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Beginner5+ players~10 min

Ninja

Players freeze in dramatic ninja poses and take turns making single fluid strikes at opponents' hands. Dodge or lose a hand. Lose both and you are out. Last ninja standing wins.

Warm-upPhysicalityEnergyFocusBeginner-FriendlyCompetitive

About

Ninja is a physical elimination game that rewards speed, agility and theatrical commitment. Every turn is a performance - the theatricality of poses and attacks is as important as the tactical play. It is quick to learn, deeply physical, and generates huge energy at the start of a workshop or rehearsal.

How to Play

  1. 1

    Everyone forms a tight circle, shoulder to shoulder. On the count of '3-2-1-Ninja!', everyone simultaneously jumps back and freezes in their best ninja pose.

  2. 2

    Moving clockwise, each player may make one single, fluid motion to try to touch the hand of any other player.

  3. 3

    The targeted player may make one fluid dodge movement during the attack. Both the strike and the dodge must be single continuous movements - no stopping and restarting.

  4. 4

    If a hand is touched, it goes behind the player's back. Both hands behind the back means that player is out.

  5. 5

    The last player standing wins.

Variations

  • -Team Ninja: pair players up and protect each other's hands - both hands of the pair must be eliminated to knock out the team.

Related games

Ninja | On The Spot