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This version of the Cliffhanger, similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger and the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, is also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition. |
This version of the Cliffhanger, similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger and the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, is also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition. |
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| − | Likewise for the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, this obstacle was successfully completed in its introductory tournament, by [[Tada Tatsuya]]. This was due to the fact that in [[SASUKE 37]], due to poor weather, the ledges were stopped and adjusted to its respective height and distance around 1.8 m, rendering the obstacle less difficult and brutal, eliminating the need to glance prior to transition to the moving ledge. |
+ | Likewise for the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, this obstacle was successfully completed in its introductory tournament, by [[Tada Tatsuya]]. This was due to the fact that in [[SASUKE 37]], due to poor weather resulting the motors of the ledges malfunctioning, the ledges were stopped and adjusted to its respective height and distance around 1.8 m, rendering the obstacle less difficult and brutal, eliminating the need to glance prior to transition to the moving ledge. |
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| + | However, based on [[Rene Kaselowsky]] testimonial, he mentioned in a post-tournament interview that the ledges were halted due to the fact that the production team wanted at least one clear on the Third Stage so that the live Final Stage could go ahead. Despite that, it was still proven to be a threat, as only 3 of the 8 competitors could complete it. It took out notable competitors such as [[Hioki Masashi]], [[Sato Jun]], and [[Jessie Graff]]. |
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Revision as of 05:28, 13 February 2020
The Cliffhanger (クリフハンガー) is one of the longest-enduring obstacles in SASUKE to date, having proven to be brutal throughout the history of SASUKE.
In essence, competitors must traverse through a series of narrow ledges, which are 3cm wide, only long enough to support the fingertips. Since its introduction in SASUKE 4, it has 7 different versions. During that period, Takahashi Kenji attempted the most versions of the Cliffhanger with 5.
Traditionally, every time a competitor achieved kanzenseiha in a SASUKE tournament, the Cliffhanger always received modifications in the next tournament after it, to keep in touch with the tradition that in every tournament after a kanzenseiha, the course would receive vast modifications (except in SASUKE 9, when the Cliffhanger (dropout section version) from SASUKE 8 was modified into the Cliffhanger Kai and SASUKE 37, when the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger from SASUKE 32 was modified into the Cliffhanger Dimension), as:
- After Akiyama Kazuhiko's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 4, the Cliffhanger (straight version) from that tournament was modified into the Cliffhanger (dropout section version) in SASUKE 5.
- After Nagano Makoto's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 17, the Cliffhanger Kai from that tournament was modified into the Shin-Cliffhanger in SASUKE 18.
- After Urushihara Yuuji's first kanzenseiha in SASUKE 24, the Shin-Cliffhanger from that tournament was modified into the Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 25.
- After Urushihara Yuuji's second kanzenseiha in SASUKE 27, the Ultimate Cliffhanger from that tournament was modified into the Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 28.
- After Morimoto Yūsuke's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 31, the Crazy Cliffhanger from that tournament was modified into the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger in SASUKE 32.
Version 1 (SASUKE 4)
The original version of Cliffhanger was introduced in SASUKE 4. Its actual name is 直線型クリフハンガー (literally Cliffhanger Straight Version).
Every ledge was at the same height, and each ledge was 1.2m long, and each gap was 50cm long.
Despite eliminating half of the number of competitors who attempted it, this version only lasted for one tournament, as the producers increased the difficulty of each stage afterwards due to Akiyama Kazuhiko's kanzenseiha in that tournament. 5 competitors failed on this version of the Cliffhanger, including Yamada Katsumi and Kane Kosugi.
KUNOICHI Appearance
Cliffhanger, KUNOICHI 9
A toned-down version of this version of the Cliffhanger was used as the sixth obstacle in KUNOICHI 9's BLUE Stage (Second Stage), with only two ledges instead of three, one of them being longer and both ledges were increased to 4.5cm in thickness. The gap between the first and second ledge was 60cm. Izumi Hikari was the only one to attempted this version and completed it, due to the appearance of new version of Cliffhanger on KUNOICHI 10's BLACK Stage
Other Appearances
Australian Ninja Warrior 3's Swinging Cliff Hanger
A variation of this version of the Cliffhanger, called as the Swinging Cliff Hanger, appeared as the fourth obstacle in Stage One on Australian Ninja Warrior 3.
The obstacle featured 2 ledges, each was attached to a swinging board (similar to the one used on the Swinging Peg Board). Therefore, after traversing the first ledge, competitors must build enough swing and momentum to make the transition to the second ledge, and then build enough swing and momentum from the second ledge to make the dismount to the landing platform.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 10 | 50% |
| Total | 5 | 10 | 50% |
KUNOICHI
| KUNOICHI | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| Total | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Version 2 (SASUKE 5-8)
The second version of Cliffhanger appeared in SASUKE 5, where the final ledge was raised 30cm and was renamed as the 段差型クリフハンガー (literally Cliffhanger with Dropout Section).
