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Group in circle playing Samurai

Samurai

Extremely playful & energetic make-believe tag game.

  • Simple
  • Very playful & fun
  • Enthralling warm-up
  • Sharpens observation skills

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Form a large circle, with you standing in the centre.
  2. Introduce yourself as the Master Samurai, brandishing your sword (pool noodle.)
  3. Announce that your objective is to eliminate everyone in the circle, while your group’s task is to stay in the game as long as possible.
  4. Explain that when you swish your sword very high (head-height,) those in front of its arc (parallel to ground) should bend down immediately.
  5. When you swish your sword very low (knee-height,) those in front of its arc (parallel to ground) should jump off the ground immediately.
  6. If a member of the circle does not react quickly enough, they are eliminated and will be invited to sit down where they stood.
  7. The Samurai will continue to swish their sword over the course of a minute or two, aiming to eliminate as many if not all of the group.
  8. When one last person remains, they are invited to become the next Samurai.
  9. Everyone returns to standing in the circle, and the next round commences.
  10. Play several rounds, involving multiple Samurais, over 10 to 15 minutes, or try a variation.

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Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (3)

  1. Larry Childs

    This activity has many great attributes – to start it gathers the group in a circle for a mysterious purpose which is always heightens engagement. Then there is the de-inhibitizing aspect of making a silly gesture and sound.,,and along with that a choice about how dramatic or carried away one might choose to get with their movement and sounds. Generally the acting and volume increases with time and comfort as everyone gets into it.

    Framing variation: Since the sword/samuri image can conjure up images of violence for some, I often modify the framing such that one is passing positive energy force. This can demand equal dramatization and volume, just less imaginary slicing of body parts. For the version involving 2 neighbors miming a sideways chopping assault on the receiver I tell participants that this movement serves to toughen and test the receivers abdominal muscles (v. chop them in half). Finally this works equally well without a prop – just 2 arms with palms together

  2. Jamazurunner

    I used an inflatable hockey stick (overly large which made the kiddos smile)!

  3. David Piang-Nee

    Played this on a canoe trip.. instead of pool noodle, it was a paddle while everyone still had their life vests on.. so moving around was much harder.. creative adaptation made it super fun and memorable

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