Akbar Gbajabiamila, Everyone Can Be a Ninja

In Conversation with Mara Davis, Local Media Personality

Each week, six million Americans tune in to the Emmy-nominated hit show American Ninja Warrior (ANW) to watch everyday people take on extraordinary obstacles. ANW’s beloved host Akbar Gbajabiamila—one of seven children of Nigerian immigrants, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles at the height of the L.A. riots—knows all about tackling obstacles. In his new book, Everyone Can Be a Ninja, Akbar draws inspiration from both the fierce competitors on his show and his own unlikely path to success to outline what it takes to become a modern day ninja.

While Akbar is renowned for his quips and enthusiasm on ANW, most people don’t know the road that brought him to where he is today. From the highs—earning a spot in the NFL, becoming the host of American Nina Warrior—to the lows—realizing he would never be a pro sports legend, struggling to make ends meet and support his family—Akbar’s stories are universal, and his unshakeable positivity and bottomless drive are inspiring.

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