Is Rick Tew’s Ninja Gym Koh Samui Worth It for Kids?
Yes. Rick Tew’s Ninja Gym inside Big C Bophut is one of the most genuinely useful kids’ activities on the island. Drop-in group sessions cost 350 THB per child, no booking required, and the 50-minute structured classes cover climbing, balancing, rolling, and obstacle challenges with a dedicated coach. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Our girls (aged 3.5 and 7.5) both loved it, and it’s now our Saturday morning ritual.
We’ve been living in Thailand since 2019. After spending years in Koh Phangan, we recently moved back to Koh Samui with our two girls, Lila (7.5) and Ruby (3.5). One of our favorite things about moving? Exploring every new place on the island—especially anything fun, active, and family-friendly.
Rick Tew’s Ninja Gym Koh Samui wasn’t even on our radar. We were just popping into Big C Bophut for some groceries when we saw it. Bright blue mats, climbing walls, ropes, and a full ninja obstacle course right there on the ground floor. My girls spotted it first and were begging to go in.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Ninja Gym—what it is, how much it costs, what to expect, and why we keep going back.
What Is a Ninja Gym, Exactly?
Rick Tew’s NinjaGym is a training space that mixes martial arts, movement, and mindset. There’s a big focus on coordination, balance, and building confidence through fun physical challenges.
It was created by Rick Tew, a martial arts instructor with decades of experience.
At the Ninja Gym, kids get to move their bodies in all kinds of ways—climbing, rolling, balancing, jumping—while learning to focus, stay calm, and push through challenges. No strict drills or shouting coaches. Just a safe and supportive space to try new things and get stronger in the process.
Rick calls his method Winjitsu. It’s about training the mind as much as the body. So yes, it looks like a bunch of fun obstacle courses—but it’s also a way to build resilience, patience, and confidence.
Prices
Here’s a full list of what you can expect to pay (as of May 2026):
Single Session
- Group Guided Session: 350 THB
- 1-to-1 Session (Private Guide): 500 THB
- Unguarded Climb Zone (20 min): 200 THB
Location of Ninja Gym Koh Samui
You’ll find Ninja Gym inside Big C Bophut on Koh Samui, on the ground floor near the back. Easy to spot already from the outside.
Here’s the location on Google Maps.
General Opening Hours
The gym is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
You can drop in anytime during those hours for a session, or sign up for one of their longer programs.
Our First Visit: Totally Unplanned
We didn’t book in advance. We just walked up, and a young guy named Cat greeted us with the friendliest energy. When he asked if the girls wanted to join the next group session (a 50-minute ninja training class), they didn’t even hesitate.
We paid 350 THB per child for a drop-in group session. That’s 700 THB total—and for what you get, I think it’s super fair.
They also have packages available if you plan to come regularly. But more on that later.
Bonus tip: You don’t need socks. We all went inside barefoot, and it was perfect.
What Happens During a Ninja Training Session?
The kids start with a warm-up. Lots of stretches, body movements, and jumping. Cat was great at showing both Lila and Ruby what to do—even adjusting things for their different ages and energy levels.
Then came the real ninja stuff. There’s a variety of obstacles spread across the gym:
- Climbing walls
- Ropes
- Foam blocks of all shapes and heights
- Wobbly balance balls
- Tires to crawl over
- Slings to swing through
- And of course, a trampoline to launch off
It reminded me of American Ninja Warrior (do you remember the show from the early 2000s?!), just designed for smaller humans.
Lila took to it fast. She was balancing, jumping, climbing—all with this massive grin on her face. Ruby, being smaller, needed more help. But Cat was right there with her, guiding her through every challenge with so much patience.
And then, 50 minutes were up. They came back to me sweaty and happy.
They were so proud of themselves, and each got a ninja sticker as a reward.
What I Loved as a Parent
You’re not allowed on the mats. At first, I thought this would be a pain, but turns out—best rule ever. Kids actually focus better when we’re not hovering.
I waited in the front area where there were tables and chairs. So I got 50 minutes of laptop time while the girls trained like mini ninjas.
