About Us

Our Mission

At Ultimate Ninja Gym, we believe every child is full of potential, and every family member plays a role in unlocking it. When kids are supported, challenged, and cheered on by both coaches and loved ones, they don’t just grow stronger; they grow more confident, resilient, and ready for life.

We build an environment where families feel welcome, valued, and involved. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find more than just obstacles; you’ll find real-life skills that matter:

Grit when things get tough
Empathy when working with others
A growth mindset when facing setbacks
& the confidence to communicate clearly

These are lessons that stick with them far beyond the gym. Ninja is our playground and our platform. Through obstacle training, parkour, and calisthenics, we turn jumping, climbing, swinging, and falling into moments of transformation

for kids and for the families cheering them on. Because it’s not just about reaching the buzzer, it’s about the people we become together on the way there.

Our Mission

At Ultimate Ninja Gym, we believe every child is full of potential, and every family member plays a role in unlocking it. When kids are supported, challenged, and cheered on by both coaches and loved ones, they don’t just grow stronger; they grow more confident, resilient, and ready for life.

We build an environment where families feel welcome, valued, and involved. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll find more than just obstacles; you’ll find real-life skills that matter:

Grit when things get tough
Empathy when working with others
A growth mindset when facing setbacks
& the confidence to communicate clearly

These are lessons that stick with them far beyond the gym. Ninja is our playground and our platform. Through obstacle training, parkour, and calisthenics, we turn jumping, climbing, swinging, and falling into moments of transformation for kids and for the families cheering them on. Because it’s not just about reaching the buzzer, it’s about the people we become together on the way there.

So, come join us and see why Ultimate Ninja Gym is making a difference beyond Ninja.

TEAM ULTIMATE

You can learn about each of our coaches below:

Ben Bitterman - GM

UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up playing all the classic sports—basketball, football, and baseball—and even practiced martial arts. But when I discovered Parkour and Ninja obstacles, everything changed. I instantly fell in love with the thrill of vaulting, climbing, and flipping—things you usually only see in movies or on TV. There’s nothing quite like the rush of accomplishing something you once thought was impossible.

Now, I’m excited to share that passion with the ABQ community through Ultimate Ninja Gym. My goal is to create a space where everyone, no matter their age or skill level, can experience the joy of pushing their limits—whether it’s vaulting, climbing, jumping, or simply conquering a new challenge.

I live here in the Land of Enchantment with my amazing wife, our two playful dogs, and two curious cats. When I’m not at the gym, I’m soaking in all that New Mexico and it's outdoors has to offer.

I’m thrilled to see this gym and the sport of Ninja grow. Together, I know we can help turn Ninja obstacles into a mainstream sport, right alongside basketball, football, and baseball. Can’t wait to see you at the gym and be a part of your journey!

Sami Schuh-

Head Coach, Assistant GM 1
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up in Washington state, where I spent my early years immersed in martial arts and hip hop. When I moved to New Mexico, I discovered the sport of ninja warrior and instantly fell in love with it. Competing in ninja for the past 8 years has been a transformative journey, and I’ve been fortunate to win the UNAA World Finals three times.

In 2020, I began coaching, and it quickly became clear that this was my true passion. Helping people of all ages overcome mental and physical barriers, push their limits, and have fun along the way is what drives me as a coach. For me, ninja is about more than just competition—it’s about resilience, growth, and joy.

I’m always seeking new challenges and ways to inspire others to be their best selves.

Kyera Black -

Kids Coach, Assistant GM 2
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I have been working with kids since I was young. It started with aiding my mother with her 1st grade class and extended into babysitting when I was in High School. I enjoyed creating fun games to get the kid's energy out and very quickly learned the value of exercise. I had the revelation that working out doesn't need to be boring!

I've gotten involved in west coast swing dancing this past year, and just recently extended my reach towards ninja training. I look forward to meeting the community and learning as much as I can about this sport!

Zane Barber -

Kids Coach, Adult Coach,
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I’ve spent my life engaged in challenging physical pursuits from climbing mountains to wrestling and martial arts. In college I learned a great deal about physical training for aesthetics, strength, and movement. I am a member of Team Ultimate so that I can share that knowledge and experience with as many people as possible and increase their ability to move and function well in an ever-changing world.

