We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Halla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I still remember the moment I decided to bring ninja warrior training to Austin. There was no spotlight, no dramatic music, no guarantee it would work. Just a quiet realization that Austin didn’t have a ninja warrior gym yet—and that someone had to be the first. The risk wasn’t just financial (though that part was very real). It was stepping into something unproven, something people didn’t fully understand yet. Most folks heard “ninja gym” and pictured either a playground or a TV show, not a real business that families would trust, kids would grow in, and athletes would train in.

There were nights I lay awake running numbers, imagining worst-case scenarios, wondering if I was being bold…or just reckless. But the thing about risk is this: sometimes it’s not about being fearless. It’s about deciding that the possibility of building something meaningful is worth more than the comfort of staying safe.

So I said yes. And on opening day, when the first kids ran in wide-eyed, when parents smiled from the sidelines—that was the moment I knew the risk had already paid off. Because I hadn’t just opened a gym. I’d opened a place where courage shows up every day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who haven’t heard my story before, I’m the founder of Austin Ninjas, and my journey into this business actually started as a parent. My kids were passionate about ninja warrior training and loved the sport, but there wasn’t a place in Austin where they could train consistently, safely, and seriously. We searched, we looked into options, and when we realized nothing like it existed locally, I made a decision that would completely change my path: instead of waiting for a gym to open, I would create one for them.

Building the gym from the ground up meant learning everything from construction logistics to program design. It wasn’t easy, but the purpose behind it made every challenge worth it. From day one, the goal wasn’t just to build obstacles—it was to build a place where kids could gain confidence, develop discipline, and feel proud of themselves for trying hard things.

Today, we offer classes, open gyms, camps, competitions, and events for a wide range of ages and ability levels. Some athletes train competitively, some come for fitness, and others just want a fun, active outlet. Our programs are designed so beginners feel comfortable starting and experienced athletes still feel challenged and motivated.

What truly sets us apart is our environment. Because this gym was created for kids first, everything about it is designed with encouragement, safety, and growth in mind. Our coaches focus on progress, not perfection. Athletes support each other. Families feel welcome. It’s not just a training space—it’s a community.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and technical knowledge, I believe the most helpful trait for succeeding in this field is the ability to genuinely connect with people. Running a gym like Austin Ninjas isn’t just about obstacles, programming, or athletic skill—it’s about understanding motivation, confidence, and what each individual needs to grow. You can have the best equipment and the most advanced training plans in the world, but if you can’t inspire someone to believe in themselves, progress will always be limited.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest tests of my resilience came during the COVID shutdowns, when everything about running Austin Ninjas changed almost overnight.

One day the gym was full of energy—kids training, classes running, laughter echoing off the walls—and the next, the doors were closed with no clear timeline for reopening. Like so many small business owners, I was suddenly facing a situation no one had prepared for. There were still bills to pay, still responsibilities to meet, but no athletes inside the gym and no way to know when that would change.

The hardest part wasn’t just the shutdown itself—it was the uncertainty that followed. Even when restrictions started lifting, many families were understandably hesitant about indoor activities. Attendance didn’t bounce back right away. The usual rhythms were gone. I remember looking at the schedule and seeing empty spots where classes used to be full, wondering how long it would take before people felt comfortable again.

That season forced me to shift from builder to problem-solver in a whole new way. Instead of waiting for things to go back to normal, I focused on what was possible. We adapted programming, adjusted class structures, communicated constantly with families, and made safety a visible priority. Every small step forward mattered. Every returning athlete felt like a win. Every new signup felt like a sign of hope.

There were moments when it would have been easy to feel discouraged. But resilience showed up in the decision to keep showing up anyway—to keep improving, keep planning, and keep believing the community would come back.

And they did. Slowly at first. Then steadily.

What I learned from that time is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through when things are hard. It’s about staying committed when progress is slow and uncertain. It’s trusting that if you keep caring for your community, they’ll remember—and when they’re ready, they’ll return.

Surviving that season didn’t just keep the business alive. It made it stronger, more adaptable, and more grounded in its purpose than ever before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.austinninjas.com
• Instagram: @austinninjas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warpedwallwarriors
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinNinjas