Ninja Yoga Poses for Strength, Focus and Calm
A few months back, Kati told us a story about how her five-year-old son naturally gravitates to her when she’s practicing yoga. He climbs on her in different poses, and then they invent new names for the partner poses. As much as she loves her boys creating games around her practice, she’s also taking the opportunity to teach them ways to calm their bodies and recharge their minds.
Kati asked for a Ninja Yoga sequence for exactly that purpose. Ninjas are such an interesting theme to use in kids yoga because you can discuss the ninja (yang) qualities of fierceness, bravery, and strength, but also the ninja (yin) qualities of flexibility, stability, and reflection.Try out these five ninja-themed yoga poses below, but if you’re looking for more poses, definitely check out our Ninja Yoga Cards. I particularly love Simon William’s engaging illustrations on these cards!
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5 NINJA YOGA POSES FOR KIDS
1. Be a powerful ninja
How to practice Warrior 1 Pose: Step one foot back, placing it at an angle, with your toes pointing toward the front. Bend your front knee. Reach both arms up overhead. Pretend to be a powerful ninja. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
2. Be a fierce ninja
How to practice Warrior 2 Pose: Start in a standing position. Step one foot back, bend your front knee, and open your hips to the side. Then reach both arms up, parallel to your legs, and look over your front fingertips. Make sure your front knee is bent forward so that your knee is over your ankle. Pretend to be a fierce ninja. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
3. Be a brave ninja
How to practice Extended Side Angle Pose: Stand tall in Mountain Pose. Step one foot back, slightly angling it outward. Keep your torso straight and bend your front leg. Tilt your upper body forward, rest your front elbow on your thigh (or take your hand to the floor). Reach your other arm straight up to the sky and look up toward your hand. Pretend to be a brave ninja. Repeat on the other side.
4. Be an ambitious ninja
How to practice Half Moon Pose: From a standing position, step your left foot back while opening your hip out to the side. Tilt forward and place your right hand flat on the ground (or on a block) in front of your right foot while simultaneously lifting your left foot. Open your hips and extend your left arm up to the sky. Align your shoulders over each other and open your chest. If possible, try gazing out to the left. Pretend to be an ambitious ninja. Switch sides and repeat the steps.
5. Be a focused ninja
How to practice Tree Pose: Stand on one leg. Bend the knee of the leg you are not standing on, place the sole of your foot on the opposite inner thigh or calf (just not on your knee), and balance. Switch sides and repeat the steps. Pretend to be a focused ninja.
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