Friday, November 30, 2018

Let's Play American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs Ninja

Did you know that there's a browser video game based on American Ninja Warrior: Ninja Vs Ninja? Well now you know! Join William as he discusses the game while trying to get the fastest finish possible.

Also, he briefly discusses the potential reasons why the show failed to capture an audience this year.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Obstacle Lab: Time Machine

For the season finale of Obstacle Lab, I present to you an original obstacle idea that I designed while in high school. Inspired by skateboarding I built an obstacle that requires you to spin a balance beam while standing on it. It's tough but the obstacle is a good test of lower body strength.

Maybe one day the Time Machine will appear in locations outside of my backyard. You never know!

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Obstacle Lab: Why Landing Platform Height Matters

One thing I noticed when watching Ninja Warrior obstacle courses is how important the height of the landing platform is. The lower to the ground the platform is, the easier it is to finish the obstacle. In this episode of Obstacle Lab I'll be demonstrating this concept to show why course designers should make sure to raise their landing platforms.

Also, to just to make things a little tougher, I decided to see what would happen if you replace the landing platform with a hurdle. It doesn't make things easier.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Obstacle Lab: Basement Beam

Today on Obstacle Lab I demonstrate an old obstacle concept of mine called the Basement Beam. The concept is simple: can you travel across a balance beam that has limited head space? It might be harder than it sounds.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Obstacle Lab: Length Matters


Sometimes I come up with silly physical challenges. This is one of them. Using physics, I explain why it's difficult to hold a pole on only one end while actually doing the challenge at the same. This is one challenge you can do at home. Give it a shot!

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Obstacle Lab: Balance Tank Training!

The Balance Tank is a classic Ninja Warrior/Sasuke obstacle that's existed since 2002. Even though neither Sasuke or American Ninja Warrior uses the obstacle anymore, it's still commonly seen in ninja gyms around the world. Many of these gyms use big spools used for electrical cabling.

It just so happens that I work for an electrical company. And they were literally giving these spools away! How could I say no to a deal like that?

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Obstacle Lab: I Rebuilt My Destroyed Obstacle! (Heavenly Traverse)

One year ago, I destroyed the original version of my custom built Heavenly Traverse in a video because I made it out of wood and it broke. Now, the Heavenly Traverse has upgraded to metal and should not break under my own weight!

...I hope.

Anyway, for the inaugural episode of Obstacle Lab, join me as I test myself to see how many laps I can do on the Heavenly Traverse before I tire out. Hopefully I can beat my personal record!

Friday, October 5, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: How To Fix The $100K Rule & Additional Thoughts


I'm not done with American Ninja Warrior 10 just yet! I have more thoughts and I'm going to share them. Join me as I discuss the controversy surrounding the $100K last man standing rule from this season and my solution for next year. But first, I discuss some more behind the scenes rumors and info involving the Water Walls, Salmon Ladder, and Ultimate Cliffhanger.

Also, I discuss ANW Fantasy, The Stage 5 Ninja Awards, the possible future of Ninja vs Ninja and even a little bit of modern Sasuke.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: ANW Podcast and Ninja Warrior Weekly


In a special bonus review, William gives his thoughts on the first year of the American Ninja Warrior Podcast and the new Ninja Warrior Weekly web series. Which one did he like and which one did he hate?

Friday, September 14, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Las Vegas Stage 2, Stage 3, and Final Stage

It's the grand finale of American Ninja Warrior Season 10! Stage 2 features some brand new obstacle and a brand new time limit.

What. Could. Possibly. Go. WRONG???

Also, Stage 3 happened.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Las Vegas Stage 1, Part 2

It's the second half of Stage 1! The top competitors impress on the course and some new faces reach Stage 2 for the first time. William takes a closer look at why so many people failed the Double Dipper as well as how ANW should consider restructuring their safety precautions. He also takes a look at the course as a whole and goes over what changes he would make for next year.

Also, scorpions are consumed, records are broken and HOLY CRAP IS THAT NICHOLAS COOLRIDGE?!

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Las Vegas Stage 1, Part 1

The National Finals have begun! The Midoriyama course has ascended in Las Vegas where 97 ninjas will attempt to take down its four stage course. For Stage 1, the course has some interesting new obstacles and some obstacles that need to go away. Join William as he breaks down the course as well as all the exciting clears and shocking failures!

Also, Jamie Rahn loses a shoe, multiple injuries are witnessed and the importance of knowing how much time is left on the clock!

