Capstone Project Proposal Draft

Name of student: Reece Lippingwell

Date: 10/3/23
Teacher: Ms. Lacroix
Capstone strand I have chosen is Project Creation Focus
Proposed title for my project: Ninja Obstacle Creation

What is your inquiry question that interests you for further research? It should be a question that
connects with a purpose, passion or personalized area of interest for you. This is a question that
you cannot just google an answer for. Please see examples from your Capstone booklet.
My inquiry question is:

How can I create a ninja obstacle for my gym to use for future classes and competitions?

Rationale/context: Detail your reasons for choosing this inquiry question. Explain WHY you are
choosing to investigate this topic as a major area of focus. How does this area of inquiry connect
to your passion(s), purpose? Why is it of personal interest to you?

Ninja has been a big part of my life for about 6-7 years. To me, it is more than a sport or a
hobby, it is family. It is a place i could go when i needed to let go, find self-motivation, and feel
supported within a community. After years of training, coaching and competing, I want to give
back ot the gym that started it all for me. Obstacle creation has always been an interest of
mine that I have talked about going through with on my spare time, even considering making a
course in my backyard! Unfortunately, something like creating an obstacle costs time and
money, which i didnt have much of at the time. Creating an obstacle for the gym is not only
something I am interested in, but is a way i can provide something for my gym that they can
use for furthur use.

Background: What background knowledge/connections/prior learning do you have in this

area of inquiry?

I designed and set-up courses with obstacles that were already made for years when I
coached in another gym. I understand how obstacles are suspended, how they can be used in
different ways, and any risks that comes with failing an obstacle and how to prevent them. I
have helped briefly put togther obstacles before, but never followed a design that wasnt my
own. Many ninjas I train with have made obstacles or still do make obstacles and can help in
my production process.

0
Career connections: What is your intended career area at this point in time? What
connections does this inquiry question have to your life, academic and/ or career goals?

As I am still unsure about where to go in the future, I have been looking into becoming an
electrician, a mechanic, or a plumber. By building this obstacle i can prove my ability to use
tools i would be using in those types of jobs.

Interdisciplinary and core competencies connections: What subject areas and core
competencies will be connected with your project? Outline and explain the connections.

Core Competency Reflection

Personal Awareness and Responsibility:

Strengths:

1. I can take personal responsibility for my choices and actions.

I excel at taking personal responsibility for my choices and actions. I make well-considered decisions,
particularly when it comes to significant purchases. When shopping for a used car, I considered factors
such as mileage, condition, and price. I recognize the importance of these choices and their potential
impact on my future. I can acknowledge the impact of my decisions and how they may affect others.

2. I use a variety of strategies to manage my personal well-being.

A few years ago, I was having trouble with sudden migraines appearing at the least convenient of
times. The first time was a crushing experience, and I did not know how to deal with it at the time,
but the next time it occurred I created myself a formula. Once I was able to realize I was starting
to get a migraine, I would have a warm shower, take pain medication, and rest in bed. I am ready
to manage myself in times of need and provide self-regulation when needed.

Weaknesses:

1. I can express my needs and seek help when needed.

As much as I am usually willing to completely speak my mind, when it comes to asking for help I tend
to wait until the last possible moment. In ninja, typically I spend classes training certain obstacles with
my team as we all focus on continuing to add and make courses harder. When I get stuck on anything,
I’m always trying to use my own knowledge and watch how other people complete the obstacle. It is
much easier to identify what other athletes are doing wrong or need to improve on because you can
watch them as they do the obstacle, conspired to when I do an obstacle, I will never get that outside
view. I need to work on asking for help to prevent future problems and struggles.

1
Social Responsibility:

Strengths:

1. I can identify and appreciate different perspectives on issues and use and evaluate strategies
to resolve problems.

I have the ability to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, particularly when faced with
issues or rumors. I can use the perspectives of others to evaluate situations to solve disputes.

2. I value diversity, defend human rights, advocate for others, and act ethically in all my
interactions including online.

No matter where I am I always try to stay knowledgeable when it comes to what is going on in our
world. When there is an important world issue being talked about, I will advocate and stand by what I
think is the right way to deal with the issue. I want to make sure I live in a world where people can live
and not be ridiculed for their identity, nationality, ethnicity, or religion. Because of this I try to make
anyone feel welcome and respected no matter who they are.

