Spin Bridge

Spin Bridge (スピンブリッジ), called Spinning Bridge in English broadcasts, is a First Stage obstacle introduced in SASUKE 27, originally debuting as the seventh obstacle to indirectly replace Hazard Swing from the previous tournament, before being relocated to the third obstacle in SASUKE 28. The obstacle is a replica of the Cannonball that was used in VIKING tournaments, where the competitors have to run across four spheres, which would spin when they stepped on them. Both of these obstacles have superficial resemblance to Newton's cradle, a device to demonstrate the conservation of momentum and energy.

In its debut, Takahashi Kenji and Yamamoto Shingo, both finalists in the past, became victims of the obstacle. It also infamously dislocated Kanno Hitoshi's shoulder when he fell awkwardly on the last sphere. While it didn't stop him from clearing the First Stage, the effect took its toll later in the Second Stage, forcing him to withdraw after completing Slider Drop.

In SASUKE 28, the obstacle was painted silver and made looser, resulting in the spheres moving more wildly compared to the original version. It proved to be a vital modification as more competitors failed on this version, including Hashimoto Kouji, Lee En-Chih, and Akiyama Kazuhiko. Yamamoto Shingo would later fail on this version too, meaning he is the only competitor to fail on both versions of the Spin Bridge.

Despite the damage, it was replaced by a much easier obstacle the Hedgehog in SASUKE 29.



American Ninja Warrior
The Spin Bridge, called as the Spinning Bridge, appeared as the seventh obstacle in Stage One from American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 6. On American Ninja Warrior 4, it eliminated David Campbell, which would start his four consecutive Stage One failures until American Ninja Warrior 9, and Tim Shieff. On American Ninja Warrior 7, it was replaced by Coin Flip, which had a similar concept to this obstacle.

American Ninja Warrior 9
On American Ninja Warrior 9, Spinning Bridge returned as the third obstacle in San Antonio. However, the obstacle was modified, with the second and fourth spheres lifted slightly, which made it harder to maintain the step and balance.

Only 10 competitors failed on the obstacle during San Antonio qualifiers, including Kaiti Haymaker, Kevin Jordan, Andrew Swinghamer, and Matt Laessig. During San Antonio finals, no competitor failed on the obstacle.

American Ninja Warrior 10
On American Ninja Warrior 10, Spinning Bridge appeared as the third obstacle in Los Angeles. This time, the number of spheres was increased to six, the spheres' shape was changed to elliptical, and the third, fourth, and sixth spheres were placed lower than the other spheres, making it much harder to maintain the step and balance.

This time, 17 competitors failed on the obstacle during Los Angeles qualifiers, including Nikkilette Wright, Milton Nkunku, Brandon Dodson, and Benjamin Humphrys (who was disqualified for touching a sphere with his hands). During Los Angeles finals, five competitors failed on the obstacle, including Westley Silvestri, Brian Neal, Verdale Benson, Ruben Arellano, and Scott Willson, who nearly twisted his back after failing the dismount.

During Celebrity Ninja Warrior: Red Nose Day 2, the obstacle featured seven elliptical spheres and the spheres were arranged in a straight line. Among the eight celebrity competitors who attempted the obstacle, only Colton Dunn failed to complete it.

American Ninja Warrior 11
On American Ninja Warrior 11, Spinning Bridge appeared as the third obstacle in Cincinnati, with no modifications were made to the obstacle.

However, the obstacle became significantly more brutal, as it eliminated a total of 24 competitors. Some competitors, such as Tyler Yamauchi, Kyle Schulze, and Jamie Ross, lost their balance from and fell into the water. However, other competitors such as Landon Fischer, Sophia Oster, and most shockingly, Ian Dory in his first early exit during his American Ninja Warrior appearances and the first time that he didn't advance to city finals and Las Vegas national finals, were disqualified for touching a sphere with their hands.

During Cincinnati finals, the obstacle eliminated Derrick Pavoni, Jackson Twait, and Cameron Baumgartner, who had originally cleared the course but was disqualified for touching one of the support cables.

American Ninja Warrior 12
On American Ninja Warrior 12, Spinning Bridge appeared as the fourth obstacle during the third and fourth episodes of the qualifiers.

While the obstacle was kept the same as the one used on the previous seasons, only 3 competitors fell on this obstacle out of 19 attempts during the third episode of the qualifiers: Brandon Mears, Zhanique Lovett, and Davyon Hancox. Another 3 competitors failed the obstacle during the fourth episode of the qualifiers: Isaiah Barney, Brandon White, and Matthew Feritas.

American Ninja Warrior 13
On American Ninja Warrior 13, the Spinning Bridge appeared as the fourth obstacle during the first episode of the semifinals, with the same configuration as the previous seasons.

Similar to its appearance on the previous season, only 3 competitors failed on this obstacle: Sam Sann, Cory Torkelson, and Wade Lopp.

During the second semifinals episode however, more athletes failed the obstacle, as a total of 7 competitors failed the obstacle. This includes Allyssa Beird, Addy Herman, and Josiah Singleton.

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia
On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia, Spinning Bridge appeared as the third obstacle in Semifinal Stage 2.

SASUKE Vietnam
On SASUKE Vietnam 1 and SASUKE Vietnam 2, Spinning Bridge, called locally Cầu Quay, appeared as the second obstacle in Stage 3. It was replaced by Floating Boards on SASUKE Vietnam 3.

Ninja Warrior UK
On Ninja Warrior UK and Ninja Warrior UK 2, Spinning Bridge appeared as the eighth obstacle in the finals' Stage 1.

Then, on Ninja Warrior UK 4, Spinning Bridge appeared as the third obstacle in Heat 1 and Heat 3. This time, the number of spheres was increased to five and the spheres were arranged in a slightly skewed pattern, similar to Broken Bridge on American Ninja Warrior 9 and American Ninja Warrior 10.

On Ninja Warrior UK 5, the obstacle appeared as the third obstacle in Heat 1. This time, the spheres' shape was changed to elliptical, similar to the one used in Los Angeles course on American Ninja Warrior 10 and Cincinnati course on American Ninja Warrior 11.

Ninja Warrior Poland
On Ninja Warrior Poland, the Spinning Bridge appeared for the first time in Heat 2, and then in Heat 6. At that time, the obstacle consisted of four spheres. In the grand final, the obstacle appeared as the third obstacle of the first stage, and was reduced to three spheres.

Then, on Ninja Warrior Poland 2, the obstacle appeared as the third obstacle in the first stage, with one sphere more than on the previous season. On Ninja Warrior Poland 3, the obstacle appeared as the third obstacle during the heats, also consisting of five spheres.

Competitors' Success Rate

 * All results based on the TBS/NBC broadcast and external information found.

American Ninja Warrior
スピンブリッジ 旋轉球橋