Also good to know: there’s a small game room on the side with board games, table soccer, Xbox video games, and some LEGO.
Why Is Ninja Training Good for Kids?
It’s not just a way to burn energy on a hot summer day (though honestly, it’s great for that too). All the jumping, rolling, and climbing actually have a lot of benefits:
- Improve balance and coordination
- Build strength and stamina
- Boost focus and confidence
- Learn patience and discipline
Is It Worth It?
100% yes.
It’s a great way to get your kids moving, thinking, and feeling good. And honestly? It’s one of the most unique experiences we’ve had on the island in a while.
Compared to the usual soft play areas, this feels more purposeful. More active. Less chaos, great guidance.
Plus, now it’s our weekly tradition. We go every Saturday morning to have a great start to the weekend.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
- From $145 (€134) per night (Private Garden Pool Room)
- Quiet, private beach ideal for small children
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach
- From $136 (€125) per night (Family Room with Bunk Beds)
- Beachfront property with a giant outdoor pool
Who Is the Ninja Gym Best For?
The short answer: kids aged 3 and up who have energy to burn. Our girls are 7.5 and 3.5, and both got something out of it, even though Cat had to adapt the obstacles quite a bit for Ruby.
It’s a great fit for:
- Kids who find traditional sports too rigid or too competitive
- Shy kids who do better with one-on-one guidance (the private session is ideal for this)
- Active kids who just need to MOVE
- Families living on Samui who want a regular weekly activity
I’d say the sweet spot is probably 4 to 10 years old, but older kids and even adults can book sessions too.
Key Takeaways
- Drop-in sessions cost 350 THB per child
- No booking needed—just show up
- Great for kids aged 3+ with energy to burn
- Focuses on balance, strength, and confidence
- Located inside Big C Bophut, open daily 9 AM–9 PM
- Parents wait in a comfy area with Wi-Fi
- Guided group and private sessions available
- Multi-session cards save money if you go regularly
👉 You might also like my other Koh Samui articles:
– How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
– Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui
– Red Baron Sunset Cruise in Samui – Family Review
– Is Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical?
Final Thoughts on the Ninja Gym Koh Samui
If you’re visiting Koh Samui with kids, or living here like us and looking for a new place to play and grow—go to Ninja Gym.
It’s fun. It’s structured. It’s just challenging enough. And it’s led by people who clearly love what they do.
Do you plan to visit Ninja Gym Koh Samui? Do you have any questions? I’m happy to answer them!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ
How much does Rick Tew’s Ninja Gym Koh Samui cost?
A drop-in group session costs 350 THB per child. A private one-on-one session costs 500 THB. The unguided Climb Zone (20 minutes) is 200 THB. Multi-session packages are available at the gym for families who plan to come regularly.
Where is the Ninja Gym on Koh Samui?
Rick Tew’s Ninja Gym is inside Big C Bophut on the ring road, on the ground floor near the back entrance. It’s easy to spot from outside the mall. The gym is near Starbucks inside the Big C complex.
What age is the Ninja Gym suitable for?
The Ninja Gym works well for kids from about 3 years old and up. The sweet spot is roughly 4 to 10 years old, but older kids and adults can also join sessions. Coaches adapt the obstacles to each child’s age and ability level.
What exactly is a Ninja gym?
A Ninja gym is a movement-based training facility that combines martial arts principles, obstacle courses, and physical confidence-building. Rick Tew’s version uses a method called Winjitsu, which trains coordination, focus, and resilience alongside physical skills like climbing, balancing, and rolling.
Do you need to book in advance at the Ninja Gym Koh Samui?
No booking is needed. You can walk in anytime during opening hours (9 AM to 9 PM daily) and join the next available group session. The article’s author visited unplanned and was welcomed straight away.
Is the Ninja Gym different from Ninja Warrior Samui?
Yes, they are two separate venues. Rick Tew’s NinjaGym is a kids-focused training gym inside Big C Bophut, built around structured coaching and the Winjitsu method. Ninja Warrior Samui is a separate attraction featuring 15 large-scale adult-style obstacles similar to the TV show. They are not the same place.
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