I had an opportunity to interview Angelo before he headed out for Venice Beach.
Q. What made you decide to enter the competition?
A. A few years ago, I saw the Ninja Warrior competition on TV (called Sasuke in Japan where it originates) and I was drawn to it immediately.  It looked like a fun and exciting challenge and I just knew it was something I had to do.
When it was announced that American Ninja Warrior was recruiting top athletes to compete in Japan, I couldn’t pass it up.  I’m in the healthiest state that I’ve ever been in my whole life and I think the best thing to do right now is put it to the test.
Q. I understand this is the world’s most difficult obstacle course, what does the course consist of?
A. The Sasuke competition in Japan consists of 4 stages (or 4 different obstacle courses) that challenge agility, strength, speed, balance and the ability to use your body in different ways to get from one point to another.  Every year the obstacles get more difficult.
Q. Will the tryout course be similar to the actual course in Japan?
A. Yes.  At American Ninja Warrior there will be a set up of similar obstacles of those in Japan.   The course will involve such things as swinging or climbing on a rope, jumping and traversing a “tunnel” with  hands and feet (without touching the ground), and running up a 14 foot wall.  I’ve been told that 270 competitors are scheduled to compete this weekend in Venice Beach.  By sending in my video, I was guaranteed a spot to compete at 2pm this Sunday.  They will take the top 30 and have a showdown on Monday, then have another battle to determine the top 15 who will train for a week for the Sasuke competition in September, but only 10 will make it.
Q. Do you have a strategy for the tryout competition?
A. I’ve searched for videos of the American Ninja Warrior competition held last year to get an idea of what it entails and how the previous winners did on the course.  My main strategy is to just take each challenge one at a time, stay in the moment, focus on what I’m doing, and enjoy it as much as possible.
Q. Will the tryout competition be broadcast on cable or web?
A. G4, the TV network that airs the Ninja Warrior and hosts the American  Ninja Warrior competition, will broadcast it on TV at some point.  I don’t think it will be live, but we can find out when it will air.  Also, they may post highlights on YouTube as they have with last year’s competition.
Q. How can we follow your progress?
A. Come down to Venice Beach with me!  I’ll email videos or photos if you like and you can post them.  I’m excited.  It’ll be fun time.
Check back here on All Things FIT to follow Angelo’s progress.  Thank you for taking time out to talk with us Angelo.  We are all cheering for you!
Click here to watch Angelo’s audition video:  [wpvideo QPWfCswr]
For more information on the competition, check out American Ninja Warrior: http://g4tv.com/americanninja/index/