Many kids play outside on jungle gyms or slides, but one Jefferson County teen takes that idea to a whole other level.

Wilson Moody is an 8th grader who’s hoping to be the next American Ninja Warrior.

“They’re going to do a TV show for American Ninja Warrior Jr. and we submitted an application…I guess we’re going to find out in a month,” explained Tracey Moody, Wilson’s mother.

Moody says he puts in hours of training a day. And he’s able to do it from right in his backyard.

“I have a big advantage over a lot of kids because a lot of kids don’t have this in their backyard,” said Moody. “That’s why I’m grateful to my Grandpa for building this.”

Moody’s old playhouse is now the ultimate backyard training course, after his grandfather revamped it.

“I was a little apprehensive because as you can see he’s swinging from high things,” shared Moody’s mother. “But seeing what it’s done for him is amazing. His confidence his determination really has a chance to come out.”

Recently, Moody fell while practicing, breaking his wrist in two places and dislocating it. This almost benched him from the ninja competitions.

But he says, he received some encouragement.

“I wasn’t planning on competing but then my coach from basketball season before I hurt myself, he said ‘What are you going to lose?'”

Now, as Moody prepares to compete in the upcoming weekend, he shares words of encouragement for others to keep that same undefeated attitude no matter their circumstances.

“Don’t give up. Even if you don’t have a course or ninja gym near you just find something around you in nature to play on and you’ll get strong,” he shared.

Moody will compete in the Ultimate Backyard Warrior Competition on Saturday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.