Yamamoto Shingo was the only competitor to attempt this version more than once. He attempted and passed it in SASUKE 5 and SASUKE 7. From SASUKE 5 to 7, this version of the Cliffhanger was only cleared once in each tournament. However, all competitors who attempted the obstacle were able to complete it in SASUKE 8. This version was notable for being only one of two versions to have been replaced without the impetus of a kanzenseiha.
KUNOICHI Appearance
Cliffhanger, KUNOICHI 10
A toned-down version of this version of Cliffhanger was used as the fourth obstacle in KUNOICHI 10's BLACK Stage (Third Stage), but with the removal of the first ledge, which made it similar to this version of the Cliffhanger. It was revealed that the ledges' thickness was reduced to 4cm in that tournament.
Out of 3 competitors attempted this version, only AYA failed, while Watanabe Kana and Izumi Hikari easily completed it and went to the Pipe Slider.
In KUNOICHI 11, the obstacle was replaced by the Planet Bridge.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 6 | 1 | 2 | 50% |
| 7 | 1 | 3 | 33.33% |
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| Total | 6 | 9 | 66.67% |
KUNOICHI
| KUNOICHI | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2 | 3 | 66.67% |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 66.67% |
Cliffhanger Kai [Version 3] (SASUKE 9-17)
In the third version of Cliffhanger, the length of the first ledge was doubled, the second ledge raised by 30cm, and the last ledge lowered by 45cm. It was renamed again, this time as the Cliffhanger Kai (クリフハンガー改) (literally Altered Cliffhanger).
This version lasted the longest thus far of any iteration. In later competitions, the obstacle marked the halfway point and passing it was a major accomplishment.
The distance between the third ledge and the mat varied in its entirety.
- In SASUKE 9, the mat was far from the third ledge,
- In SASUKE 10, 11, and 13 to 17 the mat was slightly underneath the third ledge, and
- In SASUKE 12 the mat was barely past the second gap, close enough to dismount after touching the third ledge.
A diagram of the Cliffhanger Kai.
Other Appearances
American Ninja Warrior
American Ninja Warrior 5's Cliffhanger in Venice Beach
This version of the Cliffhanger appeared as the ninth obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 5 during Venice Beach finals, eliminating 6 out of 12 competitors who attempted it (likely due to fatigue after completing the previous obstacle, the Rope Maze), including Dan Mast, Lance Pekus, and Jesse La Flair.
SASUKE Vietnam
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SASUKE Vietnam 2's Cliffhanger Kai
Treo Người Trên Vách or Đu Người Trên Vách (SASUKE Vietnam's official name for the Cliffhanger Kai) appeared as the fifth obstacle in Stage 3 on SASUKE Vietnam 1 and SASUKE Vietnam 2. However, unlike in SASUKE, after reaching the end of the third ledge, competitors must grab a resting bar, as an intermediary to the next obstacle (the Pipe Slider).
On SASUKE Vietnam 1, the obstacle eliminated 4 out of 5 competitors who attempted it (including Nguyễn Phước Huynh, Đỗ Văn Quang, Nguyễn Đức Thọ and Lê Văn Đại). Lê Văn Thực was the first competitor to beat the obstacle.
On SASUKE Vietnam 2, it was notable for eliminating some top competitors like Nguyễn Đức Thọ, Trần Văn Anh, and Brian Kretsch. Nevertheless, 14 competitors were able to complete the obstacle.
With the total victories of Lê Văn Thực, Nguyễn Phước Huynh, and David Campbell on SASUKE Vietnam 2, the Stage 3 had been updated on the next season, thus updating the Cliffhanger Kai to a much more difficult version, the Crazy Cliffhanger.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 10 | 1 | 2 | 50% |
| 11 | 2 | 4 | 50% |
| 12 | 5 | 9 | 52.56% |
| 13 | 2 | 3 | 66.68% |
| 14 | 2 | 5 | 40% |
| 15 | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| 16 | 3 | 7 | 42.86% |
| 17 | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| Total | 22 | 39 | 56.48% |
Shin-Cliffhanger [Version 4] (SASUKE 18-24)
The fourth version of the Cliffhanger came after Nagano Makoto's completion of the course in SASUKE 17. It has been renamed once again, this time to the Shin-Cliffhanger (新クリフハンガー) (literally New Cliffhanger) to emphasize its redesign.
