Walls of varying heights.

    • Professional Ninja Rigs for grip and upper body work.

    • Air Tracks for safe tumbling and acrobatics.

    • Mini Tramps for explosive power and launches.