‘Pokémon’, ‘TMNT’, And Ninja Warriors: Mikey P Co-Hosts Pokekon Las Vegas
by Brendan M. Allen
Pokémon fans, collectors, and pop-culture enthusiasts gathered last weekend at the Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas for Pokekon: Graveyard Shift. I had the privilege of working on stage with my co-host, Mikey P. He brought his personal brand of outrageous energy to the convention, helping create an electric atmosphere for fans and attendees.
While entertaining a crowd at a major TCG convention is definitely in Mikey’s wheelhouse, his talents extend far beyond the stage. He’s also a familiar face in competitive obstacle-course athletics, having competed on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and becoming a mentor to some of the sport’s rising stars. Mikey has competed in Seasons 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, and 18 of ANW. (He’s also in Seasons 19 and 20, which haven’t aired yet.)
The challenge of ANW gave Mikey a firsthand appreciation for what it takes to compete in extreme sports at an elite level. Ninja athletics demand far more than raw strength. Competitors also need incredible grip strength, balance, coordination, endurance, agility, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt and change strategies on the fly.
Mikey decided to bring the sport to his hometown of Las Vegas with his own gym. At Ninja Lair, he shares his knowledge and training strategies with kids, teens, and adults of all skill levels who seek something loaded with a little more adrenaline than your average gym workout. The day after we wrapped Pokekon, I was honored with a personal tour of the facility and the chance to observe Mikey’s students showing off their favorite skills.
Ninja Lair features dozens of obstacles inspired by previous American Ninja Warrior courses. These include a warped wall, a salmon ladder, a rock wall, wingnuts, and other challenging equipment. Many of the gym’s self-made implements are themed to Mikey’s favorite 1990s Saturday morning cartoon: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Giant shuriken and manhole covers hanging from the ceiling are just part of the fun. A Pokémon vending machine was recently installed in the lobby, and Mikey frequently takes groups of students to wait in line at retailers so they can get first crack at new Pokémon drops.
Coaches Mikey, Isaiah, Eric, Avery, Savvy, Meghan, and Brandi focus on developing confidence, discipline, coordination, strength, ingenuity, and perseverance. Students learn how to approach obstacles, develop proper techniques, and overcome challenges that initially seem impossible.
Throughout the weekend, Ninja Lair was well represented on the Pokekon show floor. Students and their families shopped at the vendor tables, ripped packs, traded cards, attended panels and presentations, and played games of chance to win rare and valuable Pokémon prizes.
From participating in events like Pokekon to coaching future world champions at Ninja Lair, Mikey P continues to bring people together through entertainment, athleticism, chartreuse hair, and community.
For more information on Ninja Lair classes, programs, birthday parties, open gym, and private lessons, call (725) 204-8845, text (725) 280-9966, or email Ninja@ninjalairlv.com.