The second ledge was shortened to 77cm, but also on an incline of 12°. This caused the horizontal gap between the last two ledges to increase to 1 meter. To compensate for this large gap, the width of the first part of the third ledge was increased to 6cm. Also, the ledges have been beveled to increase the difficulty.
Takahashi Kenji reached over the gap of the Shin-Cliffhanger, SASUKE 23
Due to the large gap, it seemed that competitors must now clear the obstacle by jumping across from second ledge to the third one. The first competitor to not attempt the jump transition to the third ledge, Nagasaki Shunsuke, was not able to clear the obstacle in SASUKE 18. However, in SASUKE 23, Takahashi Kenji was able to successfully clear without jumping, being the only competitor to do so.
In SASUKE 19, a metal sheet was placed above the first and third ledges to prevent competitors from getting disqualified like Nagano Makoto in SASUKE 18 (see Nagano Makoto's Shin-Cliffhanger Disqualification).
During the first three SASUKE tournaments, this version of the Cliffhanger was proven to be one of the toughest obstacles in the history of the tournament, as the first four competitors to attempt it (Nagano Makoto, Nagasaki Shunsuke, Takahashi Kenji, and Levi Meeuwenberg), all failed (spanning three tournaments). TBS showed testers clearing it in SASUKE 20 and SASUKE 21's introduction.
In SASUKE 21, Takeda Toshihiro became the first competitor to complete the Shin-Cliffhanger, followed by Nagano Makoto. In SASUKE 22, two competitors from the SASUKE Trials (Kanno Hitoshi and Urushihara Yuuji) were able to complete the Shin-Cliffhanger. After that, in the next 2 SASUKE tournaments, the Shin-Cliffhanger was proven to be much easier, with competitors understanding how to defeat it much as had been done with the Devil Balanço, as among the competitors who attempted the obstacle during both tournaments, only Levi Meeuwenberg failed, during the transition between the first two ledges.
Other Appearance
SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia's Cliffhanger in Final Stage
On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia the Shin-Cliffhanger appeared as the fourth obstacle during Final Stage (although it was simply called as the Cliffhanger). Among the 10 competitors who attempted it, 6 of them could complete it, while the other 4 competitors failed to make the transition to the third ledge.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 0 | 3 | 0% |
| 19 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 20 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| 21 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 22 | 2 | 4 | 50% |
| 23 | 5 | 6 | 84.36% |
| 24 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
| Total | 16 | 23 | 68.52% |
Ultimate Cliffhanger [Version 5] (SASUKE 25-27)
The fifth version of the Cliffhanger came after Urushihara Yuuji's kanzenseiha in SASUKE 24, which was named the Ultimate Cliffhanger (アルティメットクリフハンガー) to emphasize its redesign. It is by far the largest and longest Cliffhanger to date, with a total of six ledges instead of three.
- The first ledge was 2m in length and on a 24-degree angle and required competitors to climb right.
- With a gap of 20cm, the next ledge was also 2m in length and on a 12-degree angle, requiring competitors to climb left.
- After that, there was a 60cm upward vertical gap to the third ledge, which was 3.2m in length.
- Competitors must then cross a 90cm horizontal gap to the fourth ledge (1.2m in length).
- At the end of that, they must jump and catch themselves on a small ledge (15 cm in length).
- From there, they must swing to the final ledge (2m) and traverse that to complete the obstacle.
In its first tournament in SASUKE 25, the obstacle was proven to be unbelievably difficult, as all four competitors who attempted it failed before any could even reach the third ledge.
Modification
Ultimate Cliffhanger in SASUKE 26 with the lowered third ledge
In SASUKE 26, the third ledge was lowered to make the transition from the angled ledges easier, but this resulted in making the transition to the fourth ledge much harder.
To compensate for what would have been a 1.2 meter gap between the third and fourth ledges, the third ledge was also lengthened slightly to make it a gap more similar to the gap between the second and third ledges of the SASUKE 5-8 version of the Cliffhanger.
Also, a large sheet of metal was placed at the base of the obstacle, in order to hide the metal supports that were visible in SASUKE 25. Lee En-Chih and Okuyama Yoshiyuki, in their second attempts, made it to the end of the fourth ledge, but failed while building momentum to swing to the small fifth ledge. Two American competitors, Brent Steffensen and David Campbell, also made it to this obstacle. However, both of them failed while trying to make a transition to the fourth ledge.
In SASUKE 27, the obstacle was moved from its previous position as the fourth obstacle to the third obstacle. As the result, it was finally conquered by:
- Hashimoto Koji in his second attempt,
- Eventual finalist Matachi Ryo, and
- Eventual two-time champion Urushihara Yuuji,
with Matachi and Urushihara both having their first attempts of the obstacle.
