By Andiswa Buthelezi
The laughter begins long before the obstacles are conquered.
Adults wobble across balance beams, tumble into foam pits and cheer each other on as though, for a moment, they have forgotten about unpaid bills, looming work deadlines, family responsibilities and the pressures of adulthood.
Inside Total Ninja at, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, something unexpected is happening. While the indoor obstacle course is often seen as a destination for children, a growing number of adults are discovering it as a place to unwind, reconnect with their younger selves and escape the stresses of everyday life.
More than just a workout, the obstacle course has become a space where adults can laugh freely, challenge themselves and experience the emotional benefits of play.
The idea of “healing the inner child” has gained increasing attention in recent years as people search for healthier ways to manage stress and rediscover joy. According to therapist Dr James Nxumalo, play is an important part of emotional wellbeing because it helps reduce stress and encourages people to reconnect with positive childhood experiences.
“Many adults spend most of their time focused on responsibilities, work and meeting expectations. Activities that encourage play can help people feel freer, reduce anxiety and reconnect with a part of themselves that is often neglected in adulthood,” said Nxumalo.
Walking through the doors of Total Ninja, visitors are welcomed into a vibrant and energetic environment designed to encourage movement, laughter and fun. From balancing on narrow beams to climbing walls and navigating obstacle courses, participants are challenged to step outside their comfort zones while enjoying the experience.
Acting manager Jaiden Naidoo said the venue has seen a noticeable increase in adult visitors over the past few years.
“We often see adults arriving with family or friends looking a little nervous. But within minutes, they’re smiling, laughing, racing through the obstacles and encouraging one another. People frequently tell us they had forgotten how good it feels to simply have fun,” said Naidoo.
He believes the attraction lies in the opportunity to escape the demands of daily life, even if only for an hour.
“People give themselves permission to play. They challenge themselves, enjoy the moment and forget about their worries for a while,” he said.
Among those embracing the experience is 32-year-old Durban resident Mbali Sikhosana, who recently visited Total Ninja with a group of friends.
“When I first arrived, I thought it was mainly for kids. But once I started tackling the obstacle course, everything changed. I was laughing, falling, getting back up and trying again. For a while, I felt like I was 16 years old again. It reminded me of being a child and spending hours playing outside without worrying about life’s problems,” she said.
Sikhosana said the experience stayed with her long after she left the venue.
“As adults, we rarely give ourselves permission to switch off and simply enjoy the moment. Sometimes happiness can be found in the simplest experiences,” she said.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow, spaces such as Total Ninja are showing that healing does not always happen in a therapist’s office. Sometimes it begins with laughter, a failed landing and the courage to try again.
