Goren Hammer

Goren Hammer (5連ハンマー), called Hammer Dodge in English broadcasts, was a Second Stage obstacle that appeared in the first nine SASUKE tournaments.

Competitors must cross a balance beam while dodging five large swinging hammers. It was used heavily in Kinniku Banzuke in various events, most notably in several incarnations of Bamboo Derby and Like a Pierrot.

In the first tournament, it eliminated two future SASUKE All-Stars: Yamamoto Shingo and Yamada Katsumi. However, after SASUKE 4, fewer competitors cleared First Stage and as the result, all of the remaining competitors were able to clear the obstacle. It was replaced with a more dangerous Balance Tank in SASUKE 10.

As a side note, the obstacle was filled with mats below during its debut. Subsequently, when the course was moved outdoors, it was filled with water until its final appearance. However, it was still considered to be pretty shallow and a bit muddy, at least before SASUKE 5.

KUNOICHI Appearance
Goren Hammer (5連ハンマー) later appeared on BLUE Stage (Second Stage) of KUNOICHI 10, with the hammers now being painted in blue instead of silver to match the name of the stage. It hasn't eliminated any competitor so far.

In KUNOICHI 2006 New Year, a variation of this obstacle, named Furiko Michi, appeared as the fourth obstacle in Second Stage, but like Goren Hammer, no one failed on this obstacle.

Competitors' Success Rate

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

SASUKE Vietnam
The Goren Hammer, called locally Tránh Búa Qua Cầu or Cầu Búa, appeared as the fourth obstacle in Stage 2 on SASUKE Vietnam 1, and then as the third obstacle in Stage 1A on SASUKE Vietnam 2 and SASUKE Vietnam 3.

With the introduction of the 100-second time limit on SASUKE Vietnam 1's Stage 2, and then on SASUKE Vietnam 3's Stage 1A, this obstacle became more brutal, wiping out numbers of competitors. On SASUKE Vietnam 3 in particular, it shockingly eliminated SASUKE Vietnam 2's champion Lê Văn Thực when he accidentally grabbed the hammer with his hands, resulting a disqualification.

On SASUKE Vietnam 4, the obstacle was replaced by the Spinning Log.

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Mongolia
The Goren Hammer, appeared as the third obstacle in Stage One on SASUKE Ninja Warrior Mongolia. Compared to its appearance in SASUKE, the hammers would swing in an even pattern, two on one side and three on the other heading towards the center, as opposed to the continuous pattern with the Goren Hammer.

Gallery
5連ハンマー 五連錘