The obstacle was nearly cleared by David Campbell as well, but his grip gave out on the final ledge, just before he could reach the landing platform. However, despite these clears, five competitors still failed on this obstacle in that tournament:
- James McGrath,
- Ryan Stratis,
- Paul Kasemir,
- David Campbell, and
- Nagano Makoto, who was the only SASUKE All-Star to attempt the Ultimate Cliffhanger.
Due to the fact that the Ultimate Cliffhanger had eliminated every American competitor who attempted it in SASUKE 26 (counted as part of American Ninja Warrior 2) and SASUKE 27 (counted as part of American Ninja Warrior 3), the Ultimate Cliffhanger had earned its status as one of the most brutal obstacles for the American competitors.
American Ninja Warrior Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 4's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 4, the Ultimate Cliffhanger appeared as the fourth obstacle in Stage Three, with the same specification from SASUKE 26-27. Brent Steffensen, who himself failed there in SASUKE 26, became the first American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger.
American Ninja Warrior 5's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 5, Brian Arnold became the second American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger, and nearly beating Stage Three.
During USA vs. Japan, Paul Kasemir (who failed on this obstacle in SASUKE 27) became the third American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger, also nearly beating Stage Three.
American Ninja Warrior 6's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 6, the ledges were made much thicker. Instead of being 1.18 inches (3cm) as they had been in SASUKE and two previous American Ninja Warrior seasons, they were increased to 2.25 inches (5.7cm) in thickness (later seasons were decreased to 2 inches (5.08cm)), making the obstacle much easier. Also, the fourth ledge was made longer, making the gap between the third and fourth ledge was smaller. As the result, Joe Moravsky became the fourth American to beat the Ultimate Cliffhanger and just the third to complete the Ultimate Cliffhanger on American Ninja Warrior's regular season.
Modification
American Ninja Warrior 7's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 7, the obstacle was heavily modified:
- The first three ledges were positioned identically from the previous season, but now had gaps in between them.
- The fourth and fifth ledges remained the same, with the fourth ledge was placed much higher.
- After the fifth ledge, there were two ledges, which were placed equally high as the fifth ledge, and it was now impossible to reach the landing mat from the seventh ledge.
- Instead, similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger, competitors would have to jump 6 feet from the seventh ledge to the final ledge at the hanging board, facing opposite to the main wall, which was 2 inches wide as opposed to only 1 inch. And from there, they were able to reach the landing platform.
However, unlike the Crazy Cliffhanger, competitors were allowed to face the final ledge when making the transition (as the controversial rule was not established). Even so, the obstacle caused havoc, as half of the remaining competitors in Stage Three was eliminated on this obstacle, including Joe Moravsky (who had completed the obstacle on the previous season), who chose the Crazy Cliffhanger technique for leap transition to the final ledge. Despite that, 4 competitors were able to complete this obstacle, which was the largest number of the Ultimate Cliffhanger's completion during American Ninja Warrior's regular season until American Ninja Warrior 11, where a large amount of competitors attempted it due to the sheer amount of Stage Two clears on that season.
American Ninja Warrior 11's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three.
On American Ninja Warrior 11, this modification of the Ultimate Cliffhanger returned, retaining the Plexiglas from the previous season, albeit with a visual design which made some parts of the glass opaque. Compared with the previous season,
- The foothold was removed.
- Some minor changes for the ledges' placement, albeit some of them were retained.
- Instead of transiting to another set of Plexiglas, competitors must transit to the first hanging board, possibly due to an erroneous in design.
- All of the hanging boards were placed lower and shortened, each only had one ledge.
- The length of the second hanging board was very short, with the ledge being similar to the fifth ledge on the original Ultimate Cliffhanger.
- Competitors had to make the dismount from the third hanging board.
A total of 17 competitors attempted this version, and due to these changes, only six competitors failed on it. A unique way to fail on the obstacle was presented when three competitors (Hunter Guerard, Michael Torres, Ethan Swanson), both were running out of stamina and couldn't make a successful dismount from the third hanging board (somewhat similar to what happened with Brian Arnold during USA vs. The World 3). The three others, two failed on the jump to the second hanging board (Chris DiGangi, Casey Suchocki), and Mathis Owhadi failed on the transition to the third hanging board. With that in mind, 11 competitors completed the obstacle, which broke the record of the most completion during American Ninja Warrior's regular season on American Ninja Warrior 7 (at four competitors).
Second Modification
American Ninja Warrior 8's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 8, with total victories of Geoff Britten and Isaac Caldiero on the previous season, the obstacle was once again modified:
- The first four ledges were the same as the Ultimate Cliffhanger from American Ninja Warrior 7, with the fourth ledge was placed slightly higher.
