Loudoun Times-Mirror - New ninja and parkour gym set to open Feb. 28 at Dulles Town Center

Rick and Joye Elsbury and Eli Miernik are the new owners of Always in Motion Ninja & Parkour gym at Dulles Town Center Mall

As long-time fans and participants of ninja and parkour competitions, Loudoun residents Joye and Rick Elsbury and Eli Miernik wanted to create a destination for the sport in Loudoun County.

They searched for the perfect location and found a 20,000-square-foot space in a former furniture store, and signed a lease in October.

After months of construction and planning, Always in Motion Ninja & Parkour is set to open at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Dulles Town Center Mall.

Instead of opening a franchise, they designed their own business to provide flexibility with courses and hosting competitions, the owners said. Always in Motion will be part of the World Ninja League, hosting in-house competitions every two months.

The grand opening will feature demonstrations and a meet and greet with Addy Herman, the 2024 American Ninja Warrior women’s champion.

The gym offers Ninja Warrior-style obstacles, parkour and tumbling for all ages and skill levels, both recreational and competitive.

There are multiple courses throughout two levels including ninja rigs and obstacles, climbing and warped walls, tumbling and flip mats and parkour obstacles.

The classes are designed for all levels and age groups and will provide curriculum progression with instruction on how to get through the obstacles.

“We want to have multiple things going on here at the same time. Including classes for parents and open gyms,” Joye Elsbury said. “The gym is committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can not only improve their physical fitness but also build mental resilience and embrace challenges as growth opportunities.”

They say it is a fast-growing sport, and it becomes addictive.

“Once you start Ninja, the next thing you know, you are becoming competitive,” Rick Elsbury said.

Miernik has more than 30 years experience coaching gymnastics, dance and cheer, and has competed in the American Ninja Warriors qualifier course competition twice, he said.

Clay Elsbury, Rick and Joye’s son, is also a coach in the sport and will serve as head coach.

Always in Motion will host birthday parties, corporate team-building events, field trips and camps. The gym aims to give back to the community and offers school partnerships and discounts. A variety of monthly membership packages and drop-in rates are available.

Always in Motion Ninja and Parkour is at 21080 Dulles Town Circle #100 in Sterling. For more information, go to alwaysinmotion.ninja.