Meet Lumi Rivera, a dedicated young athlete who has turned her passion for Ninja Warrior into both a hobby and a job. From coaching classes to competing on American Ninja Warrior Season 18, Lumi brings determination, positivity, and a love for helping others into everything she does. Whether she’s training at The Permian Basin Ninja Academy or cheering on friends from the sidelines, Lumi is a true testament to perseverance and heart.
Quick Facts
Name: Lumi Rivera
Location: Midland, Texas
Gym: The Permian Basin Ninja Academy
Years Training Ninja: 4–5 years
Job at Ninja Gym: Coach, party staff, class instructor
Favorite Ninja to Watch: Isaiah “Flyboy” Thomas
Fun Fact: Uses only her fingertips on obstacles to strengthen grip
Working in the Ninja World
Q: How long have you been working at your ninja gym, and what are your job duties?
A: I’ve been working at the ninja gym for around a year. I can do anything from helping with birthday parties to coaching my own classes.
Q: What is your favorite part about working there?
A: I love being able to help others with something they might be struggling with and watching them succeed.
Lumi’s Ninja Warrior Story
Q: How long have you been doing ninja warrior?
A: I have been training for about 4–5 years.
Q: How did you get into ninja warrior?
A: I tried many different things like figure skating, volleyball, and competitive swimming, but nothing really stuck. I got into ninja because it was something I watched as a kid, and it felt natural once I started training.
Q: What gym do you train at, and where is it located?
A: I train at The Permian Basin Ninja Academy, located in Midland, Texas.
Q: Who is your favorite ninja warrior to watch, and why?
A: I love watching Isaiah Thomas (Flyboy) because he gets through courses incredibly fast with ease and performs really well in competitions.
Q: What is the best advice your ninja coach has given you?
A: She always says not to use the word “can’t” because she believes if I’m optimistic, I can do anything I put my mind to.
Q: What season of Ninja Warrior have you competed on?
A: I just finished competing in Season 18.
Putting Skills to the Test
Q: If you were a ninja obstacle, which one would you be and why?
A: I think I would be the salmon ladder because it’s a lot different to see it from the outside versus once you understand how it works.
Q: If you could go head-to-head against any ninja warrior, who would you choose?
A: I would have fun going against any ninja warrior because I love seeing how others take on a course in their own way.
Q: What is your go-to snack after a good ninja training session?
A: I always bring a soda with me. I just love the taste.
Life Beyond Ninja
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
A: I would go to Finland to see my family again and spend more time with my cousins.
Q: If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and what would you eat?
A: I’d have lunch with Dwayne Johnson because he’s such a good actor, and we’d definitely go to Chick-fil-A.
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of ninja?
A: I’m in marching band, so I enjoy going to football games with friends and having a great time.
Q: What is a fact about you that people would be surprised to learn?
A: Instead of using my full grip for ninja, I only use my fingertips. It helps my grip and prevents my hands from ripping as much.
Where to Find Lumi
TikTok: luminescence686
Instagram: someone_animals
Facebook: Lumi Rivera
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