It all started with a YouTube video. In 2017, Draper dad and professional stunt artist Shane Myler filmed a martial arts scene with his four children and posted it on YouTube. Over 100 million views later, the Ninja Kidz phenomenon was born.

“I was 11 years old then, and Payton and Paxton were 8,” Ashton Myler recalled.

That first video, which showcased the martial arts and gymnastic skills of siblings Bryton, Ashton, Paxton and Payton, inspired the creation of the “Ninja Kidz TV” YouTube channel. As of last July, the channel has 40 million subscribers and 18 billion views on YouTube. The Ninja Kidz recently expanded into a touring live action show, “Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities.”

This month, “Ninja Kidz Live” is touring the Midwest and eastern U.S. “Our first show was in the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City,” Ashton said. “The show is full of action-packed challenges, games and skits that promote family values.” Audience participation is a key element of the production.

Payton Myler noted that besides showcasing physical feats, the “Ninja Kidz Live” show incorporates positive messaging. “It’s about respect, gratitude, courage, discipline and honesty,” she said.  

“Our whole family, even the dog, perform as Ninja Kidz,” Ashton said, explaining that the family lives on a tour bus for a portion of the year. “We have another 23 shows starting at the end of October. We’ll travel to Dubai for a few more shows after that.” 

Draper brothers Ashton and Paxton Myler, known for “Ninja Kidz TV” on YouTube, had fun competing against each other in the finals round of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” last summer. (Photo courtesy of NBC)

“We’ve all done it together this whole time,” Payton added. “Living on the bus is kind of crazy, but being with my family and performing is a cool experience. I don’t know of anyone who has gone on tour with their family.”

Ninja Kidz promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages their fans to be adventurous and active. “We want to encourage kids to get off screens,” Ashton said. In 2023, the Myler family launched the Ninja Kidz Action Park in South Jordan which includes a trampoline park, adventure zone and other games. Paxton assists with the design and layout of the park courses. “It’s an extension of our YouTube channel,” Ashton said. The action parks are expanding as a franchise across the U.S.

Last summer, all four siblings were contenders on Season 17 of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” Ashton and Paxton made it through the rigorous semifinals to earn coveted spots in the national finals race. They became the first pair of brothers to compete against each other on “American Ninja Warrior.”

The experience did not create hard feelings between the brothers. “It was actually a lot of fun having Paxton by my side,” Ashton said, explaining that there has always been healthy competition between the siblings as they have engaged in martial arts and gymnastic challenges over the years. “It was fun putting that up on the big screen,” he added. 

Fellow Utahn, Kai Beckstrand of St. George, ultimately won “American Ninja Warrior,” but Ashton, Paxton and Payton will compete again on the show next season. “I didn’t make it very far, but it was fun, and I am going to try it again,” Payton said.

In addition to their “Ninja Kidz TV” YouTube channel, each of the Mylers have their own personal channels as well. Being a successful YouTuber is a lucrative career. Ashton, who is now 19 years old, said, “YouTube has been a good launching platform. It opens doors to creative projects like movies and TV shows.” While he isn’t exactly sure what the future holds, he said, “I definitely want to do something in a creative space.”

While oldest brother Bryton, 21, is a working actor, 17-year-old twins Paxton and Payton are balancing their Ninja Kidz careers with finishing their high school education. Payton mentioned doing coursework online. “It’s about time management,” she said. “I just do school whenever I can.”

For now, the Mylers are on the road, entertaining audiences and inspiring people to realize their full potential. “It’s about never giving up and pursuing your dreams,” Ashton said. The Ninja Kidz are doing just that.