Ninja: Circle Reflex Game
A reflex game in circles of 6 or 7 where players take turns making one quick move to tag someone's hand, and the target may make one move to dodge. Students build reaction speed, balance in low stances and self-control.
How to play
- Make circles of 6 or 7, standing an arm's length apart. Everyone shouts 'Ninja!' together, jumps back and freezes in a ninja pose (1 min).
- The group picks a starter and play goes clockwise. On their turn, each player makes one single quick move to tag any other player's hand.
- The target may also make one single move to dodge. Then both freeze in their final position; nobody moves out of turn.
- If one hand gets tagged, put it behind your back. If both get tagged, step out, do 5 squats and rejoin with both hands at the next reset.
- Every 2 minutes the teacher calls 'Dojo!': everyone switches to a new circle and starts again with both hands. Play 3 rounds (6 min).
- In the last round, players may not lift their feet off the floor, so the focus shifts to balance in low stances.
Rules
- Only a tag on the hand, from the wrist to the fingertips, counts; touching the face, body or arms does not.
- One single move per turn, with no extra steps or chained motions.
- A tag is a light brush, never a slap or a hit.
Variations
Easier
Each hand can take two tags before going behind the back, so nobody steps out in the first round.
Standard
Circles of 6 or 7, one move per turn, and one hand behind the back for each tag received.
Harder
Shoulder tags also count, and the circle closes in one step every time someone loses a hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays seated or in a wheelchair inside the circle and can be attacked only by the players on either side.
- Autism or shy students: the student watches one round first, then plays in a circle of 4 with trusted classmates, and every signal comes with a visible gesture.
- Higher skill: the student must hold a low, bent-knee stance for the entire round.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a classmate's movement.
- Control the body in low, still positions after an explosive move.
- Take turns and follow the light-touch rule.
Teacher tip
Explain and model the game first with one demo circle in slow motion. The most common mistakes are chaining two moves or tagging too hard: correct them right away and praise clean tags.
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