- Under the fourth ledge, there was a small ledge as a foothold, in order to ease the transition to the next ledge (first hanging board; the transition was similar to the Spider Flip).
- After that, competitors must make a transition to the next ledge (second hanging board).
- And finally, they must transit back to the final ledge, and dismount to the landing platform.
Making this version of Ultimate Cliffhanger was similar to the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, with two transitions across the water. Also, the design of the wall in the obstacle was similar to the wall used in the Half Pipe Attack on American Ninja Warrior 6, albeit the color and location of the design. Only Drew Drechsel completed the obstacle, while Daniel Gil failed the transition to the second hanging board.
During USA vs. The World 3, the obstacle shockingly took out 3 highly-skilled rock climbers (Stefano Ghisolfi from Team Europe, David Saikin from Team Latin America, and Brian Arnold from Team USA), and all of them competed on the same heat of Stage Three, in which:
- Stefano Ghisolfi failed to make the transition to the fourth ledge,
- David Saikin failed to make the transition to the second hanging board, and
- Brian Arnold completed all the ledges, but failed to make the dismount to the landing platform.
However, since Stefano Ghisolfi completed the previous obstacle (the Floating Boards) faster than David Saikin and Brian Arnold, he won the 3 points for Team Europe.
Joe Moravsky was about to attempt the first transition of the Ultimate Cliffhanger during American Ninja Warrior 9's Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 9, the same version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger from the previous season appeared, with minor modification for the ledges at the two hanging boards. Only Joe Moravsky could complete the obstacle, even using the Crazy Cliffhanger technique on the transition to the final ledge (which he failed to complete on American Ninja Warrior 7), while Sean Bryan and Najee Richardson failed on the transition to the fourth ledge and the second hanging board respectively.
During USA vs. The World 4, the Ultimate Cliffhanger became much brutal than ever, as the obstacle eliminated every competitor who attempted it. Among the 5 competitors who attempted the obstacle, 3 of them failed to make the transition to the second hanging board, while the other 2 competitors failed to make the transition to the fourth ledge.
American Ninja Warrior 10's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Stage Three
On American Ninja Warrior 10, several changes were made to the Ultimate Cliffhanger:
- the obstacle's wall was now composed by Plexiglas walls,
- there were more ledges and some minor changes for the ledges' placement,
- the two hanging boards were now much closer to each other, compared to the past two American Ninja Warrior seasons.
This time, the obstacle became much brutal once again, as among the two competitors who attempted the obstacle, both of them failed to complete it: Sean Bryan and Drew Drechsel. Those two were also the only competitors who advanced to Stage Three. Because of this, the decision of who became the Last Man Standing of the season was determined by the competitor who completed the previous obstacle (the Crazy Clocks) in the fastest time. Since Drew Drechsel was the competitor to do so, he was then declared as the Last Man Standing of the season and won the $100,000 cash prize.
Other Appearances
Alexander Mars on the Cliffhanger, Ninja Warrior Sweden
On Ninja Warrior UK and Ninja Warrior Sweden, a variant of the obstacle (unofficially named as the Miska Cliffhanger) has appeared.
This version featured radically different ledges placement compared to the SASUKE and American Ninja Warrior versions, with a greater emphasis on diagonal ledges and long jumps.
No one has attempted this version on Ninja Warrior UK and Ninja Warrior UK 2, due to being replaced by the Crazy Cliffhanger (American Ninja Warrior 7 version) on Ninja Warrior UK 3, although Alexander Mars failed there on Ninja Warrior Sweden.
SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017's Ultimate Cliffhanger in Final Stage
On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017, the Ultimate Cliffhanger appeared as the fifth and penultimate obstacle during Final Stage, with the following specification:
- The obstacle's wall was the same as American Ninja Warrior 7 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger, except there was no leap transition to the final ledge at the hanging board.
- There were 7 ledges, with the first 5 ledges were similar to the first 5 ledges from SASUKE 26-27 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger, and the last 2 ledges were similar to the last 2 ledges (excluding the final ledge at the hanging board) from American Ninja Warrior 7 version of the Ultimate Cliffhanger.
- After reaching the end of the seventh ledge, competitors must grab the resting bars, as an intermediary to the sixth and final obstacle, the Flying Bar.
