Meet Emily Allen | Owner – Ultimate Ninjas Academy Loveland

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since our high school days, my husband and I have always worked hard and prioritized saving. We knew early on that starting our own business was a lifelong goal—even if we didn’t always know what that business would be. It wasn’t about chasing a specific idea at first, but about building something of our own. After years of saving and waiting for the right opportunity, we began exploring franchises and were drawn to Ultimate Ninjas—a small, family-owned system that aligned with our values. What stood out was the mission: creating a space where kids could be active, build confidence, and challenge themselves physically and mentally. That purpose gave our dream a direction and made the decision feel right.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ultimate Ninjas Academy is a children’s ninja-themed gym that offers a dynamic alternative to traditional youth sports and fitness programs. We introduce kids to the exciting world of obstacle course racing and movement mastery through purposefully designed classes and custom-built obstacle gyms created in collaboration with professional ninja athletes.

Our mission is to provide a safe, high-energy environment where children can challenge themselves physically and mentally. Through climbing, jumping, swinging, and balancing, kids build real strength, boost confidence, and have a blast while doing it.

What sets us apart is our obstacle-based fitness model—an innovative approach that turns hard work into play. The truth is, obstacles are fun! And when kids are having fun, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to develop lifelong healthy habits.

In today’s world, people are used to instant gratification. But at Ultimate Ninjas Academy, one of the most rewarding things to witness is kids failing—and trying again. I tell them all the time: it might take you 50 tries to make it up the warped wall, but on your 51st try, you’ll get it. Watching that moment of breakthrough is what it’s all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A fun and interesting place to hang out? I’d take an out-of-town visitor to Old Town Fort Collins for its charm and great local spots, or up to Estes Park for the mountain views and wildlife. Even a simple walk along the Power Trail can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Northern Colorado has so much to offer. As much as I love Ultimate Ninjas Academy and the opportunity it gives families for indoor fun and fitness, it’s hard to compete with God’s creation—especially here in Colorado.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Much of my success is due to my parents and siblings. Growing up, our dinner table conversations often revolved around religion, politics, and finances. Those talks instilled in me a deep understanding of how to save and make money, but more importantly, they reinforced the value of having a strong moral compass. Of course, we also had lighter conversations—“How was your day?” and “What did you do in school?”—which reminded us that connection and presence matter just as much as big ideas.

My mother, in particular, has been a major inspiration. As a small business owner herself, I had a front-row seat to watching her build something from the ground up, grow it, and eventually sell it. Her example showed me what’s possible with grit, vision, and perseverance.

Website: https://ultimateninjas.com/academy/loveland-co/#

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