Iriana Valentino -

Kids Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hi I’m Iriana Valentino. I have trained in multiple sports growing up like soccer, swimming, cross country, martial arts, and gymnastics. When I was looking for a new sport I found ninja which quickly became my favorite with how it focused on fundamental skills that trained me to conquer obstacles I thought were impossible before. Now I’m able to take what I’ve learned and teach kids how to believe in themselves training them to suceed through the difficult challenges.

Tony Nelson -

Kids Coach, Adult Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hello everyone! It’s Tony Nelson from Cincinnati, OH (Go Bucks)! My passion for movement started in a youth circus at 11 years old. Since 14, I have coached, competed, and performed in various disciplines, including parkour, juggling, and competitive wheel gymnastics. I love building technique and confidence in all areas of life, and that’s what I intend to bring to my Ninja coaching.

My favorite thing to do is to celebrate wins and see the ones around me succeed. Happy to be in the 505 coaching Ninja and helping your kids turn their obstacles to opportunities!

Nichole Mathis Larson -

Kids Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hi, I'm Nichole. My journey began with gymnastics at age 5, and I started competing at 9 through the Excel program at AGS (Albuquerque Gymnastics School), quickly progressing through the levels afterward. In high school, I began teaching in the recreational gymnastics program and continued until my graduation in 2023. After that, I seized the opportunity to teach Acro dance at EMD (East Mountain Dance), where I connected with students of all ages.

Now, as a substitute teacher, l've been a long-time fan of Ninja Warrior on TV. Since childhood, I've dreamed of soaring through the air, and I'm excited to teach ninja skills now.

I currently attend the University of New Mexico, double majoring in film and digital arts, as well as speech and hearing sciences, with the goal of becoming an audiologist and pursuing a Ph.D. in the future.

Bob Clark - CEO

UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up skiing, windsurfing, rock climbing, and racing Motocross. But once I discovered Ninja obstacles, I was hooked.

So I started the UNAA- Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association, a World Wide competition series with over 120 participating gyms across the Globe.

Now I want to bring that passion to Albuquerque with Ultimate Ninja Obstacle Gym!

I have a Coaching Level 2 certification from New Mexico State University, with studies in Nutrition, health science, Action Personal Trainer Certification and sports officiating. I also created the UNAA Ninja Coach Certification with 5 other certified professionals.

I work full time at PLAYWELL in Albuquerque as a sales and design consultant for playgrounds, shade structures and outdoor fitness equipment. Married to Felicia Clark, with 3 Children ( all married) and 3 grandkids…. so far…

I want to see Ninja obstacle competition become a real certified worldwide sport and pursue Ninja obstacle competition inclusion in the Olympics and I have a desire to use UNAA as a platform to help accomplish that.

Ben Bitterman - GM

UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up playing all the classic sports—basketball, football, and baseball—and even practiced martial arts. But when I discovered Parkour and Ninja obstacles, everything changed. I instantly fell in love with the thrill of vaulting, climbing, and flipping—things you usually only see in movies or on TV. There’s nothing quite like the rush of accomplishing something you once thought was impossible.

Now, I’m excited to share that passion with the ABQ community through Ultimate Ninja Gym. My goal is to create a space where everyone, no matter their age or skill level, can experience the joy of pushing their limits—whether it’s vaulting, climbing, jumping, or simply conquering a new challenge.

I live here in the Land of Enchantment with my amazing wife, our two playful dogs, and two curious cats. When I’m not at the gym, I’m soaking in all that New Mexico and it's outdoors has to offer.

I’m thrilled to see this gym and the sport of Ninja grow. Together, I know we can help turn Ninja obstacles into a mainstream sport, right alongside basketball, football, and baseball. Can’t wait to see you at the gym and be a part of your journey!

Sami Schuh-

Head Coach, Assistant GM 1
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up in Washington state, where I spent my early years immersed in martial arts and hip hop. When I moved to New Mexico, I discovered the sport of ninja warrior and instantly fell in love with it. Competing in ninja for the past 8 years has been a transformative journey, and I’ve been fortunate to win the UNAA World Finals three times.

