Creating a unique and fun introduction to launch newcomers to swimming, USA Swimming has developed SwimJitsu – a new grow-the-sport program that combines swimming, inflatable obstacles and cannonballs.
SwimJitsu is an in-water obstacle course that includes a series of entry-level swimming skills stages and 10 entertaining tasks. Participants become “swimjas” (a combination of swimming and ninja) by using traits such as wisdom, speed and agility.
Watch SwimJitsu in action.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin (Centennial, Colorado) has joined as a Grandmaster to invite new swimmers to try SwimJitsu and, ultimately, join a swim team.
“Not every kid is going to get started swimming in the traditional way like I did. What I love about SwimJitsu is that it encourages kids to get in the pool and have fun in the water,” said Franklin. “My coaches have always been creative about making the sport fun and this takes it to a whole new level.”
“We found a winning formula with SwimJitsu, a mash-up of skill-based competitions such as football’s Punt, Pass and Kick and skiing’s NASTAR mixed with entertaining shows like Wipeout and American Ninja Warrior,” said USA Swimming Marketing Director Jim Fox. “This is a new and compelling way to complement the traditional entry paths into the sport and introduce kids to swimming skills, comparing swim times and achieving goals.”
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