Among the 2 competitors who attempted the obstacle (Yosua Laskaman Zalukhu and Angga Cahya), both of them could complete it. Also, during SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia: International Competition, no competitor failed on this obstacle.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS/NBC broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 0 | 4 | 0% |
| 26 | 0 | 4 | 0% |
| 27 | 3 | 8 | 37.5% |
| Total | 3 | 16 | 18.75% |
American Ninja Warrior
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW4 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| ANW5 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| ANW6 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| ANW7 | 4 | 8 | 50% |
| ANW8 | 1 | 2 | 50% |
| ANW9 | 1 | 3 | 33.33% |
| ANW10 | 0 | 2 | 0% |
| ANW11 | 11 | 17 | 64.71% |
| USA vs. Japan | 4 | 5 | 80% |
| USA vs. The World | 7 | 7 | 100% |
| USA vs. The World 2 | 6 | 8 | 75% |
| USA vs. The World 3 | 6 | 9 | 66.67% |
| USA vs. The World 4 | 0 | 5 | 0% |
| USA vs. The World 5 | 1 | 2 | 50% |
| USA vs. The World 6 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| Total | 47 | 74 | 63.51% |
Crazy Cliffhanger [Version 6] (SASUKE 28-31)
During SASUKE 28 Navi, the preview of the Third Stage saw a new incarnation of the Cliffhanger, known as the Crazy Cliffhanger (クレイジークリフハンガー), placed as the third obstacle. From SASUKE 30, the obstacle was moved to the fourth obstacle.
The first wall consisted of three ledges, the first and third being equally high off the ground but the second having been raised by 30cm, almost identical to the Cliffhanger Kai.
However, the third ledge had been shortened to a point where the competitors couldn't reach landing platform from it. Opposite the third ledge was another wall with a fourth ledge.
Competitors must make enough momentum and jump from the third to the fourth ledge (similar to the Spider Flip), and only then they could transfer to the landing platform. In SASUKE 31, the distance of the third to the opposing fourth ledge was revealed to be 1.8m, though it was already mentioned since SASUKE 28.
Unlike the past two versions of the Cliffhanger, (Shin-Cliffhanger and Ultimate Cliffhanger) the ledge that must be jumped onto was not wider than the other ledges, making the transition more difficult.
While grip and upper body strength played an important role in every version of the Cliffhanger, this version seemed to be based more on the weight of the competitors (rather than technique or stamina), due to the style of the last ledge transition.
Asa Kazuma and Kanno Hitoshi, who had practiced this obstacle and were not that fatigued, failed to keep themselves on the fourth ledge, mostly due to their weight.
On the contrary, Morimoto Yūsuke, who had struggled with the Iron Paddler compared to the other Third Stage competitors in SASUKE 29, cleared this version rather easily, using his light-weight body to his advantage.
The Crazy Cliffhanger showed the jump from the third to fourth ledge, SASUKE 28
A very unusual rule was added to the obstacle in SASUKE 31, in which competitors were not allowed to face the fourth ledge while transitioning from the third ledge (see Drew Drechsel's Crazy Cliffhanger Disqualification).
SASUKE 31 also saw Asa Kazuma's fourth consecutive failure on the obstacle, Kanno finally completed the obstacle after his fourth consecutive attempt (and being just the fifth competitor to clear), and Morimoto being the only competitor to clear the obstacle twice.
Overall, in just 4 tournaments from SASUKE 28 to SASUKE 31, the Crazy Cliffhanger was not cleared 18 times, which was the largest number of failures in any version of the Cliffhanger in SASUKE by date, beating the Cliffhanger Kai (which was used from SASUKE 9 to SASUKE 17) at 17 times.
American Ninja Warrior Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 6's Crazy Cliffhanger in St. Louis
American Ninja Warrior 7's Crazy Cliffhanger in Houston
The Crazy Cliffhanger appeared on American Ninja Warrior 6, as the ninth obstacle during St. Louis finals. However, unlike in SASUKE, instead of three ledges going to the right then having to jump to the other side, there was one ledge going to the right and two small ledges to help getting to the other ledge. This version of the Crazy Cliffhanger was proven to be much easier than in SASUKE, as among the 12 competitors who attempted the obstacle, only 3 of them failed to complete it.
Then, the Crazy Cliffhanger returned on American Ninja Warrior 7, as the ninth obstacle during Houston finals. This time, the obstacle was looked almost similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger from SASUKE, but the number of ledges was increased from four to six, with the first five ledges being on one side, and the sixth ledge being on the opposing side.
Competitors could also face the opposing ledge when making the transition (unlike in SASUKE, where competitors were not allowed to do it), as the controversial rule was not established. The distance between the fifth and sixth ledges was 4 feet. Among the 5 competitors who attempted the obstacle, only 2 of them could complete it (Jeremiah Morgan and Sam Sann).
