Bridging Barriers and Building Resilience: A Conversation with

Ninja Mama: Mandy Huang

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Living and Loving Each Day: Bridging Barriers. I'm your host, Sue Janzen, and I’m so glad you’re here!

This podcast is dedicated to parents of children with adaptive needs—as well as any parent navigating life’s barriers. Our goal is to create connection, share stories, and explore powerful ways to overcome challenges together.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce my guest: Mandy Huang, also known as “Ninja Mama.” Mandy is the founder and owner of Elemental Ninja, Edmonton’s only woman-owned Ninja gym—and the first of its kind in all of Canada! What started as a path in accounting transformed into a passion-driven career in fitness, community, and empowerment. Her story is inspiring, her energy is contagious, and her gym is changing lives—one ninja move at a time.

From Numbers to Ninja

Mandy immigrated to Canada from overseas at the age of 18 as an international student. Although she was raised with love and support, she craved independence and adventure. She found both in Canada, where she pursued accounting and built a professional career.

But after years of working long hours at a desk, Mandy developed chronic back pain. Her doctor recommended exercise, so she hired a personal trainer and discovered the incredible benefits of physical movement. She felt better, stronger, and less stressed.

Then, everything changed when she signed her daughter up for a winter ninja camp. At first, her daughter resisted going. But by the end, she didn’t want to leave! Mandy was intrigued. After a coach noticed her enthusiasm for fitness, Mandy was invited to join the ninja classes herself—and she never looked back.

Soon, she opened her own gym, Elemental Ninja, to help people of all ages discover their own inner strength and confidence.

A Gym for Everyone—No Exceptions

Elemental Ninja is more than a fitness studio—it's a community space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are welcomed with open arms.

As a grandmother of a child in a wheelchair, I personally witnessed Mandy’s commitment to accessibility. My granddaughter was able to engage with equipment safely, supported and encouraged every step of the way. Mandy’s care and attentiveness made her feel like she belonged—and that’s exactly the kind of environment she strives to create for all her guests.

Programs That Unite Families

Mandy has developed a wide variety of programs, including:

• Kids’ Ninja Training

• Adult Fitness and Ninja Classes

• Teen Programs

• Bring-Your-Body Classes (for teens and parents)

• Family Ninja Training

• Homeschool Programs at Affordable Rates

• School Field Trips with Subsidized Transportation

• Weekend Open Gyms for Families

She even hosted a Food Bank Donation Open Gym recently, where families could bring a donation and enjoy free play time together—another example of her giving spirit and desire to serve the community.

The Only Limit Is the One You Set

One of Mandy’s favorite parts of the job is helping people discover they’re stronger and more capable than they thought.

Whether it's a mom who never imagined she’d run up a ninja wall or a child with adaptive needs exploring new movement in a safe, supportive space—Mandy helps people believe in themselves.

As she says, “Believe in yourself. Because if we don’t, we block ourselves from so many amazing opportunities.”

Visit Elemental Ninja

If you’re in the Edmonton area, you can visit Mandy’s gym at:

📍 4242 99 Street NW, Edmonton, AB
📧 [email protected]
📞 (780) 298-5568
🌐 www.elementalninja.com

Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or just curious about ninja fitness—this space is for you. Mandy offers a welcoming, encouraging environment where everyone can grow, move, and feel strong.

Thanks again to Mandy Huang, our incredible Ninja Mama, for joining us. And thank YOU for listening in. I hope today’s episode leaves you feeling inspired to take that first step, whether it’s into a gym, toward a new goal, or simply believing in yourself again.

Until next time
Love and Light. 💛