Ninja (sometimes "Ninja Destruction") is a high-energy circle game used as a theater warm-up and a party game. It is all about committed, frozen movements and quick reflexes.
The setup
- Everyone stands in a circle, about an arm’s length apart.
- On a count of three, all players leap into a dramatic "ninja" pose — and freeze.
How a turn works
- Players take turns in order around the circle.
- On your turn you may make ONE swift, continuous ninja-like movement — usually aimed at slapping the back of a neighbour’s hand.
- Wherever your movement ends, you must FREEZE in that exact position until your next turn.
- Only when you are the one being attacked may you make a single dodging movement to whip your hand away — then you freeze too.
Getting knocked out
- If someone slaps the back of your hand, that hand is out — put it behind your back.
- Lose both hands and you are out of the round; step back and cheer.
- The last ninja standing wins.
Why theater folk love it
- Commit fully and move fast — but you only get ONE motion, so make it count.
- Staying frozen between turns is half the game; wobblers are easy targets.
- It sharpens focus, presence and physical control in seconds.