Alexio Gomes is not your typical Ministry and Biblical Studies Major; he’s also a ninja. Alexio has competed twice on the popular NBC show American Ninja Warrior (ANW) where contestants must successfully complete a series of challenging obstacle courses in both qualifying and final round. Those who advance from their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, where they face a stunning four-stage course modeled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan.

Gomes and his brother submitted a casting video in 2015 and were chosen to compete out of a pool of over 500,000 contestants. During their second year of competing, they advanced from regionals and made it all the way to the final rounds.

The duo, now known as the “Brazi Bros” because of their Brazilian family roots, compete individually but train together when Alexio visits his family in Florida. The brothers have gained quite a following on social media and use their fame to encourage other aspiring “ninjas” to work hard in order to accomplish their goals whatever they might be. 

Alexio was an avid fan of the show for several years before deciding to audition. He says the decision to start training stemmed from the belief that he and his brother had the athletic ability and agility necessary to compete. “We watched the show and just said we can do that!” he recalls.

As Gomes prepares for ANW Season 9, he continues to cheer on his brother who received a call-back to participate on the Daytona qualifying rounds.