In 2020, I began coaching, and it quickly became clear that this was my true passion. Helping people of all ages overcome mental and physical barriers, push their limits, and have fun along the way is what drives me as a coach. For me, ninja is about more than just competition—it’s about resilience, growth, and joy.

I’m always seeking new challenges and ways to inspire others to be their best selves.

Kyera Black -

Kids Coach, Assistant GM 2
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I have been working with kids since I was young. It started with aiding my mother with her 1st grade class and extended into babysitting when I was in High School. I enjoyed creating fun games to get the kid's energy out and very quickly learned the value of exercise. I had the revelation that working out doesn't need to be boring!

I've gotten involved in west coast swing dancing this past year, and just recently extended my reach towards ninja training. I look forward to meeting the community and learning as much as I can about this sport!

Zane Barber -

Kids Coach, Adult Coach,
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I’ve spent my life engaged in challenging physical pursuits from climbing mountains to wrestling and martial arts. In college I learned a great deal about physical training for aesthetics, strength, and movement. I am a member of Team Ultimate so that I can share that knowledge and experience with as many people as possible and increase their ability to move and function well in an ever-changing world.

Iriana Valentino -

Kids Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hi I’m Iriana Valentino. I have trained in multiple sports growing up like soccer, swimming, cross country, martial arts, and gymnastics. When I was looking for a new sport I found ninja which quickly became my favorite with how it focused on fundamental skills that trained me to conquer obstacles I thought were impossible before. Now I’m able to take what I’ve learned and teach kids how to believe in themselves training them to suceed through the difficult challenges.

Tony Nelson -

Kids Coach, Adult Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hello everyone! It’s Tony Nelson from Cincinnati, OH (Go Bucks)! My passion for movement started in a youth circus at 11 years old. Since 14, I have coached, competed, and performed in various disciplines, including parkour, juggling, and competitive wheel gymnastics. I love building technique and confidence in all areas of life, and that’s what I intend to bring to my Ninja coaching.

My favorite thing to do is to celebrate wins and see the ones around me succeed. Happy to be in the 505 coaching Ninja and helping your kids turn their obstacles to opportunities!

Nichole Mathis Larson -

Kids Coach
UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

Hi, I'm Nichole. My journey began with gymnastics at age 5, and I started competing at 9 through the Excel program at AGS (Albuquerque Gymnastics School), quickly progressing through the levels afterward. In high school, I began teaching in the recreational gymnastics program and continued until my graduation in 2023. After that, I seized the opportunity to teach Acro dance at EMD (East Mountain Dance), where I connected with students of all ages.

Now, as a substitute teacher, l've been a long-time fan of Ninja Warrior on TV. Since childhood, I've dreamed of soaring through the air, and I'm excited to teach ninja skills now.

I currently attend the University of New Mexico, double majoring in film and digital arts, as well as speech and hearing sciences, with the goal of becoming an audiologist and pursuing a Ph.D. in the future.

Bob Clark - CEO

UNAA Ninja Coach Level 2 Certified

I grew up skiing, windsurfing, rock climbing, and racing Motocross. But once I discovered Ninja obstacles, I was hooked.

So I started the UNAA- Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association, a World Wide competition series with over 120 participating gyms across the Globe.

Now I want to bring that passion to Albuquerque with Ultimate Ninja Obstacle Gym!

I have a Coaching Level 2 certification from New Mexico State University, with studies in Nutrition, health science, Action Personal Trainer Certification and sports officiating. I also created the UNAA Ninja Coach Certification with 5 other certified professionals.

I work full time at PLAYWELL in Albuquerque as a sales and design consultant for playgrounds, shade structures and outdoor fitness equipment. Married to Felicia Clark, with 3 Children ( all married) and 3 grandkids…. so far…

I want to see Ninja obstacle competition become a real certified worldwide sport and pursue Ninja obstacle competition inclusion in the Olympics and I have a desire to use UNAA as a platform to help accomplish that.