The Hang Climbing (ハングクライミング) was a third stage obstacle that was introduced in SASUKE 21. Its function was very similar to the Sending Climber obstacle that it replaced. It was a 45 degree-angled wall scattered with rock climbing artifacts.
There were some differences between the Sending Climber and the Hang Climbing:
- The rocks were bigger, thus requiring less finger strength than the Sending Climber obstacle in order to pass it.
- The distance of it to the previous obstacle (Jumping Bars) is closer than the Sending Climber, thus making an easier transition between the obstacles.
- The 45-degree angle was sharper than the angle of the Sending Climber, such that competitors were able to use their feet, which were not allowed on the Sending Climber.
It was one of the few Third Stage obstacles where feet were allowed on the obstacle. It lied between the Jumping Bars and Spider Flip, allowing no rest for competitors in between the obstacles.
In the tournaments it was in the Third Stage, it only eliminated Takeda Toshihiro, who was also the first competitor to attempt the obstacle.
American Ninja Warrior Appearances
American Ninja Warrior 4's Hang Climb in Stage Three
American Ninja Warrior 5's Hang Climb in Stage Three
American Ninja Warrior 6's Hang Climb in Stage Three
American Ninja Warrior 8's Hang Climb in Stage Three
The Hang Climbing (simply called as the Hang Climb) appeared as the sixth obstacle in Stage Three from American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 7, and then as the fifth obstacle in Stage Three on American Ninja Warrior 8, but being preceded by these obstacles instead of the Jumping Bars:
- Bungee Rope Climb on American Ninja Warrior 4 and American Ninja Warrior 5,
- Propeller Bar on American Ninja Warrior 6,
- Pole Grasper on American Ninja Warrior 7, and
- Curved Body Prop on American Ninja Warrior 8.
There, the design of the obstacle was more similar to the Sending Climber. While competitors could still use their feet, the size of the rocks were about the same size as those in the Sending Climber. Also, the length of the obstacle was 10 feet.
On American Ninja Warrior 4, the Hang Climb ensnared and eliminated Brent Steffensen, who was the only competitor to advance to Stage Three. On American Ninja Warrior 5, Brian Arnold became the first competitor to complete the obstacle on American Ninja Warrior. On American Ninja Warrior 6, Joe Moravsky reached this obstacle and failed. On American Ninja Warrior 7, three competitors (Ian Dory, Isaac Caldiero, and Geoff Britten) completed this obstacle, while Drew Drechsel failed. On American Ninja Warrior 8, Drew Drechsel reached this obstacle and failed once again for the second straight season.
Interestingly, three competitors who failed on this obstacle (Brent Steffensen on American Ninja Warrior 4, Joe Moravsky on American Ninja Warrior 6, and Drew Drechsel on American Ninja Warrior 8) were the Last Man Standing (competitor who made the furthest than any other competitor) of their respective American Ninja Warrior seasons. These three competitors also attempted the obstacle again during American Ninja Warrior's international tournament (Brent Steffensen during USA vs. Japan, Joe Moravsky during USA vs. The World, and Drew Drechsel during USA vs. The World 3), and Drew Drechsel was the only one who could complete it. Also, the four competitors who completed the obstacle during American Ninja Warrior's regular season (Brian Arnold, Ian Dory, Isaac Caldiero, and Geoff Britten), all have a rock-climbing background, making this obstacle was suitable for their skill and strength.
From American Ninja Warrior 4 to American Ninja Warrior 6, the handholds and footholds were attached to a scaffolding. While on American Ninja Warrior 7 and American Ninja Warrior 8, they were attached to a Plexiglas.
On American Ninja Warrior 9, the obstacle was replaced by the Peg Cloud.
Other Appearances
SASUKE Vietnam
SASUKE Vietnam 3's Hang Climbing
Vách Nghiêng (SASUKE Vietnam's official name for the Hang Climbing) appeared on SASUKE Vietnam 3 and SASUKE Vietnam 4, as the fourth obstacle in Stage 3, which was similar to one used on American Ninja Warrior 7 (since the obstacle was preceded by the Pole Grasper).
During the broadcast, the obstacle was called as 'ông trùm' (likely as 'The Boss'), because the obstacle was much harder than the Rumbling Dice from SASUKE Vietnam 2, and it eliminated 9 out of 10 competitors who attempted it. Only Mat Redho was able to complete it.
On SASUKE Vietnam 4, the obstacle elimated 16 out of 20 competitors who attempt it. Only four competitors (Đỗ Văn Quang, Nguyen Doan Tho, Nguyễn Đức Thọ, and Mat Redho) was able to complete it.
Just like the Half Pipe Attack, Double Warped Wall, and Floating Boards, the SASUKE Vietnam logo was also printed on the obstacle. Also, the obstacle's design was incredibly similar to the Sending Climber.
Australian Ninja Warrior
Australian Ninja Warrior 2's Hang Climb
On Australian Ninja Warrior 2, the Hang Climb appeared as the second obstacle in Stage Three, which was similar to the one used on American Ninja Warrior 8 (since the obstacle was preceded by the Curved Body Prop (simply called as the Body Prop) with no rest). However, since no competitor was able to complete Stage Two on that season, the obstacle was unattempted.
Competitor's Success Rate
- All results based on the TBS/NBC broadcast and external information found
SASUKE
| SASUKE | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | 2 | 50% |
| 22 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 23 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| 24 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
| Total | 15 | 16 | 93.75% |
American Ninja Warrior
| ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANW4 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| ANW5 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| ANW6 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| ANW7 | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| ANW8 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| USA vs. Japan | 3 | 4 | 75% |
| USA vs. The World | 5 | 7 | 71.43% |
| USA vs. The World 2 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
| USA vs. The World 3 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| Total | 22 | 29 | 75.86% |