Birthday party program

[Shire Martial Arts]

I teach a lot of kids and I've been asked about running birthday parties at my school. I've never done one before and I don't want to reinvent the wheel. I'd appreciate it if someone could reccommend an out of the box program that works well that I could purchase.

[Nidan Melbourne]

I've run a couple before, where I've taught a few basic skills and had games related to martial arts yet they may have played before at school or at home with friends.

One of the games I do with my own students and at parties is called "senpai says" which has the same rules as "Simon Says". I have these rules in place:

- Can only do what I say when I say Senpai Says ...

- Senpai (or Sensei whatever your teaching title is) and a Name still means you have to do it. As the Key word was Senpai (or Sensei).

- You must look straight ahead, unless told otherwise

- No moving, unless told to

- Primary Position: Heiko Dachi (Ready Stance, Shoulder Width Stance)

- No Laughing, No smiling

- Bad Technique gets you out

Another Game is what we call ELVIS. This one has been popular at my club for donkeys years. Pretty easy to teach;

- Everyone runs in a circle (need plenty of room for it)

- This is called FIRE

- No one gets out here

- When WIND is called; they must run to touch the nearest wall.

- Parents, Doors etc may be prohibited

- Last one to touch approved surfaces is out

- When EARTH is called; they must place BOTH hands on the ground

- Last one down is out

- When ELVIS is called; They have to DANCE like Elvis.

- Worst impression is out

[Shire Martial Arts]

Thanks! We do the 'Simon Says' drill, but I LOVE the sound of the ELVIS drill. I will definitly give it a go! Cheers