Long-Time Soccer Coach & Music Teacher Open USA Ninja Challenge in Santa Maria

We both have a love for children and for doing something positive in our community. I was a music teacher for 10 years, and Djibril has been a soccer coach for 17 years. Working with kids has always been a huge part of our lives.

I’ve always been passionate about mentoring youth through physical activity. I really believe in serving the youth in our community — whether that’s through sports or anything else that helps them grow. That’s where my heart is.

Right now, I’m still working in B2B sales with a mechanical engineering company. Before that, I was in hospitality management. RaShawna also worked in hospitality management before becoming an elementary music teacher. Franchising started making sense when I was thinking about how to bring more physical activity and play into kids’ lives.

I really just wanted something playful that encouraged physical activity for kids. When I discovered USA Ninja Challenge, I saw that they had already created exactly what I was imagining. The thing that really sold me compared to other franchises was the level of support I was going to receive. That made a big difference.

I love the model that USA Ninja Challenge has — the curriculum, the mission, all of it. But what really stood out was the support. That was the biggest factor for me when comparing franchises. I knew I wouldn’t be doing it alone.

We’re definitely thinking about exploring other territories. This brand is still new in this area, and we see a lot of opportunity for growth along the Central Coast. We’re starting with this location, but we’re already thinking about what’s next.

Djibril started out as a recreational and club soccer coach, then he became president of the local club. He’s currently coaching at St. Joseph High School and has won two championships. He’s really well-known in the community. As for me, being a music teacher meant I built strong connections with so many kids and families. We’ve been working with this age group for a long time, and this new venture feels like the perfect continuation of that.

Be patient. Understand why you want to do this — if your “why” is strong enough, definitely pursue it. This kind of business is such a great service to any community, especially where youth are involved. We all know how important physical activity is for kids — it helps them develop properly, builds confidence, and sets them up for success. If that’s the kind of impact you want to have, I’d encourage anyone to go for it.

USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kid’s Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding over a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 40 gyms and more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance, and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses.

• Partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team
• Raising awareness for Ninja's Olympic debut in 2028
• Low initial investment
• High margins
• Rapid ROI