“Kingdom Ninja” Daniel Gil made his debut appearance on season seven of met the minimum age requirement, which was 21 at the time. Now, six years later, he has become a popular ninja and top competitor known for rarely falling on a qualifying or city finals run. He could be the next ninja to reach the top of Mount Midoriyama and take home the million-dollar prize. Here’s what we know about the Kingdom Ninja.
American Ninja Warrior was started on the G4 Network after their translated broadcast of the Japanese obstacle course show, Sasuke, became their most popular show. The G4 Network disappeared for a while, but surprised everyone by announcing their reboot in 2020. Already on their lineup is the return of their translated Sasuke, which they call Ninja Warrior. Fans of American Ninja Warrior may enjoy seeing where Mount Midoriyama originated.
Texas native Daniel was homeschooled along with his four siblings. He developed a love of performing in high school, leading worship services at his church. He was also an active kid and began ninja training with long-time ninja Sam Sann, who was one of the first people to open a ninja training gym, Iron Sports Gym. As he has excelled, Daniel has taken younger ninjas under his wing. He trained skilled ninja Mathis Owhadi, also known as “The Kid." Daniel also went from student to teacher, running a homeschool program at the Iron Sports Gym.
In 2016, Daniel Gil married his long-time girlfriend, Abigail Gonzales. Fans often joke about who in their relationship has the nicer locks, as both Daniel and Abigail have long, curly hair. The couple still calls Texas home and wants to have a family. Daniel has turned his fame into a public speaking career. Besides being a skilled athlete, Daniel is also a talented singer and dancer. He has also written a children’s book called The Little Ninja, which encourages kids to be active. His wife, Abigail, did the illustrations.
Daniel technically already won a season of ANW, but it wasn’t the victory he ultimately wanted. The modified 2020 season dropped Mount Midoriyama and million-dollar prize, swapping in the Power Tower and a $100,000 prize. During a bracket-style competition, Daniel defeated many skilled ninjas, including Jesse Flex Labreck and Austin Gray, and was named champion. This makes him one of only four ninjas to ever make it past stage three. While he didn’t get his shot at Mount Midoriyama, he’s not done competing yet. He hopes to become the first American Ninja Warrior to make it past stage three more than once.