Other Appearances
Ninja Warrior UK
Ninja Warrior UK 4's Crazy Cliffhanger
The Crazy Cliffhanger appeared as the first obstacle during the finals' Stage 3 on Ninja Warrior UK 3 and Ninja Warrior UK 4, which was very similar to the one used during American Ninja Warrior 7's Houston finals (except there were five ledges instead of six, with the first four ledges being on one side and the fifth ledge being on the opposing side).
On Ninja Warrior UK 3, two competitors (Cain Clarke and Jonny Urszuly) attempted the obstacle, but none of them could complete it. With Jonny Urszuly making the furthest to the obstacle than Cain Clarke, he then earned the title as the "Last Man Standing" on that season.
On Ninja Warrior UK 4, five competitors attempted the obstacle, and Deren Perez and Tim Shieff became the first 2 competitors to complete it. Ninja Warrior UK 5 also saw 2 competitors completed the Crazy Cliffhanger: Ali Hay and Tim Champion (who would later become the first ever competitor in Ninja Warrior UK history to achieve total victory and earn the title of the first "Ninja Warrior UK" on that season).
Australian Ninja Warrior
Australian Ninja Warrior 2's Crazy Cliffhanger
A similar version of the Crazy Cliffhanger from Ninja Warrior UK appeared:
- as the sixth obstacle in Stage Two on Australian Ninja Warrior, and
- as the third obstacle in Stage Three on Australian Ninja Warrior 2 and Australian Ninja Warrior 3.
During the first two seasons, the obstacle was unattempted. On Australian Ninja Warrior 3, the obstacle was attempted for the first time ever by four competitors (Josh O'Sullivan, Bryson Klein, Daniel Mason, and Charlie Robbins) and all of them could complete it.
SASUKE Vietnam
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SASUKE Vietnam 3's Crazy Cliffhanger
With the total victories of Lê Văn Thực, Nguyễn Phước Huynh, and David Campbell on SASUKE Vietnam 2, starting on SASUKE Vietnam 3, a new version of the Cliffhanger was introduced in order to replace the Cliffhanger Kai (called locally as Treo Người Trên Vách) from the past two SASUKE Vietnam seasons. It was the Crazy Cliffhanger (called locally as Treo Người Trên Vách Kép or simply called as Vách Kép), which appeared as the fifth obstacle in Stage 3 (later was moved to the sixth obstacle on SASUKE Vietnam 5), However, unlike in SASUKE or American Ninja Warrior, after reaching the end of fourth ledge, competitors had to grab a resting bar, as an intermediate to reach the next obstacle (the Flying Bar). The concept of the numbering for the Wall Lifting was applied, with the ledges being labeled in number 1 to 4. Also, the third ledge was made longer than the Crazy Cliffhanger used in SASUKE.
On SASUKE Vietnam 3, only Mat Redho attempted this obstacle, but failed while making the leap transition to the final ledge.
SASUKE Vietnam 4's Crazy Cliffhanger
On SASUKE Vietnam 4, the obstacle was modified. Due to the third ledge was made longer than the one used in SASUKE, there was a red sticker at the end of the third ledge, in which competitors were allowed to make the leap transition to the fourth ledge if they had reached the red sticker. Three competitors (Đỗ Văn Quang, Nguyễn Doãn Thọ, and Mat Redho) attempted the obstacle, but all of them failed while making the leap transition to the fourth ledge, making the Flying Bar once again was left unattempted.
On SASUKE Vietnam 5, due to the difficulties from the returning obstacles Pipe Slider and Hang Climbing, no competitor could reach this obstacle. This marked the first time that no one could attempt a version of the Cliffhanger in SASUKE Vietnam history.
Despite no competitor completed the Crazy Cliffhanger during the regular season so far, some competitors had completed the Crazy Cliffhanger on SASUKE Vietnam's international competition like SASUKE Vietnam: International Competition 2018 or SASUKE Vietnam: All-Stars Competition 2019.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 0 | 3 | 0% |
| 29 | 1 | 4 | 25% |
| 30 | 3 | 9 | 33.33% |
| 31 | 2 | 8 | 25% |
| Total | 6 | 24 | 25% |
American Ninja Warrior
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW6 | 9 | 12 | 75% |
| ANW7 | 2 | 5 | 40% |
| Total | 11 | 17 | 64.71% |
Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger [Version 7] (SASUKE 32-36)
The Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger (ウルトラクレイジークリフハンガー) was first seen via Inui's Twitter account, and then in SASUKE 32's Navi after Morimoto Yusuke's kanzenseiha.
It was a modified version of the Crazy Cliffhanger. However, unlike the Crazy Cliffhanger:
- It only has three ledges,
- The catch is that competitors have to make two transitions similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger,
- The second ledge curves inward to increase the difficulty, compensating the distance of 1.8 metres for both transitions.
