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"It takes more than being a strong, fit person," said Charles Smith of Poughkeepsie, who appears on the show on Monday, July 10. "It takes discipline, years of training and someone who has a diverse personality."
Smith, who is 47 years old -- yep, 47 -- and a personal trainer at Gold's Gym in LaGrange, is one of only a few hundred ninjas in the country.
Also an award-winning children's book author and photographer with 32 published books under his belt, Smith was drawn to martial arts training after becoming a little bored with the "usual" gym workouts. He decided to visit a local martial arts gym and couldn't believe how hard the training and moves were.
"They kept telling me to hang in there because the training is so hard," Smith said. "I have the dedication it takes, and it finally fell into place for me."
So much so that he decided, with a little push from the people he trains, who told him he should practice what he preaches, to go through the rigorous process to become an American Ninja Warrior.
"The application alone is like filling out your first college application it is so detailed and involved," Smith laughed.
He also had to submit a video showing his moves, along with what makes him tick.
"The show is looking for people who are interesting, who have a story," he said. "I guess my being a children's book author and a photographer got their attention," he said.
Being a participant on the show was a real joy, he added.
"We were a tight-knit group who rooted for each other," Smith said. "The course was our competition, not each other."
He can't tell us how he did or even if moves on to the next round of competition. But he is looking forward to taking part again.
"I can't wait to try out again," he laughs.
To find out how Smith does, Gold's Gym is holding a watch party at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 10 in the gym's cafe, 258 Titusville Road, in LaGrange. The show airs at 8 p.m. on NBC.
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