What is the Difference between Obstacle Course Racing and Ninja Warrior?
Cayden Jones, Obstacle Warriors North Richland Hills | Updated May 27, 2024
Obstacle Course Racing and Ninja Warrior: What's the Difference?
Obstacle course racing (OCR) has expanded since the races rose in popularity in the mid-2000’s. Ninja Warrior first started in 1997, stemming from the popular Japanese sports competition show Sasuke. Both sports include the use of obstacles, but require very different approaches.
The Courses
The main difference between the 2 sports is the distance. Obstacle Course Races (OCR) are typically miles long and include 10-50 obstacles, depending on the distance. These races include a variety of terrain, including mud, roads, lakes, and trails. Athletes will typically encounter an obstacle every few minutes instead of back-to-back in a ninja course.
Ninja Warrior includes a much shorter course as the obstacles are placed one after another. These course challenge an athletes strength, speed, endurance, coordination, and technique skills within a time limit.
Training
OCR requires a solid balance between cardiovascular endurance and obstacle efficiency. Athletes must endure long runs, intervals, incline training, as well as muscular strength and technique work.
Ninja Warrior training focuses on perfecting obstacle technique and efficiency. Since Ninja courses are not as cardio intensive, athletes focus less on running and more on swings, jumps, and rolls on different obstacle challenges.
Image via Facebook | OCR World Championships
Professional Competitions
Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athletes can compete at a variety of competitions worldwide, including the Spartan, Savage Race, and more. These competitions ultimately lead to the OCR World Championships. This years championships will be held on Oct. 4-6, 2024 in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Ninja Warrior athletes can also compete at a variety of competitions in different leagues worldwide. These ultimate lead to the World Series Finals. This years championships will include leagues such as UNAA, WNAG, OCR, FINA, and USNC. Ninja Warriors also have the option to compete on the grandest stage in the sport to compete for $1 million, American Ninja Warrior.
Image via Instagram | Daniel Gil
Obstacle Warriors North Richland Hills
DO YOU HAVE A FIELD TRIP COMING UP?
Your favorite ninja obstacle course gym is opening in July 2024! Obstacle Warriors Field Trips, Fundraisers, Festivals and group events are now available for booking for mid-July 2024 onward! Kids and adults get to experience what it’s like to be a ninja warrior! We encourage kids and adults to have fun, learn, and challenge themselves to be the best that they can be. Unleash your inner ninja warrior and book your next event with our obstacle course today.
Location: Obstacle Warriors NRH is located at 8525 Airport Fwy, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