- The third ledge, where the second transition has to be made, is a moving ledge that goes up and down by 90cm.
- It was also tied together with an obstacle (the Vertical Limit Kai) without any break to make the second half of the Third Stage is more difficult as a whole.
This version of the Cliffhanger, similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger, is also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition.
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Internal view of the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, SASUKE 32
However, unlike the past three versions of the Cliffhanger (Shin-Cliffhanger, Ultimate Cliffhanger, and Crazy Cliffhanger), this obstacle was successfully completed in its introductory tournament, with Drew Drechsel managing to become the first competitor to clear it.
Unfortunately, no one managed to clear it in the next tournament, as Drew Drechsel, the only competitor to attempt it in that tournament, did the transition to the moving ledge one second too late (with the moving ledge starting to move up as he tried to make the transition), thus falling to the water.
Unlike other versions of the Cliffhanger, starting from the Shin-Cliffhanger, fewer competitors were able to attempt the obstacle in its first two tournaments due to the preceding obstacles becoming more physically demanding.
It was not until SASUKE 34, where a larger number of competitors took on the obstacle that it was proven itself a force to be reckoned with, eliminating a whopping 6 competitors out of 7, including Kawaguchi Tomohiro, Drew Drechsel (who failed the second transition yet again, this time one second too early) and Jessie Graff (who was the first woman to attempt the Third Stage in SASUKE history). Only Morimoto Yūsuke was able to clear it in that tournament.
A green resting platform was added in between the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger and Vertical Limit in SASUKE 35 and SASUKE 36, to make the Vertical Limit much easier and give competitors ample time to rest. In addition, 3 out of 4 competitors were able to complete the obstacle in SASUKE 35, which were:
- Drew Drechsel, who became the first competitor to complete the obstacle twice,
- Kawaguchi Tomohiro, who became the second competitor to complete the Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger in separate tournaments, and
- Morimoto Yūsuke, who became the first competitor to complete both the Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger twice. He would later clear the Third Stage in that tournament.
In SASUKE 36, 4 out of 8 competitors were able to complete the obstacle, which were:
- Tada Tatsuya, who became the fourth competitor to complete the obstacle,
- Matachi Ryo, who became the third competitor to complete the Crazy Cliffhanger and Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger in separate tournaments,
- Urushihara Yuuji, who advanced to the Third Stage for the first time since SASUKE 28, and
- Morimoto Yūsuke, who became the first competitor to complete the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger three times in a row. Just like on the previous tournament, he would later become the only competitor to clear the Third Stage in that tournament.
All of the competitors who attempted the obstacle cleared the first transition, except for Kawaguchi Tomohiro. In addition, three competitors cleared the obstacle in their first attempt.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 1 | 3 | 33.33% |
| 33 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| 34 | 1 | 7 | 14.28% |
| 35 | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| 36 | 4 | 8 | 50% |
| Total | 9 | 23 | 39.13% |
Cliffhanger Dimension [Version 8] (SASUKE 37~)
The Cliffhanger Dimension (クリフハンガーディメンション) was introduced in SASUKE 37 as a modified version of the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger.
The obstacle had three ledges, similar to the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, except:
- The second ledge moved up and down, similar to the third ledge on the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger.
- The third ledge was embedded on the Plexiglas board, which moved forward and backward.
- Both second and third ledges moved as its respective direction by 90 cm.
This version of the Cliffhanger, similar to the Crazy Cliffhanger and the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, is also based more on the weight of the competitor rather than technique or stamina due to the style of the ledge transitions. The timing is also crucial due to the transition to the moving ledge, making it very unpredictable which competitors sometimes glance at the moving ledge prior to transition.
Likewise for the Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger, this obstacle was successfully completed in its introductory tournament, by Tada Tatsuya. This was due to the fact that in SASUKE 37, due to poor weather resulting the motors of the ledges malfunctioning, the ledges were stopped and adjusted to its respective height and distance around 1.8 m, rendering the obstacle less difficult and brutal, eliminating the need to glance prior to transition to the moving ledge.
However, based on Rene Kaselowsky testimonial, he mentioned in a post-tournament interview that the ledges were halted due to the fact that the production team wanted at least one clear on the Third Stage so that the live Final Stage could go ahead. Despite that, it was still proven to be a threat, as only 3 of the 8 competitors could complete it. It took out notable competitors such as Hioki Masashi, Sato Jun, and Jessie Graff.
Urushihara Yuuji was about to attempt the Cliffhanger Dimension, SASUKE 37.
Competitors' Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS broadcast and external information found
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 3 | 8 | 37.5% |
| Total | 3 | 8 | 37.5% |
Gallery