Weaknesses:

1. I am aware of my community and environment and work independently and collaboratively for
the benefit of others.

When working alone I am the most efficient and productive because there is nothing in the way of me
and whatever I am working on. In group settings is where this efficiency and self-productivity becomes
an expectation between members. It is hard to expect group member to pull their weight in whatever
task is put upon us. The problems really start when a group member does not do their part and the
rest of the group must pull extra weight. I need to work on trusting others in a group setting and
working with people even if they are not as efficient as myself.

Critical Thinking:

Strengths:

1. I can analyze and make defensible judgements, draw conclusions, and consider a variety of
perspectives.

I can analyze information, make defensible judgments, draw conclusions, and considering multiple
perspectives. For example, during a mock trial in Law 12, I contributed significantly to the defense by
using key data from testimonies and presenting compelling arguments.
I am also skilled at asking leading questions, gathering relevant information, and forming well-
developed conclusions. I recognize the value of diverse perspectives and actively seek input from
others.

2
 2. I can ask good quality questions, gather relevant information, and come up with well-
developed conclusions.

I am skilled at asking leading questions, gathering relevant information, and use these skills to form
conclusions. I recognize the value of diverse perspectives and strive to get information from outside
sources.

Weaknesses:

1. I can analyze and critique my work and my learning.

I am fully able to criticize myself and take a step back to realize areas I need to improve on. The
problem is my recurring mistake of being incorrect about what I need to improve on and guiding
myself the wrong way. With my self-criticism I also commonly view some mistakes as much bigger
than they are. This overthinking causes me to take more time on some tasks that could have been
done quicker with an outside opinion or other guidance.

Creative Thinking:

Strengths:

1. I can create new and unique ideas that may provide new perspectives that influence how
people think about topics.

As a highly creative person I can present my own ideas and contribute to group conversations with
ideas that can change perspectives of others. I will always contribute to classroom discussions, take
ideas from others and add to them, and provide reasoning behind my ideas.

2. I can use the environment around me, including others, and my unconscious mind to generate
new ideas.

While at work there are times where the work I need to get done is far too much for me to handle. I
am quick to reach out to other co-workers and get assistance where I need it. I can improvise and
design strategies to help me complete my task well using the space and resources around me.

Weaknesses:

1. I can persevere, and understand thar failure can be productive.

I understand that failure can guide me in a better direction and act as a sign to get back up and try
again. It can be hard for me when I fail something more than once, and even after putting more
thought into it. I become stubborn and instead of recognising that I need to ask for help I keep trying
at it and fail. It is beneficial that I start acknowledging that when failing I am not alone and can reach
out to others who can lend a hand.

Communication:

3
Strengths:
1. I can listen, learn to contribute meaningfully to discussion and debate, consider different
perspectives, and build consensus.

I am interested in the lives of other people and their way of thinking. Because of this I enjoy listening to
others and consider their ways of thinking as compared to my views or opinions. My acceptance of
different worldviews brings respect and understanding to any debate I contribute to.

2. I can reflect on the processes of learning and share what I have learned.

I have been training the sport of ninja for 6 years, and a couple of years ago I started reflecting all the
techniques and skills I had learned from training and started to coach others. When designing classes, I
would base my ideas from any recent skill I had trained in the gym, so my students could start to learn
and train alongside me. I love learning new things and mastering them so I can reflect my knowledge
on others.

Weaknesses:

1. I can work with other students to plan, inquire, and sole problems.

Being vulnerable can be challenging sometimes especially when needing to ask peers for help. I can be
very hesitant to show vulnerability with a friend who could help me when I need the assistance. Other
than my hesitancy to ask questions, I have no issues working with other students in planning or solving
problems.

Personal and Cultural Identity:

Strengths:

1. I understand what is important to me

My values are something I hold incredibly close to me. I can understand how hard tampering with any
of my values will affect me. Most of my time is dedicated to the people, places, and things I care about,
because I want to make the most of what makes me.

2. I know my strengths and what makes me unique.

I like to make use of my ability to push through obstacles, demonstrate my creativity and way of
thinking. I do this because I want to make sure others know my strengths and how I intend to be
perceived.

Weaknesses:

1. I can define myself in terms of my relationship to others and to the world.

4
 Many relationships I can put a definition on how my relationship is with another person, but some
relationships provide a challenge to put a label on. A relationship is a two-way street and if I cannot
understand how another person feels about me it is hard to define.

