Ninja Yari
United StatesFitness Influencer•Competitive Athlete
Also known as: Yarizett Breunig, Yari
Birthday
Birth Sign
Scorpio
Birthplace
Waunakee, Wisconsin, USA
Age
42 years old
Height
5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
About
Yarizett "Yari" Breunig is an American fitness influencer and competitive athlete known professionally as Ninja Yari. She has built a national reputation as one of the most persistent female competitors on the NBC reality series American Ninja Warrior, appearing six times on the show by 2026. Based in Waunakee, Wisconsin, she balances elite-level obstacle course racing with raising six children while maintaining a massive digital following across social platforms.
Breunig uses her platform to champion movement-based strength training and discipline, often sharing content that highlights the intersection of motherhood and extreme athletics. Her stage name derives from the Japanese word for spear, reflecting her identity as a warrior. As of 2026, she remains an active figure in the Midwest fitness community, hosting events and continuing her pursuit of conquering the iconic ANW courses.
Early Life & Background
Yarizett Breunig grew up in the suburbs of Madison, Wisconsin, where she developed a deep connection to the local outdoor culture. While specific details about her childhood schooling remain private, her early years were shaped by a Midwest upbringing that valued physical activity and community involvement. The surname Azpeitia-Breunig hints at Hispanic heritage through her father's side, yet she primarily identifies with the Breunig family name in her public life.
Her journey into professional athletics began not with a sudden discovery but with a deliberate choice to pursue ninja warrior training as a path to empowerment. Before stepping onto the national stage, she spent years refining her strength and agility in local gyms and parks. This period was defined by a shift in focus toward movement as a lifestyle rather than just exercise. She started documenting her training progress online, laying the groundwork for a brand centered on resilience and family values.
The transition from local enthusiast to televised competitor required a significant leap in dedication. Breunig trained rigorously to meet the physical demands of obstacle courses, often balancing these sessions with the responsibilities of parenting six kids. Her breakthrough moment came when she qualified for the initial rounds of American Ninja Warrior, marking her entry into a spotlight that would eventually reach millions of viewers.
Career Growth
Ninja Yari made her debut on American Ninja Warrior during the fifth episode of the qualifiers, immediately distinguishing herself as a serious contender among seasoned athletes. Unlike many one-time participants, she returned repeatedly, building a reputation for consistency and grit. By 2025, media reports confirmed her second appearance in recent years, signaling a sustained presence on the circuit that few other mothers have matched.
As of 2026, she has competed six times on the show, a milestone that places her among the most experienced female athletes in the program's history. Each season brought new challenges, from the grueling qualification stages in Las Vegas to the city-specific trials. Her performances have garnered attention not just for her athletic ability but for her role as a mother defying stereotypes about age and parenting in extreme sports.
Parallel to her television career, Breunig expanded her influence through digital channels. On TikTok, her handle @ninjayari has accumulated over 76,900 likes and thousands of followers who tune in for viral obstacle challenges and workout tips. Her Facebook page under "Yari Breunig (NinjaYari)" boasts over 517,000 followers, creating a robust community around her message of discipline. In 2026, she remained active in the local scene, participating in events like the PULSE Health and Wellness Fest in Milwaukee, further cementing her status as a regional fitness icon.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Ninja Yari projects an image of disciplined resilience and functional strength. Her aesthetic is practical and athletic, typically featuring workout attire suitable for obstacle courses. She portrays a tone of empowerment and faith-driven motivation, often mentioning "God first" in her personal statements. Her public persona is that of a relatable supermom who proves that elite performance and family life are not mutually exclusive.
Media outlets describe her as a source of inspiration for women and parents looking to get fit. Her content avoids flashy glamour in favor of raw, honest displays of effort and struggle. This authenticity has helped her build trust with an audience that values real results over curated perfection.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN currently estimates Ninja Yari's global fame ranking outside the Top 1,000 as of the August 2026 rankings. While she does not hold a specific ordinal position in the worldwide charts, her influence within the niche fitness and reality TV communities is substantial. Her fame is driven by her consistent appearances on American Ninja Warrior and her massive social media following.
Her fanbase consists largely of fitness enthusiasts, parents seeking motivation, and dedicated fans of American Ninja Warrior. While there is no formalized fandom name like "The Swifties," her followers actively engage with her content by sharing training videos, supporting her during live broadcasts, and participating in her "strength through movement" campaigns. She interacts directly with this community through Q&A sessions and challenge responses, fostering a tight-knit group centered on self-improvement and family values.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Yarizett Breunig chose her stage name carefully. "Yari" is the Japanese word for spear, which she notes is her actual name in Japanese, symbolizing her identity as a warrior. This linguistic connection became a core part of her brand narrative.
She is one of the few mothers to compete repeatedly on American Ninja Warrior. Her appearances have inspired a wave of "ninja moms" to train for the show, breaking stereotypes about what parents can achieve in high-performance athletics.
Breunig frequently shares her philosophy that "fitness is movement." This simple mantra guides her content strategy, encouraging fans to view exercise as a way of life rather than a chore.
Notable Quotes
“My name Yari in Japanese actually means the blade in a warrior's spear.”
“Fitness is movement.”
Family & Personal Life
Yarizett Breunig is a mother of six children, a fact she frequently highlights in her social media bios and interviews as a core part of her identity. She lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin, a suburb of Madison, where she maintains a household focused on health and wellness. While she keeps the names and ages of her children private, she often features them in behind-the-scenes content that shows how she balances family life with her demanding training schedule.
Her family appears to be a central pillar of her motivation. Breunig often speaks about raising her children with strong values and leading by example through her own dedication to fitness. The large size of her family adds a layer of complexity to her athletic pursuits, making her success on American Ninja Warrior even more remarkable to her audience.
Notable Connections
American Ninja Warrior cast members, PULSE Health and Wellness Fest organizers, Wisconsin fitness community leaders
Relationships & Dating History
Publicly available information regarding Yarizett Breunig's romantic history is sparse. There are no credible reports, news articles, or social media posts detailing specific past or current romantic partners, dating history, engagements, or marriages. She is widely identified in media profiles as a "mom" and "mother of six," which implies she may be married or has been previously, but the status of her relationship remains unconfirmed in public records.
As of 2026, there is no verified information confirming if she is currently single, dating, or married. The lack of public disclosure suggests she maintains a high degree of privacy regarding her personal relationships. Her focus remains squarely on her children and her athletic career, leaving little room for speculation about her love life in the public sphere.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$2 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Ninja Yari's net worth at approximately $2 million. This figure reflects her earnings from brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and speaking engagements related to fitness. With over 517,000 followers on Facebook and a growing presence on TikTok, she commands significant attention from brands targeting the health and wellness demographic.
Her income streams likely include partnerships with fitness apparel companies, supplement brands, and equipment manufacturers. Additionally, her appearances on American Ninja Warrior and participation in local events like the PULSE festival contribute to her revenue. While exact salary figures per project are not public, her consistent media coverage and digital engagement suggest a steady and growing financial trajectory as of 2026.
Awards & Accolades
Known For
American Ninja Warrior
2023 · Competitor
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Number of Children
- 6
- ANW Appearances
- 6
- Primary Location
- Waunakee, Wisconsin
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Yarizett Breunig
- Height
- 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Children
- Six children
Filmography
6
Total
0
Film
6
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
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