Ninja · Hunter · Bear
Used For 💡
Helping groups let their guard down, embrace play, and engage in shared ridiculousness.
Group Size 👫
Done in pairs. Works best with 10+.
Total Time ⏳
5–6 minutes
Energy Level ⚡
High
Noise Level 🔊
Loud (cheering is part of the design)
What This Is 🤔
Ninja · Hunter · Bear is a high-energy, exaggerated twist on Rock–Paper–Scissors that combines jumping, bold gestures, and collective cheering. Participants perform over-the-top characters, win or lose quickly, and stay actively involved throughout.
It’s deliberately bonkers—and that’s exactly why it works.
How It Works 🔩
1. Set the Stage
Pair participants as Partner A and Partner B.
Partners stand back-to-back.
2. The Countdown
Partners count together: “One, two, three!”
On three, they jump, turn around, and perform one character:
Ninja — stealthy pose, hands ready to strike
Hunter — miming the aim of a rifle
Bear — big stance, claws out, loud roar
3. Decide the Winner
The rules are simple:
Ninja beats Hunter
Hunter beats Bear
Bear beats Ninja
4. Keep It Moving
Winners immediately find another winner to battle.
Losers do not step aside—they become enthusiastic cheerleaders for the person who beat them:
Chant names
Clap
Follow them to their next round
5. The Grand Finale
As rounds continue, the group naturally splits into two loud cheering sections.
The final showdown becomes a full-room spectacle.
Celebrate the final winner with exaggerated applause and chants.
Facilitation Slides 🖥️
What You’re Practicing 🎯
Letting go of self-consciousness
Expressive play and embodiment
Fast decision-making
Leadership and followership
Belonging through shared silliness
Why It Works 🏗️
By asking everyone to act “too much,” this energizer removes the pressure to perform well. Winners stay active, losers stay engaged, and cheering ensures no one is left out. Hierarchies flatten quickly when everyone is equally loud, physical, and ridiculous.
Chaos becomes connective rather than distracting.
Pro Tips 🥠
Your commitment sets the ceiling—go big from the start.
Encourage louder roars, bolder poses, and exaggerated cheering.
Keep rounds fast; momentum is everything.
Common Pitfalls ⚠️
Letting energy dip between rounds.
Allowing losers to disengage instead of cheering.
Running it too long—end while energy is peaking.
Optional 1-min Debrief 💬
When did you stop caring how you looked?
What shifted once cheering became part of the game?
How did play change the energy in the room?
The Takeaway 🥡
Ninja · Hunter · Bear is a reminder that play is not the opposite of seriousness—it’s often the fastest path to connection. When groups allow themselves to be loud, physical, and a little ridiculous together, energy rises, barriers fall, and collaboration becomes effortless.