Anthony Maturano

COO & Athletic Director | “The Nomadic Ninja”

Coach Anthony is one of the cornerstones of Rocket City Ninja Obstacle Academy. Whether he’s building competition courses, coaching students, or mentoring future athletes, Anthony leads with passion, knowledge, and purpose.

His ninja journey began back in 2009, when he fell in love with the sport after watching the Season 1 premiere of Ninja Warrior. Since then, he’s been hooked—both as a competitor and as a creator. While he has competed in multiple events, these days he’s more often the one designing the courses that challenge athletes to push their limits.

Anthony has been with RCNOA for 4 years, and his coaching is backed by a strong foundation of education and experience:
B.S. in Health & Exercise Science
Minor in Psychology
Concentration in Sports Psychology
Certified Flexologist (assisted stretching for injury prevention and recovery)

Coaching Philosophy

Movement is more than just exercise—it’s rehab, growth, confidence, and life-changing
potential.
Anthony focuses on using movement-based training for injury prevention, student
development, and helping kids discover just how strong they really are, inside and out.

Coaching Favorites

  • Favorite obstacle to do & teach:
    The classic and iconic Warped Wall—a perfect mix of strength, technique, and mental focus.

Beyond the Gym

Anthony is more than just a coach. He’s a guide, mentor, and motivator for every student who steps through the doors of RCNOA. If you’ve trained under him, you’ve already felt the impact. And if you haven’t yet, now’s the time.

David Franklin

Head Coach | “The Sky Drop Ninja”

David has been coaching ninja athletes for over 4.5 years, with just a short break after welcoming his daughter into the world. Now he’s back—better than ever—and ready to keep building Rocket City Ninja Obstacle Academy with the same heart and hustle that made him a cornerstone of the team in the first place.

While his early athletic background included baseball, ninja quickly became his true passion, and he’s stuck with it ever since. He’s competed in multiple events, but what keeps him coming back is the connection he builds with every student.

Coaching Favorites

  • Favorite thing about coaching:
    The relationships—watching kids grow stronger, braver, and more confident week after week.
  • Favorite obstacle to do:
    Advanced cannonballs or the 12-foot trapeze—anything that gets him off the ground.
  • Favorite obstacle to teach:
    Simple harmonic obstacles, where students can feel their movement, rhythm, and flow really come together.

Outside the Gym

When he’s not coaching or spending time with his family, David is a gamer at heart. You’ll probably find him deep in a co-op or challenge mode somewhere online.

Fun Facts

  • He’s fallen from two miles in the sky (on purpose—skydiving, not a ninja fail).
  • If he could have any superpower? Flight. Because why walk when you could soar?

Come train with Coach David and see what makes him such a pillar of the RCNOA family. Whether you’re brand-new or chasing your next milestone, he’s here to guide you every step (or lache) of the way.

Sarah-Grace Franklin (SG)

Development Manager | “The Valkyrie Ninja”

Say hello to Coach Sarah-Grace (or SG), our powerhouse Development Manager. She first joined Rocket City Ninja Obstacle Academy in March 2022—starting at the front desk and quickly climbing her way into leadership. After stepping away in March 2024 to welcome her daughter into the world, she’s officially back and more confident than ever, ready to help lead the Academy into its next exciting chapter.

Her ninja roots run deep. Her now-husband, Coach David, began coaching here in 2020 and introduced her to the world of ninja. Since then, it’s become more than just a job—it’s a passion. Sarah-Grace even took home 1st place in the 2022 Alabama State Games Ninja Challenge in the adult women’s division.

Coaching Favorites

  • Favorite thing about coaching:
    Those “aha!” moments when students finally conquer a tough obstacle and feel their confidence skyrocket.
  • Favorite obstacle to do:
    The 10-foot slackline.
  • Favorite obstacle to teach:
    Tilted steps—a great foundation for new ninjas finding their footing.

Outside the Gym

Sarah-Grace is an unapologetic Doctor Who superfan (ask her anything, but be prepared for a deep dive).

Come say hi to Coach Sarah-Grace next time you’re in! Whether you’re new to ninja or a seasoned pro, she’s here to make sure everyone feels welcome, strong, and part of the RCNOA family.