From cliffhangers to kickstands, Megan Budway is a force in the world of ninja warrior athletics and beyond. With over five years of experience, she’s not just competing on the national stage—she’s also helping shape the next generation of ninjas as the Gym Director at Jumptwist Ninja. Between running speed courses and crushing leg day, Megan also streams fitness and music content online, where she’s quickly making a name for herself.
We caught up with Megan to dive into her ninja journey, her advice for new competitors, and the personal passions that fuel her life on and off the course.
Quick Facts:
- Name: Megan Budway
- Years doing ninja: 5½
- Job Title: Gym Director and Coach
- Home Gym: Jumptwist Ninja
- Favorite Gym to Compete At: Motive Movement
- Favorite Obstacle: Cliffhangers
- Toughest Obstacle: Balance obstacles
- Favorite Workout (outside ninja): Leg day
- Most-Trained Obstacles: Speed courses and big laches
- Streaming Alias: @megabudway (on all platforms)
The Interview
Q: How did you get started in ninja warrior?
A: My dad and I used to run Spartan races together. We realized we loved the obstacles but hated the running, so we started training in the ninja section at Warrior Tech in North Carolina instead of the OCR section—and I was hooked.
Q: What’s your favorite obstacle and why?
A: Cliffhangers. They challenge your grip, control, and body awareness all at once.
Q: What obstacle has been the toughest for you on ANW?
A: Balance. It’s taken me out every single year. It’s definitely a mental battle for me. I often lack the confidence and commitment I need on it.
Q: What’s your go-to training routine?
A: I spend a lot of time on speed courses and big laches. Outside of ninja, I love leg day—especially rebuilding the strength in my surgery leg.
Q: What do you like to do outside of ninja?
A: I love playing video games, streaming, working out in the gym, and making music—especially singing.
Q: If you were a superhero, who would you be?
A: Spider Gwen. She’s a drummer by day and a hero by night. I relate to that balance of art and action.
Q: Favorite gym to compete at?
A: Motive Movement. It’s an awesome space with a great community vibe.
Q: What’s the best advice you have for someone trying out for ANW?
A: Be yourself and find something that sets you apart. ANW is a reality TV show—not just a sport. Casting wants someone the audience will connect with, not just the strongest athlete.
Q: Any advice for kids who want to try ninja?
A: Don’t be afraid to fall. You’re going to fail over and over, but that’s how you learn. Reframe it: “It’s never a failure, it’s always a lesson.”
Q: And what about kids who want to make the competition team at your gym?
A: Be the hardest worker in the room. Don’t be afraid to be the least talented—because that gives you space to grow. Hard work beats talent every time.
Q: What’s been your best experience on ANW with your dad?
A: Even though it was my worst season competitively, Season 14 was our first year together. It was so fun doing interviews and b-roll with him and sharing that journey side by side.
Q: Who is your favorite ninja to watch?
A: Tiago Lima. He hasn’t been on the show yet, but watching him at our gym is incredible. He’s so smooth and adaptable—I learn a lot from him.
Q: Favorite place you’d love to travel to?
A: Switzerland or New Zealand for the breathtaking views.
Q: What’s your go-to competition hype music?
A: Anything by Kendrick.
Q: Favorite pre/post competition snack?
A: Breakfast food all day—especially chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and hashbrowns.
Q: What shows are you binge watching right now?
A: I’m constantly rewatching my comfort shows: Friends, Full House, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, and Gilmore Girls. I also recently binge-watched The Pitt—finished it in one day!
Q: What other competition show would you want to be on?
A: Battle Camp looks awesome. It mixes physical and mental challenges. I’m not huge on the reality drama, but the competition side looks like a blast.
Streaming & Social Media
Q: How did you get into streaming?
A: My boyfriend Flip has been streaming for over six years. He encouraged me to try it because I have a lot of talents—like music and fitness—that I wasn’t sharing enough. Streaming helped open that door.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring streamers?
A: Build your community offline through content. Don’t worry about streaming to just a few people at first. It’s all about community—surround yourself with the right people and stay consistent.
Q: What’s your biggest streaming accomplishment so far?
A: Winning Kick Streaming’s Fitness Creator of the Year in 2024 and becoming verified/partnered within my first 6 months.
Final Thoughts
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
A: My grandpa. I lost him several years ago, and I’d love for him to see how far I’ve come—and to learn more from him.
Follow Megan Online
Instagram: @the_musicninja
All other platforms: @megabudway
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