About Us
We're a veteran-owned family business, and we want you to be a part of our adventure. You’ll be treated like family here, not just another number.
All of our coaches have undergone thorough background checks, drug screening, and are SAFESPORT trained. Our Shift Leads are all first aid/cpr/aed certified.
Our staff
Caleb Benson is a 10 year veteran of the USCG and now the owner/operator of Flip Side Ninja Park. He's ready to share his passion for loving life and fitness with you! Caleb was a Semi-Finalist in his rookie season on American Ninja Warrior Season 13. He has also been an extreme athlete for many years with experience base jumping, sky diving, mountain biking, OCR running, and blasting through ninja warrior competitions. Caleb currently holds certifications as a USA Gymnastics instructor, and a level 1 & 2 instructor with the World Freerunning and Parkour Federation (WFPF).
Coach Emily is small but mighty and will take on any challenge or competition you throw at her. She has a passion for all things ‘fun and functional fitness’ including ninja, obstacle course racing, aerial arts, trail and road running, and mountain biking. She’s a full-time mom to two girls, a photographer on the side, and an avid coffee shop visitor. She started Flip Side with Coach Caleb and more than anything, is so proud of the culture and community that has been created at the gym by the staff and students alike. You can join her for an OCR Fitness class or chat her up at the front desk!
Coach Aaron Easterling has been a thrill seeker for most of his life. Starting at a young age he joined boy scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by age 14. Next, he started Taekwondo and worked diligently to achieve his black belt. Aaron now implements his knowledge of the sport by instructing younger students. After 5 years of soccer and competitive swimming, Aaron decided to broaden his horizons and take up rock climbing and ninja training. Aaron joined the Flip Side team and ninja training and coaching is now his passion that pushes himself and helps him push others to be better than they think they can be.
Coach Shawn Wheeler is a highly accomplished ninja with over eight years of experience in the sport. His passion for ninja warrior was ignited in Minnesota at the age of 12 when he became captivated with the TV show. After relocating to Arkansas in 2017, Shawn joined Flip Side as one of their first students and quickly became a respected coach by 2018. With five years of coaching expertise, he now leads Flip Side's competitive team, and is dedicated to helping his students grow into future elite ninjas.
Coach Mason Collins has an athletic background in both basketball and swimming. He's currently studying nutrition and fitness and believes that both are equally important. Coach Mason's dad has been his role model and mentor by always pushing him to improve in sports, the gym, and in life. Coach Mason's goals while at Flip Side are to become a great ninja and an even greater coach. He's excited to help the Flip Side students reach their full potential!
Coach Ashton Joffrion is a dynamic and versatile individual with experience in basketball, cheerleading, and gymnastics and is well-versed in discipline and teamwork. Additionally, Ashton has a natural talent for art and a deep love for reading. Her adventurous spirit and passion for exploring new cultures have driven her to pursue a career teaching English abroad, making her a valuable and inspiring asset to the team at Flip Side. Prepare to be awed by Ashton's ambition and contagious energy!

Coach Max Varner is thrilled to bring his ninja coaching skills to the students of Flip Side. Since 2019, Max has been dedicated to training at Flip Side, swiftly ascending through the ranks to become an integral part of our undefeated ninja team. When he's not in the gym honing his skills, you can find him immersed in drawing, gaming, or perfecting his archery. Max's journey as a student has not only shaped his expertise but also prepared him to be a valuable coach and a remarkable mentor to our students. In his coaching role, Max derives the greatest joy from witnessing his students conquer challenging obstacles and advance through the stages, reflecting his friendly and welcoming spirit.
Coach Caden Fischer has been ninja training at Flip Side for just under two years. With a history of basketball, cross country, track, soccer, lacrosse, parkour, and football, Caden is no stranger to competition and teamwork. Aside from his own growth within the sport, Caden loves training with other ninjas and helping our younger ninja learn and grow to their full potential. Caden is taking NJROTC classes where he is learning leadership and life skills that he puts into practice at Flip Side during every shift he works. Caden has already won 1st place in a local ninja competition and has dreams of being on American Ninja Warrior. He is a valuable and dedicated member of our team!
Coach Shaun Summers Shaun is a dedicated Ninja Warrior who has been training for Ninja Warrior since 2011. He participated in American Ninja Warrior seasons 4 and 5 slapping his first buzzer in 2014. Shaun has owned and operated several ninja gyms, including Arkansasuke, the first in Arkansas and one of the first in the US. He is passionate about the sport and enjoys helping others succeed in it. Despite his busy career, Shaun is a devoted family man and is proud of being a father to three and a grandfather to one. Shaun's exceptional abilities as a competitor, his commitment to the ninja community, and his unwavering dedication to his family make him a true inspiration to many.
Coach Owen Dyer is all about family, faith, and fun. Owen brings to the table a ton of Ninja experience – both coaching and competing. He is a three-time National Ninja League finalist, a 2021 Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association finalist, and one of the youngest American Ninja Warrior national finalists in 2021 (look for the flamingo hat!). Owen has been perfecting his ninja skills for over three years now, first as a student at Flip Side, and now as a coach. When he’s not winning competitions, he’s training with his younger brother, Hayes, playing around at Flip Side, or designing new obstacles like the holds sold by Monstro Ninja Holds. Owen eats, breathes, and sleeps Ninja, and he brings so much skill, kindness, and happiness to our team!