Capstone Presentation medium: select one or more project mediums you wish to use to
present your project. Outline and give details about how you will present your project once
completed. You may use a combination of mediums.
o Electronic portfolio: Prezi or PPT
o Physical portfolio
o Website
o imovie presentation
o YouTube channel

Website.

Description of my Capstone project. Specific Project Details of the Capstone Project: what
will you research, create, study, produce, solve, investigate? What product will be produced
at the end of this project for evaluation. Write a one-page description outlining your
proposal.

For my research I have been analyzing the function of obstacles, the devices used on
obstacles, and the tools needed to build them. I am looking to create an obstacle that will work
on a skill that the gym doesnt commonly work on. I have been looking into the prices of
materials needed generally for obstacles, and It seems to be in my budget. Plus i have access
to scrap wood from the gym used for the newly built rock wall. Everything appears to be lining
up well for the obstacle I want to produce.

I am going to create a compress grab swinging obstacle that requires enough skill to
transfer from a compress grab, to another hanging obstacle or a dismount. I intend to attach
two boards about the size of a book, vertically to another board horizontally. The horizontal
board will be connected to a wheel bearing on a bar in order for it to swing. In order to set it
up, it will need to hand a bar from trussing to attach the obstacle by the wheel bearing. I have
access to all the things needed to set it up, and can get access to the materials needed to
create it. Ill most likely need wood, a big enough wheel bearing, and a form of clasp to keep
the obstacle from moving from side to side on the bar.

Compress grabs are a skill that is not often practiced because our gym doesnt have the
obstacles to practise the skill. Its an easy skill to work up to, allowing all ages taught ( 6-40+)
to get a chance to train the obstacle no matter what skill level. This is benefits our athletes
development as competitive ninjas preparing them for obstacles that could potentially appear
in other future competitions.

I intend to create a blueprint to demonstrate how i want to use the obstacle. It will show
the elements needed to set up the obstacle, and go in detail about the size, materials, and

5
 construction of the obstacle. This is a baseline criteria to follow and an Idea to pitch to my
mentor for furthur developments.

Resources/ Technology/Skills: Make an assessment of the resources, technology and

skills you will need to be able to complete this project. What is your plan to be able to
access/learn all of the resources necessary to achieve completion of this project? Detail
your plans.

Typically with obstacle design, you’ll need to be able to use many tools for a successful
product. All obstacles will need to be cut, sanded, and painted. This means I will need an
understanding of how to use tools such as drills, saws, sanding tools and paint brushes. My
plan is to create a blueprint of the obstacle I want to create and get my design overlooked by
Ryan Chow, my mentor. I will likely create a prototype model just to confirm that my design
will perform as intended before going forward with creating a final version. I can allot time
before and after training sessions to work towards completing this project. If there is anything I
am unsure about, there are thankfully plenty of people in the gym capable of useing the
necessary tools with plenty of experience with obstacle creation. When in doubt I have access
to many of the tools i will need at home, as well as some minor resources as well.

Mentors/Community Connections: What types of mentor(s)/community connections will

you need to help you complete your capstone project? How will your mentor(s) help you?
What is your plan to access the mentorship/community connections necessary for this
project?

Ryan Chow is my mentor for this Ninja Obstacle design project. He is a multi-sport athlete in
Ninja, Parkour, and Rock Climbing at a competitive level. He coaches at Momentum
Movement Academy where I train, and is a co-founder of the Canadian Ninja League. He has
plenty of experience not only designing obstacles, but putting them into courses and finding
new uses for obstacles. With not only Ryan to mentor me I am surrounded by other
professional athletes who have dipped into obstacle design. Thankfully, I can visit my gym
from anytime between 11-7pm+ to go about completing or learning for this project.

Project limitations: What are some project limitations and potential obstacles that you foresee
that might affect progress with your Capstone Project?

6
 Unfortunately, I am struggling to balance my work/school/sport/life and time has been sparce
lately. It is a clear issue that i am actively working on for the sake of my well-being.

Other considerations: List and detail any other related information/ considerations about
your project that you feel should be included in your project proposal.

My confrontations with my mentor will all be in person, since i have easy access to the gym
and my mentor.

References:

Attach a REFERENCE LIST. Your list should be written using correct APA formatting.
An example is provided on page 21 of your Capstone booklet.

7
8