Joe “The Weatherman” Moravsky has competed on the popular TV show “American Ninja Warrior” for over a decade. Now, aspiring young warriors can train under their mentor, pursuing their own dreams while taking on obstacle courses inside a facility in Monroe, Conn.
On Saturday morning, Moravsky celebrated the grand opening of the Monroe Ninja Academy, a large warehouse at 17 Enterprise Drive that was transformed into a gym in his hometown. Families brought their children for a day of free lessons given by Moravsky and his coaches, benefiting over 300 young athletes.
Dunkin’ Donuts had a table with free coffee for guests and a spinning wheel for prizes. In addition to Moravsky’s friends and family, town officials joined in the day’s festivities.
“This is all God’s gift to me,” Moravsky said of his athletic ability and situation in life. “I’m so fortunate that he chose me for these gifts, because it could have been anybody, and I’m just trying to bring the gifts I have back to the community and to share that passion and that fun. It’s so much fun. When you come in here and train you’re getting so much stronger, but you don’t really realize it because you’re having so much fun.”
Moravsky said ninja is now a foundational sport, just as gymnastics is. At the Monroe Ninja Academy, he said students’ bodies will get stronger, from their minds to their muscles. The gym has obstacles that strengthen the upper and lower body.
“We have the failure that comes with this,” Moravsky said, “because failure, at the end of the day, is really how we’re learning best. You know you make that mistake and you’re like, ‘wow, how do I not do that again?’ Once I figure it out, I’ll let you know,” he joked, “because I continue to fail on the show. But I still keep coming back and that’s what it’s all about.”
Monroe Ninja Academy offers classes for everyone, from preschoolers to adults.
Moravsky, who has been teaching ninja for many years, had wanted to open his own academy for a long time. In 2014, he looked at potential destinations in Milford and Shelton.
On March 23, 2025, Monroe First Selectman Terry Rooney issued a proclamation at the town gazebo declaring it Joe Moravsky Day in honor of Monroe’s famed American Ninja Warrior on his birthday.
“We had lunch with Terry after,” said Stephanie, Moravsky’s wife. “Terry said, ‘I have a building for you,’ and we met, Jim, the owner. It’s really awesome. He’s put a lot of hard work into this.”
Stephanie said she also likes how the academy on Enterprise Drive is close to home, because her husband was coaching in Stamford, which is a much further commute.
Jim DelMedico owns two buildings on Enterprise Drive, including the gym. He attended Saturday’s grand opening.
“I’m very happy,” DelMedico said of the Monroe Ninja Academy opening in one of his buildings. “I think there’s a need for this. It is a growing sport and there was nothing in this area. It covers a large spectrum, from toddlers to adults. I’m wishing him the best of luck. I want him to be successful.”
Moravsky’s father, Joe Moravsky Sr., said DelMedico, who owns Jim’s Tree Service, has been “a wonderful landlord.”
“He put in the bathroom and let Joe use his equipment,” Moravsky Sr. said, while also expressing gratitude to DelMedico’s son and his employee, Marcos, for their help.
“It’s great,” Moravsky Sr. said of his son’s new gym. “There’s always stress when you’re pursuing your dreams, but we’re all in and it’s a great thing for the community and the kids.”
Joe Moravsky expressed his appreciation for his family, staff and everyone else who showed their support.
A ribbon cutting
Rooney participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Monroe Chamber of Commerce President Ray Giovanni, State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-Bridgeport, Monroe Town Councilwoman Nina Gagnon and members of Moravsky’s family.
“It’s not every day that you get a national or maybe a global celebrity to do business in your town,” Rooney said. “We’re very proud to have this. This is a great place for people of all ages. Even me. I think I could do some of these obstacles with ease,” he joked, quickly adding, “that is a complete fallacy. It’s just fantastic to have more things in the area of health and wellness, fitness and team building. Stuff like this can do a lot for our children.”
Giovanni said the Monroe Chamber of Commerce is supportive of this endeavor undertaken by Moravsky and his family.
“They’ve done a tremendous job here,” he said. “In today’s world, talking about health care and the kinds of foods we eat, these kinds of programs that Joe’s gonna bring to our town and for this region is gonna be beneficial for all, and keep our wonderful children healthy.”
Gadkar-Wilcox wished Moravsky good luck.
Among the families attending Saturday’s grand opening was Ben Perez of Pennsylvania, who brought his son, Leeum, 8.
“On our way to Maine last October, we went to the Stamford Ninja Academy. We saw Joe Moravsky on TV,” Perez said, looking at his son, he added, “he’s a big fan. He loved every minute of it. Joe told us back then that he was opening his own gym soon. I looked at our calendar and said, ‘we can make it.'”
Though they live in another state, Perez said he may bring his son back for the summer courses.
Moravsky’s sister, Ali Craybas, attended the grand opening with her husband, Zach, and their children.
“I think it’s hard to believe he started in ninja over 10 years ago and didn’t know this was his dream,” Ali said of her brother opening his own academy.
“It’s amazing,” Zach said. “It’s exciting for him and the future ninjas, who come through the door. It’s a new journey for him. I’m excited to see what he does with it and know he will do an amazing job.”
Maureen Silveira, Moravsky’s mother-in-law, and her husband, Mario, also attended Saturday’s event.
“I love it,” Maureen said. “It’s great for kids and adults.”
The Monroe Ninja Academy will offer classes, starting on March 16. For information, visit the website or send an email to MonroeNinjaAcademy@gmail.com, and follow the academy on Facebook and Instagram.
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