Ninja (playground game) facts for kids

Ninja, also called Ultimate Ninja, is a fun playground game. The main goal is to gently swipe at your friends' hands. If you hit their hand, it's "out" of the game. The game's name comes from the ancient Japanese warriors. Lots of kids play Ninja at parties and gatherings.

How to Play Ninja

The rules for Ninja are quite simple. Here's how you play:

• Players stand in a circle.
• Everyone puts their hands together.
• One player starts by saying "Dong Chi Qua!".
• Then, everyone quickly strikes a cool pose.
• Players take turns attacking. They try to swipe at another player's hands or arms.
• After you attack, you must freeze in your spot.
• If someone attacks you, you can try to dodge. But you must also freeze once the attack is over.
• If your hand or arm gets hit, that part is "out". You can still play with your other hand.
• If you miss your attack, you must stop moving right away.
• When both of a player's hands are hit, they are out of the game. They stand aside until only one player is left.
• The last player remaining is the winner!
• When you attack, at least one foot must stay on the ground.

Sometimes, players add their own rules. This might include specific areas to hit. Or they might add a time limit for attacks.

Different Ways to Play

There are many fun ways to change up the game of Ninja.

Circle Ninja

In "Circle Ninja", players must move in a clockwise direction. This means you always attack the person to your right.

Ultimate Ninja

"Ultimate Ninja" is a more active version. Players stand in a circle and take turns clockwise. In this game, you can try to slap hands or even feet. Players can also dodge more than one attack before it's their turn. This version often includes cool moves. Players might do cartwheels, slide kicks, or jump kicks.

One-Life Ninja

Some games use a "one-life" rule. If just one of your hands gets hit, you are out of the game.

Lightning Round

A "lightning round" is a fast-paced version for two players. They attack each other quickly. The goal is to keep moving until one person gets hit. The game ends if someone gets hit. It also ends if they stop moving or get confused. Many people play a quick one-on-one game. Players stand very close, almost toe-to-toe.

Ninja Balance

In "Ninja Balance", you can only use one hand. Your other hand stays behind your back. You cannot touch anything with it. Your right hands are tied together. Also, one foot must stay planted on the ground. You score a hit by touching your opponent with your bound hand. You also score if they lose balance and move their planted foot. Three hits means you win. Players are out if they cause an injury. They are also out if they use their "dead" hand for anything but balance.

Instant Hit Rule

Another variation has an "instant hit" rule. If a player touches a specific spot on another player, they are out right away. For example, touching the nose is a common "instant hit" spot. Other spots like the neck or forehead can also be used.

Two-Player Ninja

There is also a special two-player version. Players can move their position up to two times in a row. The targets are still the hands. This version is often used for Ninja tournaments.