Monday, August 27, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Minneapolis Finals

Nerfs. Nerfs everywhere. It's the final regional episode before the national finals. Who reaches the promised land? Join William as he breaks down the episode.

Also, some early exits, some weird edits, and Jon Alexis Jr stand above all both figuratively and literally!

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Grand Finals


This is it! The Grand finale of Ninja vs Ninja! Who wins the championship? William gives his thoughts on the course and the results.

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Philadelphia Finals

It's raining ninjas! William went to see the Philadelphia Finals live and, oh boy was there a lot of rain! Two women really impress on the course and the Lighting Bolts continue to strike.

Also, William talks about the Captain's Wheel, some shocking fails, and why he stood where he was that night.

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Playoff Match 4


The final Playoff Match! Two top female ninjas finally square off and William gives his thoughts on the episode.

Friday, August 24, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Indianapolis Finals

Holy cow! Did you see that? You know, the thing with the guy? It was very surprising. Join William as he discusses the surprising fails and happy successes of the Indianapolis Finals.

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Miami Finals

The Cannonball drop brought the heat in the Miami Finals! With great obstacles like the Crazy Clocks and the Stair Hopper, the course was straight fire.

However, William also has a serious discussion on spoilers and the way the show is edited. It's like the show is at odds with itself sometimes.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Dallas Finals

This episode sucked.

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Playoff Match 3


The playoffs continue with some close calls and one scary collision. William discusses the episode. Also, William rants about Kyle Soderman not getting accepted for American Ninja Warrior this year.

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Los Angeles Finals

The city finals round has begun! William talks about the dinosaur less Los Angeles Finals. The course featured a strong new obstacle with the Baton Pass and a super nerfed Doorknob Drop. William discusses the idea of course nerfs and why it's not a bad thing overall.

Also, William talks about why time is so important on the course and why the editing felt rushed at the end. Nick Hansen, Adam Rayl, and Sean Bryan got surprisingly little fanfare considering how good they are.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Minneapolis Qualifiers

Let's eat some bugs! William discusses the Minneapolis qualifiers American Ninja Warrior season 10 where the most deadly obstacle was a returning obstacle!

Also, some surprising fails, some big returns, and the Battering Ram!

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Philadelphia Qualifiers

Philadelphia! Home of Rocky, cheese steaks, and the Liberty Bell! It's also home to Akbar giving a bad first pitch. But enough about that, William was there! Join William as he discusses the Philadelphia Qualifiers while giving some behind the scenes info about the stuff you didn't see.

Also, the women make history, Chris Wilczewski makes a grand return, the Lighting Bolts strike hard, and actual thunderstorms plague the course!

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Indianapolis Qualifiers

Isaac Caldiero is back! After years of not competing for a couple of years, the only man to win a million dollars on American Ninja Warrior has returned to try to do it again! And you can bet your butt that ANW is going to roll out the red carpet for him. William discusses Isaac's return. Did he do well?

Also, William discusses the Spin Hopper, Jesse Labreck, the Wheel Flip, the surprising cutoff for the top 30 and the dangers of the Block Run!

Monday, August 20, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Miami Qualifiers

Welcome to Miami! Here, you'll find a Slippery Summit, some big rings and a Razor's Edge. Join William as he discusses the Miami Qualifiers which includes some surprising clears, some surprising fails, and just a little bit of rain.

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Los Angeles Qualifiers

Open the door. Get on the floor. Everybody walk the dinosaur because the Los Angeles Qualifiers was Jurassic World night! Dinosaurs ran amok as ninjas went face to face with the deadliest predator of them all: the Doorknob Drop! What did William think of this prehistoric showdown?

Also, William discusses some really bad puns, the Jumper Cables, Sean Bryan's unassuming airtime, Brian Rambo, and the Armchair Ninja Podcast!

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Dallas Qualifiers

The season premiere of American Ninja Warrior 2018 has begun! The Dallas Qualifiers brought us some challenging obstacles in the form of the Tuning Forks and Crank It Up and it showed. William breaks down the new course, including the Mega Warped Wall.

Also, William talks about the new editing for profile pieces, the departure of POM Wonderful, and the early exits of ninjas like Barclay Stockett, Karsten Williams, and Brent Steffensen. Also, this show is still obsessed with Kacy Catanzaro. Guys, she's gone. Let it go.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Review: Celebrity Ninja Warrior

Red Nose Day 2018 has come and gone which means a new edition of Celebrity Ninja Warrior has occurred. Between a pro wrestler, a dancer, a sing and an American Ninja Warrior host, did anyone impress William during their run?

