From the backyard to TV screens

9/6/2023

When it comes to parkour and free running, several things come to mind. The famous “The Office” cold open, countless YouTube videos racking up millions of views, or perhaps the excuse your child gave you as to why she leapt from one piece of furniture to the next. 

Once an Internet sensation, the activity has seamlessly transitioned into the mainstream, and Cade Perkins has been climbing up its ranks. Currently in his second year at DMACC, studying business and sports management alongside kinesiology, he has a long-time passion for the sport.

Perkins trains at Emerge Academy in Grimes, where he says having people who share his motivation helps push him to become better. 

“The people who work and train at Emerge are always so happy, encouraging and energetic that they give me more motivation to keep training. I train better and harder if I have someone to train with, especially if that person is as good or better than me. Steel sharpens steel after all,” said Perkins.

Perkins credits his training partner and former finalist on “American Ninja Warrior,” Spencer Johnson, as someone who has helped him develop his skill set.

“Spencer has taught me so well and pushed me so hard that I know where my limits are and how to break them, and then find my next set of limits to break,” said Perkins.

Outside of the gym, Perkins has been able to elevate his ability at home with assistance from his parents, who built an obstacle course for him when he was younger. While it can be challenging to get support for new outlets, this was not the case for Perkins.

“I was never surprised by my parents’ support. They’ve always supported me the best they could, no matter what,” said Perkins. 

His parents constructed the obstacles because of Perkins’ affinity for an international competition that was slowly growing in the U.S.

“I’ve always loved running around and jumping off stuff for as long as I can remember. Honestly, my inspiration was watching ‘American Ninja Warrior’ when I was little,” said Perkins.

TV network G4 originally began airing “Sasuke” (Ninja Warrior), a Japanese sports entertainment show that was broadcasted around the globe, in 2006. After gaining popularity, the show “American Ninja Warrior” was launched in 2009. In March of this year, Perkins found himself on the stage of the show that inspired him.

“Signing up for the show was really easy. I had to fill out a bunch of questions and send in a video showing what I can do and tell them a little about myself. Unfortunately, I was sick for both my qualifier and semifinal run. I can’t complain too much about how I did, considering I placed fairly well between being sick and the pressure of it being my first time. I still didn’t do nearly as well as I know I could have done and would love the opportunity to try again,” said Perkins.

The nationally broadcasted show isn’t the only free running competition around. Perkins has recently started competing in several events, performing well.

“Last year was my first time competing, and I got fourth in amateurs at UNAA (Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association) worlds and qualified for NCNS (North Central Ninja Series) finals but wasn’t able to go, sadly. This year, I qualified for the UNAA World Final for the pro division. I couldn’t go, unfortunately, but I have also qualified for the NCNS Finals for the pros,” said Perkins.

Perkins plans on returning to the UNAA, NCNS, WNL (World Ninja League), and any other ninja league he can find, stating there’s no shortage of competitions as long as you don’t mind a bit of traveling.

“The best advice I could give would be, don’t worry about how you place in your first, second, or even your 50th competition. This isn’t a sport where you come in and win it all right off the bat. If you do the work, come and compete, eventually you’ll look back at how far you’ve gone, and it’ll be a further trip back to the bottom than it is to the top,” said Perkins. 

“Don’t let your fear of falling hold you back, and remember that everyone who perfected their craft had to start somewhere,” he said.

“The people at the top didn’t start there, and you’re never too far behind or too late to be a champion yourself,” said Perkins. ♦