After competing on the 45th season of“Survivor,” Nicolas “Sifu Niko” Alsup discovered a world of opportunities opened. And he is thrilled to be a part of not only the CBS reality TV series universe but also invited to participate in other competitions.

The O’Fallon resident, local gym owner and Tai Chi master described the experience trying to “outwit, outlast, outplay” as “the ride of a lifetime.” In the two years since, he learned that high-profile exposure was only a starting point.

“It’s been a crazy two years. Once you are part of the ‘Survivor’ universe, they ask you back for meet-and-greets, where you talk to hundreds of fans. It’s exciting,” he said.

One of the most enduring reality series, “Survivor” features 18 contestants during each season, strangers from different walks of life and cities, who are tasked with building society with bare necessities. As competitors, they battle each other strategically, physically, and socially for rewards, immunity and supremacy.

“When they have a new season, they like to invite alumni back to speak,” he said. “It’s an active family. You meet new guys, and it’s a very cool universe. You’ve bonded because you’ve been through the same experience.”

Beast Games

He recently competed on “Beast Games,” which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. He was on the first episode that became available Dec. 19, which was filmed in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in July.

He was among the 2,000 contestants chosen, the most of any reality series, and the prize was $5 million.

“You compete in these challenges, and they’re really crazy,” he said. “That one was like a campout.”

He was eliminated quickly when they got rid of an entire row of people, he said. “No one wanted to self-sacrifice, so we were gone.”

He was, however, asked back to compete in another contest, this time on Mr. Beast’s YouTube channel, which was uploaded on Jan. 25.

The episode, titled, “Every Minute Someone Is Eliminated,” featured 20 returning contestants vying for $500,000. He made it through to the final four but said he was ousted after losing a round of rock, paper, scissors.

Mr. Beast is the online identity of Jimmy Donaldson, who has become the world’s most watched YouTuber. He has 355 million subscribers.

The challenges, which have been compared to the Netflix TV series, “Squid Game,” are elaborate.

Public speaking

Embracing his “inner warrior” and projecting positive energy, Alsup has been asked to speak to local schools and has developed a following online, which has led to other public appearances.

A 2011 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School, he encourages students to follow their dreams, take risks, be bold and be authentic.

“I talk about self-betterment, and lifting up those around you,” he said.

“‘Survivor’ was an incredible opportunity, where I got to represent O’Fallon, Illinois. The game tests every aspect of the human spirit, from social skills to physical strength, and so much more. I had to leave everything behind – my business, my family, my fiancée, with no communication. It was a true test of resilience and a journey of self-discovery,” he said. “Competing on a reality show gave me more fuel to fight harder.”

As a personal fitness trainer, entrepreneur and musician, he said it’s important to step out of our comfort zones to truly grow and evolve. At his business, 5 Elements Fitness in O’Fallon Plaza, he’s now offering kickboxing and boxing classes for young adults aged 14 and up.

“Our sessions are high-energy and fun, and I focus on helping them grow personally through self-respect, humility and goal setting.”

“Getting the chance to inspire youth and work with kids has been one of the biggest perks of being on ‘Survivor.’ We played some awesome games, I taught the kids some tai chi and spoke about listening, learning and being kind to everyone,” he said.

Alsup and his fiancée, Courtnie Johnson, welcomed their son, Kai, 10 months ago.

“It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Every day is something different. He really is a blessing,” he said.

For more information

You can get more information about Alsup online athttps://www.facebook.com/5elementsfitness/ andwww.Sifumusic.com.