On the Nickelodeon show Supah Ninjas, a group of friends bands together to form a crime-fighting group of ninjas.
We asked Supah Ninjas stars Ryan Potter, Carlos Knight and Gracie Dzienny all about what it takes to be a ninja, and what it’s like to star on the show.
Not everyone can be a ninja. It takes years of practice, concentration and dedication. Gracie and Ryan agreed, however, that there’s one thing that really helps them get into the ninja spirit. Read the full interview below.
Sweety High: How do you get into your ninja character?
Ryan Potter: I put on the ninja suit and, bam, ninja, in the shadows.
Gracie Dzienny: The thing that helps be get into character the most is my ninja suit. When I put on that black lycra, I feel unstoppable. Also, the more martial arts training and practice I get, the more confident I feel. Confidence in myself makes me a stronger, more powerful ninja.
Carlos Knight: I play a character named Owen Reynolds and getting in to character is very easy for me because Owen and I share so many personality traits. All I really have to do is turn up my energy and take note of what’s happening around me in the scene and it all flows naturally.
SH: What are your favorite foods?
Ryan: Anything Japanese—ramen, rice, curry, rice balls, miso soup and did I mention rice?
Gracie: I’m a big fan of chai tea lattes and chicken fajitas. But I think the cupcakes I baked every week for the cast and crew really had an impact. Every Wednesday this season, I made 8 dozen cupcakes that tied in to the villain of the week. I had so much fun making fruity ones and chocolate ones and ones with flowers on top. It was my creative outlet.
Carlos: I love food. I’ve always enjoyed eating fruit so I use it as my replacement for most sugary desserts.
SH: What is the best advice your character ever received from your sensei?
Ryan: “Sensei” can be a lot of people. Dad? Hologramps? Owen? Yamato? They all teach Mike different things. The best would be Yamato’s bad jokes.
Gracie: Some of the best advice I’ve received from Hologramps was actually the first week of filming Supah Ninjas. He said, “Amanda, your dedication is most impressive. But the road to perfection has no destination.” I really connected with that one line because at the time I was really nervous about not always being perfect on set and I had to learn to embrace my flaws and that everyone makes mistakes.
Carlos: My character had some trouble dealing with keeping his identity a secret. At one point, Owen was really struggling to find something that he was good at. When he became a ninja, Owen longed for the credit that he felt he deserved. His sensei, Grandfather, affectionately known as Hologramps, explains to Owen that being a ninja is not about getting the credit. It’s about doing what’s right and staying in the shadows.
SH: What advice would you give to ninjas in training?
Ryan: I would tell people to study hard. Be a good friend. Don’t tease and bully people because that makes you a villain not a ninja.
Gracie: My advice would be to stick with it. You have to work hard. And make sure you have an awesome signature move you can always pull out of your back pocket when needed. Something with a little wow factor!
Carlos: Your friends are most important. The Supah Ninjas strongest characteristic is that they are loyal to each other. Someone has to have your back and when they need you, you must have theirs in return.
SH: What are the top 5 perks about being a Supah Ninja?
Ryan: Hanging with Owen and Amanda. Cool adventures. Using martial arts every day. Meeting our awesome fans. Ninja snacks.
Gracie: Working with my cast mates, Ryan and Carlos. I have adopted a second family on this set and I’ve been really lucky to have those two in my life. The stunts. I’ve never felt so powerful or as strong as when I’m filming Supah Ninjas. My ninja suit. This season I get a brand new ninja mask that is super cute. It adds a little girly side to Amanda, which I love! Getting to lead a double life. By day I get to be an awesome, peppy cheerleader and then I get to fight crime every night and protect Empire City. Having a mentor like George Takei, both onscreen and off. He teaches us so much by example and you can’t help but smile when you have a conversation with him.
Carlos: I’ve made some great friends. I get to go on an adventure almost every day. I get to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a super hero. I get to deliver positive messages to children. Finally, I get to challenge my mind and body while having fun.
SH: How are you most like your character?
Ryan: Mike is a loyal friend. I’d like to think I am too.
Gracie: Amanda and I are both very organized and scheduled. Every single night I write a list of things I need to do the next day and I can’t go to bed with a messy room.
Carlos: Owen and I share an adventurous curiosity. Owen is a little more outgoing than I am, but every once in a while I like to try something new and mix things up a little bit.
SH: Do you have any “hidden talents” in real life? Surprise us!
Ryan: They’re a secret. But I am a pretty decent whistler.
Gracie: When I was younger, I used to be able to do a dance/cheerleading move called a “scorpion.” You basically hold your leg behind your head while it’s completely straight up and down.
Carlos: I’m double jointed in both arms.
SH: What’s your favorite song?
Gracie: Right now I am obsessed with “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by One Direction. The lyrics make my heart melt just a bit!
Carlos: My favorite song at the moment is “Sail” by Awolnation.
SH: Do you have a nickname on set? If so, please tell us why that’s your nickname.
Gracie: I do not have a nickname on set. The boys sometimes call me Gracie-girl. But that is about it! Usually it’s just Gracie or Grace ☺
Carlos: People on set call me a bunch of names. Los, Carlito, Carlizzle Kanizzle. All different forms of my real name.
