We might think a Salmon Ladder is a fish ladder designed specifically for that species, but it is also a test of Ninja warrior technique. Taking its name from the muscular fish, the Salmon Ladder is a training exercise done by Ninjas in training, and it is one of the hardest to master.

The ladder is formed of two side rails stuck in the ground about three feet apart. Each side rail has brackets at equal intervals, much like wall mounted shelving systems. There is only one rung, (a metal bar) and the Ninja must climb the ladder one rung at a time. This means holding on to the rung and jumping it up the brackets, hanging from the bar. There is nothing to push from: the upward momentum comes from the force of the body alone. Fans of the tv series “Arrow” will have seen the superhero main character using the salmon ladder as part of his training.

Ladders for Strength

Salmon Ladders can be built with any number of brackets, but it gets progressively harder the more gaps have to be jumped. The same is true for salmon ladders for the actual fish, and their migratory journey over a fish ladder requires a similar level of physical activity. The Ninja Salmon Ladder needs upper body strength as well as the ability to jump high, as the combined effort of your muscles is what will allow you to leap the gaps up the ladder. Lower body strength is just as important as upper body strength in this exercise.

It’s not over when you get to the top though, now you have to come back down. This might seem easier than having to propel yourself upwards, but you still need to land the rung in the brackets, or it’s a long fall down. It’s not one to try at home, unless you’re a ninja!