Remember when you were 6 years old and got your first baseball mitt or hockey stick, in anticipation of playing games that would become the passion of a lifetime? Well, there’s a whole new generation of young athletes passing on team sports for the opportunity to attend Obstacle Training Facilities that offer Ninja Warrior classes. Matt D’amico represents one such example, a local boy turned young man, and his story of independence, effort, determination and maturity – ultimately leading to success in more ways than one.
Matt D’amico, 25, lives in Billerica, but is born and bred in Watertown. Matt attended Watertown schools until eigth grade and then was home-schooled through the age of 16. At that point, he made a decision that has changed his life in only good ways- Matt began training to be an American Ninja Warrior.
For the uneducated, which included me prior to writing this story, “Ninja Warrior” is a highly demanding obstacle course competition and sport. Inspired by the iconic Japanese TV show “Sasuke,” it tests competitors’ strength, agility, and endurance across a series of rigorous, adrenaline-pumping challenges.
When Matt was a kid he played traditional sports. He also hung out at the grounds of Gore Estate with his friends and they’d spend hours climbing and swinging among the trees. Somehow Matt knew this passion he had for climbing & swinging would best be put to use training for Ninja Warrior competitions.
Most 16 year-olds are taking the SATs and visiting colleges. Matt passed on that path, instead going to gyms specializing in obstacle courses to train and learn how to be a successful Ninja Warrior. From the start, Matt established speed as one the hallmarks of his style in combating the challenges of the sport. He wanted to use speed to his advantage while never losing sight of the other important characteristics needed to compete – strength, flexibility, stamina and mental toughness.
American Ninja Warrior (ANW), is a sports entertainment and reality game show competition. The series premiered in 2009, on cable channel G4, and in 2012 began airing on NBC. In 2022, at the age of 21, Matt qualified and made his national debut on ANW/Season 14. He made it to the final stage, eventually finishing in sixth place. He also made it to the final stage in Seasons 15 & 17.
Matt has once again qualified for the finals, in this Season 18 of ANW. Competition to become champion will begin airing on NBC Monday August 10, 2026.
So, what is the shelf-life of a competitor trying to be among the best in this sport. It’s hard to say, but best to start young. Just like learning to skate or learning another language, mastering the complexities and challenges of obstacle courses is best mastered by starting as early as six years of age. While Matt started “late” he feels like he’s in the best shape of his life, his cardio and endurance never better, partially thanks to long hikes and trail walks with his new dog Ace. And while Matt believes the peak age of a Ninja Warrior competitor is 19, Matt isn’t ready to say he’s past his prime just yet and hang up his sneakers.
The most interesting part of this story in my opinion is the evolution of a young man that has taken place in a relatively short time. While Matt continues to put himself on the verge of ultimate success on ANW, he and a fellow local competitor, Lucas Reale, decided to join forces and create their own obstacle training centers. Matt and Lucas own and operate two Ascend Obstacle Training facilities in Massachusetts, one 9,000 sq. ft. and located in Marlborough and another 40,000 sq. ft. and situated in Kingston.
The challenges of running a business can be daunting, but for Matt it is an extension of his love and passion of obstacle course training. He sees only what can be gained by teaching the sport he loves and providing an outlet for future competitors. He believes in the life-lessons of hard work and perseverance. And on a personal level, designing obstacle courses allows him to be more analytical when it comes to his efforts to conquer a course in competition.
Matt’s athletic skills have come in handy in another way. Matt is a member of the Boston Celtics Dunk Team. Since 2022, Matt has been a professional acrobatic dunker, performing most often at the TD Garden at halftime of Celtics games. The Dunk Team also performs, on demand, at camps, and at other events.
Matt is really excited about the future of obstacle course training and competition, believing Massachusetts has become a bit of a hotbed for this activity. Future Ascend locations are a possibility. Matt’s dream location? In his hometown of Watertown, of course!
Until then, Matt will continue to live his best life thanks to his experiences as a Ninja Warrior. He lives busy days teaching, owning and training. And he wouldn’t have it any other way!
See more about American Ninja Warrior at https://www.nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior