If Ninja Warrior and the Olympic Games had a sweaty lovechild, this would be it. YOHKA is Australia’s newest sprint-style obstacle sport — and it’s hitting the AusFitness Expo in Sydney this September. Expect rope swings, warped walls, monkey bars, and less time to recover than it takes to say "DOMS." Open to ages 12+, this Olympic-aligned spectacle is fast, grippy, and built for both competitors and the casually curious. Spectators welcome.
Video
Video Credit: YOHKA / Instagram – Official Sydney Sprint Course Preview
Location
Address: AusFitness Expo - ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour NSW 2000
Dates
Next Event: 19–21 September 2025
Frequency: Annual
Duration: 3 Days
Website: https://yohka.com/pages/yohka-sprint-series-ausfitness-expo
Price
General Expo Entry: Standard AusFitness ticket pricing applies
YOHKA Sprint: Free to spectate, paid registration required for racers
Practice Runs: Available for purchase during event hours
Availability: Limited entries – booking essential
The BioHax Take
This isn't your average fun run or festival booth. YOHKA is a 100m obstacle sprint designed to test everything from grip strength to mental grit. It’s part performance, part participation and 100% Olympic-grade. Brought to life by elite coach Todd Liubinskas (the guy behind The 440 and CSP Gym), this course is all about speed, power, and proper quad-burn. Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just swinging by for a warped-wall selfie, this is the future of fitness culture in motion.
Meet the CEO: Todd Liubinskas
The muscle behind YOHKA is none other than Todd Liubinskas — elite coach, movement strategist, and one of Australia’s most recognisable names in strength and conditioning. Before stepping into the CEO role at YOHKA, Todd carved out a career that spanned pro Rugby League, Rugby Union, basketball, adventure racing, CrossFit, and ultra-running.
He’s the founder of CSP Gym in Concord, helped grow The 440 Bondi (the cult hill sprint club that went viral), served as Fitness Director of Men’s Health Australia, and has worked with major platforms like Optus Sport and Michelle Bridges’ 12-Week Program.
Now, as CEO of YOHKA, he’s leading a national movement that fuses Olympic ambition with raw Aussie grit and giving obstacle sport its moment in the spotlight.
Photo Credit: @yohkasports via Instagram — featuring pro athlete Tye Beadel and YOHKA founder Todd Liubinskas.
Who It’s For
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Adults and teens 12+
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Fitness racers and first-timers
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Ninja Warrior obsessives
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CrossFitters, OCR athletes, and movement nerds
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Expo-goers who hate standing still
What’s On Offer
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100m Olympic-style obstacle course
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Rope swings, vertical walls, monkey bars, and a warped wall
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Timed races and live leaderboard
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Practice runs available for purchase
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YOHKA merch and event activations onsite
Training & National Access
YOHKA isn’t just a one-off at AusFitness — it’s part of a growing national movement. Events have already been held in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, with more to come across VIC, QLD, and NSW in 2026.
Want to train? You’ve got options:
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Head to ninja and obstacle gyms like Urban Xtreme and OCR School, which are already incorporating YOHKA-style obstacles into their programming.
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Plans are also underway for semi-permanent YOHKA courses to roll out along the Eastern Seaboard.
➡️ Want a look at the real thing? Watch the official Sydney Sprint Course layout here: Instagram Reel
And if you’re wondering how the course adjusts for all ages — it does. YOHKA runs kids’ races for ages 5–12 with scaled-down obstacles, while the full course is open to participants 12+ across amateur, open, and elite divisions. Race results are grouped by age after the elite category finishes, so everyone gets a fair shot.
YOHKA has also launched an affiliate program with schools, gyms, and community organisations. These partner locations will be listed on the official site as the rollout expands nationally.
Meet Olivia Vivian - Yohka Ambassador
A decorated gymnast turned elite obstacle racer, Olivia Vivian is one of YOHKA’s most recognised ambassadors — and a household name thanks to her record-smashing appearances on Australian Ninja Warrior. As the only woman to make it to the Grand Final multiple times, she’s known for redefining what strength and agility look like. Now repping YOHKA, Olivia brings Olympic-level grit and global visibility to the 100m sprint format.
Photo Credit: Image sourced from @yohkasports on Instagram. Split image featuring Olivia Vivian training young participants on monkey bars, a YOHKA promo showcasing her ambassador role, and a competitor sprinting up the Dreamworld Tower wall at a YOHKA event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YOHKA?
A 100m sprint-style obstacle race inspired by Ninja Warrior and aligned with the 2028 LA Olympic Games via the Modern Pentathlon.
Where is the YOHKA course located?
It’s inside the AusFitness Expo at ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour.
Can anyone try the course?
Yes! Anyone 12+ can register to race. Spectators can attend free with an Expo ticket.
Are there kids races?
Yes. There’s a YOHKA Kids format for ages 5–12 with scaled-down obstacles.
Are there trial programs available for kids (5–12), teens (13–17), or adults (18+)?
Yes. Events nationally include tailored kids’ races for ages 5–12. For ages 12+, participants can take part in the full-scale course. Races are broken into age groups after elite categories are awarded — making it accessible for first-timers, seasoned athletes, and everyone in between.
Are there partnerships with schools or youth organisations?
Yes. YOHKA has an affiliate program in place with schools, gyms, and community organisations. These affiliate locations will be listed publicly on yohka.com.
Can I just watch?
Absolutely. YOHKA is built for big viewing energy. Expect commentary, leaderboard updates, and loads of crowd hype.
Do I need experience?
Nope. You can be elite or beginner. Practice runs are available and results are grouped by age bracket.
Is it safe?
Yes. Obstacles are engineer-certified and padded. All landings use mats. Coaches and spotters aren't used during activations due to the safety protocols in place — but coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines and provide verbal support. Courses like the 100m are age-restricted due to equipment height and intensity.
Is YOHKA coming to other cities?
Yes — events already held in Melbourne and the Gold Coast, with more to come in 2026 across VIC, QLD, and NSW.
Where can I train for YOHKA?
Try local ninja gyms or obstacle gyms like Urban Xtreme and OCR School. YOHKA also runs a weekly bootcamp in Sydney (Fridays 6AM).
How do I register?
All sign-ups, events, and practice runs are booked via: https://yohka.com/
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Article originally published: 6 August 2025, by Editor
