Meet Coach Chris Tang, a standout Ninja Warrior athlete and the creative genius behind the captivating artwork at Glad Movement. Born in Canada and raised in Frankston, Australia, from the age of two, Chris carries a dynamic blend of cultural influences that shine through both in his athletic endeavors and his artistic pursuits. A proud alumnus of Frankston High School, he has seamlessly integrated his passion for adventure into every facet of his life.
Chris’s hobbies include Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), digital art, and ninja training, each reflecting his love for strategy, creativity, and physical challenges. He’s particularly drawn to obstacles that demand dynamic movements, with bar laches being his favorite. One of his most treasured memories is triumphing over the qualifier course in season six of Ninja Warrior, a moment made even sweeter by a celebratory hug with his dad at the finish line.
In addition to his athletic prowess, Chris has a keen eye for design, responsible for all the unique artwork within our facility and creating DnD merchandise and battle maps that bring mythical lands to life. His coaching philosophy is simple yet profound—he thrives on helping others achieve their goals and watching them discover joy and confidence in their accomplishments. This heartwarming motivation makes Chris a beloved coach at Glad Movement, where he continues to inspire and push the community to new heights.
At Glad Movement, our mission is to inspire and empower individuals to embrace a holistic lifestyle through movement, fostering physical, social, and psychological well-being. Grounded in our core principle of “Glad to be Moving,” we strive to instill fundamental principles that drive personal growth and transformation. Under the leadership of our Founder and Owner, Sarah Blackmore, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where participants can discover their strengths and embrace the joy of movement.
Our journey began shaping itself in 1996 with the birth of our Director and Owner, Sarah Blackmore. Sarah’s adventurous spirit became evident at a young age as she fearlessly scaled any obstacle in her path. From climbing fences to trees and rooftops, her passion for movement was undeniable. At age 8, she found her calling in gymnastics, where she later embarked on her coaching journey at just 13 years old.
With a keen eye and an unwavering passion for coaching, Sarah honed her skills in gymnastics, cheerleading, and ninja training over the course of 14 years. Her experiences as a competitive athlete with ADHD highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach to sports coaching, inspiring her to step away from competitive gymnastics and delve into research on recreational gymnastics.
Sarah’s dedication and firsthand experience in the world of competitive sports drove her to develop a coaching style that prioritises individual growth and inclusivity, regardless of one’s aspirations in the athletic realm. Her journey on Ninja Warrior and collaborative efforts within the community further solidified her commitment to expanding the horizons of the sport and fostering a supportive environment for all enthusiasts.
The genesis of our business name, Glad Movement, reflects a deeply personal connection to her late Nanna, Gladys Blackmore. Sarah’s bond with her Nanna, characterised by resilience, love, and unyielding support, sparked the inspiration for the name.
“In April 2023, I lost my Nanna, Gladys Blackmore. My Nanna and I were so similar in all aspects of our beliefs; she was strong, stubborn, a little bit naughty, and brilliant. She believed in always protecting her family and always celebrating their wins, with constant text messages promoting all family relations. Nanna was a rock for me, so when we lost her, I too became very lost.
Nanna had a very typical grandparent house, with loads of pictures covering every centimetre of her wall space and surfaces. At the age of 13, I became the Victorian Gymnastics Champion, which resulted in local newspaper articles. Nanna got her paper and put it in a frame to show every visitor that her granddaughter was a gymnastics champion. After my first appearance on Ninja Warrior (regardless of the fact that I was now an adult), she did the same thing, finding the local paper with any article that had her ‘Darlin’ Sarah in it and promoting it within her home to every visitor she had.
After spending days brainstorming ideas, I took a break and began to speak about Nanna with my cousin, followed by “I need to think of a business name,” and the dots connected. The moment I realised that Glad Movement would be the closest major milestone to my Nanna in my life, I knew it was the one.”
As Sarah embarks on this entrepreneurial venture, Glad Movement stands as a tribute to her beloved Nanna and a reflection of her unwavering dedication to fostering a community where movement, growth, and celebration intertwine.
Engaging in activities that involve heights, flight, and dynamic movement inherently comes with risks. At Glad Movement, we prioritise the evaluation and management of potential hazards within our facility, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants. Our stringent safety protocols are designed to address any incidents swiftly and effectively, allowing you to get back to enjoying your activities with peace of mind.
At Glad Movement, we are committed to ensuring that each visit to our facility leaves a positive and lasting impression. We expect all participants in our programs to embody this core value, embracing an optimistic mindset and embracing the potential for growth even in the face of challenges, all while making new friends!
At Glad Movement, we take pride in offering top-tier equipment and programs to ensure the best training experience possible.
Our facility is regularly updated by none other than superstar Ninja Warrior, Ashlin ‘Flashlin’ Herbert, whose expertise in obstacle design keeps our setups fresh and challenging. Each program is meticulously crafted by Sarah Blackmore, a seasoned Ninja Warrior competitor herself, who infuses each curriculum with the insights and strategies gleaned from her extensive competitive background through Gymnastics..
Our dedicated team of expert coaches also comes from rich backgrounds in Ninja Warrior and other high-level competitive sports, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. This powerful combination of cutting-edge equipment, expertly designed programs, and elite coaching ensures that every member of Glad Movement has the tools and support to reach their highest potential. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or a seasoned athlete, Glad Movement is equipped to help you excel.
Just have a word with Coach Sarah or Chris to request it! We’re always here to help you test your limits and conquer new challenges and love building new and exciting obstacles to match each level of progression!