Friday, June 15, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 9 Review: All Stars

For the final American Ninja Warrior 9 review, William discusses the annual All Star Special. Between Super Salmon Ladders and Wicked Wingnuts, does this special hold up?

American Ninja Warrior 9 Review: USA Vs The World

The USA Vs World specials on American Ninja Warrior have a tendency to not be that great (in my opinion). But does the ANW 9 version have a chance of turning things around?

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Playoff Match 2 (Best Finish Yet!)


Part 2 of the Ninja vs Ninja playoffs! Will the team William has confidence in prove him right? Will the team William has no confidence in prove him right? The answer to both these questions are the same!

Also, this week featured to best, most exciting finish yet! It's going to be hard to top!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

American Ninja Warrior 10 Preview and Predictions! (2018 Season)


The tenth season of American Ninja Warrior is about to begin! Between the Mega Wall and the age limit being lowered to 19, there are many changes to talk about. William discusses what to expect this season and gives some predictions on what he thinks is going to happen this year.

Also, Isaac Caldiero is returning this season! Can he beat the final stage again? Who does William think has what it takes to win the million dollars this year?

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Playoff Match 1 (Tournament Start!)


The end is near! There are no more second chances and no more excuses. Only 16 teams remain and only four can reach the final episode. Join William as he discusses the surprising and intense results of the first quarter of the Ninja vs Ninja tournament.

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Wild Card Match 2 (The Ultimate Fast Forward)


It's part 2 of the wild card matches! We have a lot of matches but not a lot of time! Time to speed through 4 matches in 1 episode! William gives his thoughts on the super packed episode of Ninja vs Ninja!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Wild Card Match 1 (Let's Bungee Wrestle!)


The wild card round has begun! Now that the show is nearing its end, Ninja vs Ninja needs to fill those 7 remaining spots really fast! Join William as he breaks down the first three matches of the teams who got a second chance!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Qualifying Match 9


We have reached the final qualifying match! However, this was clearly not the final qualifying match they filmed. Join William as he discusses the carnage caused by the Floating Monkey Bars before they decided to add two extra rungs to the obstacle!

Friday, April 20, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Qualifying Match 8 (They Ran Out Of Smoke!)


We're halfway done with the season! One team shockingly goes out early while a different team claims victory despite one of their members dragging them down.

Also, they clearly ran out of smoke for the entrances. It's a bit awkward.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Qualifying Match 7 (Best Episode Ever?)


USA Network claimed that this was going to be the best episode of Ninja vs Ninja ever! Were they right? Yes.

Also William discusses the move to Mondays at 11 and how it has affected the show so far.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Qualifying Match 6


Episode 6 of Ninja vs Ninja is in the books and the BIG DOG Ninjas almost spoiled the party for the Lab Rats! Despite the BIG DOGs' best efforts, the Lab Rats went on to face my pick, The Ballers. Did the Lab Rats win? Or did the BIG DOG Ninjas tire them out?

I like saying BIG DOG.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

NEWS: Ninja vs Ninja Changes Nights and National Ninja League Season 4 Has Started!


American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs Ninja is changing nights! William breaks down the news and discusses if this is the end of the spin off show. Also, National Ninja League Season 4 has officially started with the new Rec League.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Final Stage


It's the grand finale! Only five people reached the Final Stage! With a long sting of demanding obstacles in their way, who will become the National Ninja League Season 3 champion?

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Ninja vs Ninja 2018 Review: Qualifying Match 5


It's a review of episode 5! Featuring big wipeouts and even bigger victories! But will my heart go on?

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Stage 2 Part 5


We finally have someone someone moving onto the Final Stage! But in order for it to be a true competition, we need at least one more person. Will that happen?

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Stage 2 Part 4

Stage 2 is more devastating than it's ever been before in National Ninja League history! Is it possible we'll finish with 0 clears?

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Stage 2 Part 3

We have reached the mid point of Stage 2! The course is proving to be very difficult. Will we finally see someone clear the stage?

Monday, April 2, 2018

Sunday, April 1, 2018

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Stage 2 Part 1

Stage 2 has begun! Of the 61 remaining competitors, how many of them has what it takes to defeat the course's 6 brutal obstacles?

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Friday, March 30, 2018

National Ninja League Season 3 Finals: Stage 1 Part 15

We have reached the end of Stage 1! This is it! How many more people will join the massive number of clears?