How far does your perseverance stretch? Three years of effort, over 150 sessions, -6ºC in 50cm of snow, all-night 12 hour sessions, then 25ºC in July... Ninja Skills Sit Down Start was Martin Keller's ultimate nemesis. In this short film, join Martin on his journey as he discovers the secret to unlocking his first ascent of Ninja Skills 8C/8C+ (V15/V16).

Nestled in between chestnut trees on a south facing slope in Sobrio, Switzerland, the 8B+ (V14) stand start for the famous Ninja Skills was first climbed in 2009 by Nalle Hukkataival.

Super happy to finally do the FIRST ASCENT of the sit down start to Ninja Skills. It's the best and hardest boulder I've ever climbed on! After falling twice at the very last hard move to the lip (after 10 hours into the session) I was finally was able to keep it together and send the sit down start to this legendary boulder. It is a truly beautiful setting and an amazing line. The climbing is very powerful, but delicate at the same time! Ninja Skills is as good as it gets.

The send happened just one week after doing Story of Two Worlds (low-start) 8C. It was my best week of climbing for sure and even better that my girl was there and also my good friend Giani. They shuffled pads and gave me that little bit off extra motivation to keep me going when I started to numb out on the top out! Thanks so much, it wouldn’t have been possible without them.

- Martin Keller