PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Being a ninja takes strength, agility and a tough mindset.

Something 10-year-old Max Salebra knows a thing or two about.

“The hardest part about being a ninja is the mindset you always have to be ready,” Salebra said.

Max was ready when he was in the national spotlight. The Admiral Farragut student competed on Ninja Warrior Junior, a TV show that pits contestants against one another in challenging obstacle course races.

“The course was amazing, you don’t realize how high up it is," Salebra said. "Some people think it’s just 3 feet above the water, no, when you’re on the obstacle you’re like 20 feet, and it’s really scary.”

Thousands applied for a spot to compete on the show – Max won it all. But as a ninja, he’s just getting started.

“I look forward to growing and new obstacles can be invented and just how fun it will be. “

His training includes the high-flying obstacles we see on TV, but behind the scenes, it’s the grind of the gym.

“Once a week I do two team classes, I have several training sessions with my Coach Caleb. I train every day on my backyard rig at home, so basically, every day. “

Max trains at Jungle Gym in Pinellas Park alongside head coach Caleb Bergstrom. He says Max has a rare work ethic, especially for someone his age.

“Max is an elite level athlete in what he does, he trains very hard to do what he does,” Bergstrom explained.

Max embraces the ever-changing aspect of Ninja Warrior – no two courses are ever the same.

“All these different obstacles will be set up and it’s just so fun.”

Max has some lofty goals, including winning American Ninja Warrior as an adult and going pro. But another is giving back to the community. He donated his prize money of $15,000 to the Ronald McDonald House.

“What’s better than helping families of sick children,” Max said.  “I just think it’s amazing that they do that so I was lucky enough to raise $75,000 this year and donate it all to the Ronald McDonald house.”

Ninja Warrior Junior has taught Max some lifelong lessons – when you fall get back up and always lift up others.

“He’s the type of guy who brings other people around him up, and makes them stronger as well,” Bergstrom said. “In that quality, he does not give up, he likes to see the best in himself so he can see the best out of other people, no matter what he’ll work hard.”