Warrior Circle Holding Hands

The whole class forms a big circle holding hands and moves together through a slow warrior sequence: warrior one facing the center, warrior two with arms wide touching neighbors' hands, and humble warrior. It builds held poses and a sense of belonging.

How to play

1. The whole class stands in a circle holding hands, one step apart; the teacher is part of the circle (0.5 min).
2. Warrior one: everyone takes a long step toward the center with the right foot, bends the front knee, and raises joined hands; three breaths (1 min).
3. Warrior two: they turn to face outward, open arms wide, and touch palms with their neighbors, gazing over the front hand; three breaths (1 min).
4. Humble warrior: they clasp their own hands behind their back and fold the torso inside the front knee, like a flower closing (1 min).
5. Return to mountain pose holding hands and repeat the sequence on the other leg (1.5 min).
6. Finish: let go, sit down in place, and pass a silent hand squeeze around the whole circle (1 min).

Rules

• Everyone moves in and out of each pose together when the teacher says "now."
• The front knee stays over the ankle, not past it.
• Hands touch; nobody pulls a neighbor.
• In humble warrior, fold only as far as is comfortable.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student joins the circle from a chair, doing the arm shapes of each warrior.
• Visual impairment: hand contact acts as a guide, and neighbors announce each turn.
• Lower fitness: the student uses a short lunge and rests the back knee on the floor.

Learning goals

• Hold warrior poses with good alignment.
• Coordinate with the whole group to move at the same time.
• Feel part of the group at the end of class.

Teacher tip

With large classes, make the circle wide and mark the center with a backpack or chalk so everyone steps toward the same spot. Speak slowly and softly.

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