Life
20-year-old with autism enthusiastically takes on American Ninja Warrior
Brian Burk proves that people with autism can make their dreams come true like he did as an impressive American Ninja Warrior competitor.
Bella Scotton
09.30.19

Replacing One Obstacle With Another And Overcoming Them Both

Brian Burk is no stranger to challenges in his life. One he chose and the other he did not. Brian did not choose to be on the autism spectrum. But, he did choose to meet the challenges of becoming a Ninja Warrior.

Brian Proves Anything Is Possible

It only took the watching of one episode of American Ninja Warrior for Brian to conclude that he too was going to become one of these competitors.

Brian’s Journey

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In August of 2017 Brian works out at Arnold Hernandez’s 323 Ninja Training Grounds. Excited about this being his first Ninja competition.

Movement Lab

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August 2018 Brian was excited to be able to show what he was capable of at the Movement lab. His big hope was to compete in Season Eleven of American Ninja Warrior.

Brian’s Embarks On His Dream

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Brian’s hopes of competing in ANW 11 came true

It was exciting to watch Brian in the stage one run. It was even more exciting to see him complete the qualifying course.

The Qualifiers

When it was time to qualify for the Los Angeles City 2019 event Brian was ready.

Brian’s Attitude

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According to Brian autism does not define who he is. Brian was outstanding in his Ninja performance at the Season 11 premiere.

A Rookie Sensation

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The “Burkinator” Brian Burk is being hailed as a rookie sensation for AMW. He has stolen the hearts of many fans.

On To The City Finals

Brian was just as every bit impressive in the finals as he was in the qualifiers. He made it through many of the obstacles before hitting the water when making the final transfer on the Leaps of Faith. At the end of this exciting journey for this year Brian placed 10th.

Brian Is An Inspiration

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Brian has become an inspiration for many as they followed his journey as an American Ninja Warrior competitor.

Life Outside of Being a Warrior

Brian has other aspirations in life as he is a aerospace engineering student.

Other Autistic Ninja Warrior Competitors

There have been others who have been diagnosed with autism who have also competed in the Ninja Warrior competitions.

First was Vincente King

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Vincente takes us back to 2014 when he was a contestant on ANW. Vincente talks about how people with autism sometimes get picked on as people think of autism as being mental retardation. Vincente is a prime example of what those with autism can be capable of. He proved this through his competing in the ANW.

Second was Steven Moul

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Steven fell in love with the concept of being a Ninja warrior from the age of thirteen. He too has autism spectrum disorder. As a twenty one year old he set the facts straight about young people with autism. He did so by becoming a competitor on ANW.

Dreams Can Come True

What Brian and these two other ninja warrior competitors have proven is that dreams can come true for anyone. Aside from their very impressive performances these three young men are a true inspiration.

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