Introduction
From graphic design to gripping holds, Sera Sahibzada has built a life full of creativity, challenge, and balance. With years of experience in both ninja warrior and climbing, Sera knows how to thrive on and off the wall. She’s competed on the big stage of American Ninja Warrior, found strength in climbing destinations like Squamish, and continues to push herself while inspiring others. In this interview, Sera shares her journey, her advice, and her passion for adventure.
Quick Facts
- Name: Sera Sahibzada
- Profession: Freelance Graphic Designer
- Years Climbing: 7
- Years in Ninja Warrior: 6
- American Ninja Warrior Appearance: Season 14
- Favorite Ninja Gym: Obstacle Ninja Academy
- Favorite Climbing Gym: Highpoint Orlando
- Favorite Ninja to Watch: Bob Reese
The Beginning
Q: How long have you been doing ninja warrior?
A: 6 years.
Q: How long have you been rock climbing?
A: 7 years.
Competing on the Big Stage
Q: What season(s) of ninja warrior have you been on?
A: Season 14.
Q: What was your favorite experience from competing on American Ninja Warrior? And why?
A: Being around so many amazing ninja athletes and experiencing the big stage for myself!
Q: What was the first thing you did when you got the call to be on American Ninja Warrior?
A: When I got the call to be on the show the first thing I did was pinch myself and make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Training Grounds
Q: What is your favorite ninja gym to train at? And why?
A: Obstacle Ninja Academy is my home gym and always a blast to train at.
Q: What is your favorite gym to climb at? And why?
A: Highpoint Orlando. The facility is amazing and the route setting is top notch.
Accomplishments
Q: What are some ninja and climbing accomplishments you’ve had over the years?
A: Being on the show was definitely my biggest ninja accomplishment. For climbing, my biggest accomplishment was lead climbing in Squamish, BC.
Favorites
Q: Who is your favorite ninja warrior to watch? And why?
A: Bob Reese is always entertaining and so impressive!
Q: If you could rock climb with any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be? And why?
A: Janja Garnbret, because she’s amazing and I’d love to learn from her.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant to eat at? And what is your go-to order?
A: The spicy tuna kobachi at Wa Sushi.
Q: If you could only listen to one song the rest of your life? What song would it be and by who? And why?
A: Oh geez, I love music so much! This is a tough one… I can’t pick just one!
Looking Ahead
Q: What other competition shows would you want to compete on? And why?
A: I would love to participate in a survival show where I get to be in the wild and use primitive skills.
Q: If you could compete in the Olympics, what sport would you want to compete in (that is not climbing)?
A: Ninja!
Q: If you were a ninja warrior obstacle, which one would you be? And why?
A: Spin hoppers. I’m a Libra and life is about balance. If you have more weight on one side, you’ll spin right off.
Q: If you could go ninja vs ninja with any ninja warrior, who would you want to compete against? And why?
A: Megan Budway. She’s one of my closest and dearest friends. I’d love to go head to head with her on an agility obstacle.
Advice for Ninjas
Q: What is your best advice to people that apply year after year and never get a callback to be on the show?
A: It’ll be okay and is not a reflection on who you are as an athlete and ninja. So many strong, capable and deserving ninjas never get the call. At the end of the day it’s a TV show—it’s about ratings and production value. If being on the show is your goal, keep trying! But if not, don’t lose sight of why you started in the first place and get back to that.
Beyond Ninja and Climbing
Q: What is a fact about you people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: My family has a non-profit foundation that provides educational scholarships to people in recovery from substance use disorder.
Connect with Sera
Want to follow more of Sera’s ninja and climbing journey? You can find her on Instagram at @SeraGetsNinja.
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