There has been a ninja invasion at BYU–Idaho.

Ninja Destruction, a pastime growing in popularity, has taken the campus by a storm — of nunchucks.

Sophomore Duncan Anderson an original Ninja Destruction player, said the game originated when a former student taught the game to his friends at a potluck.

“We started playing, and we played for five straight hours,” Anderson said.

Sightings of this game have been noted around town. Sophomore Derek Kerr has spotted people playing the game in parking lots, the BYU–I stadium, parks and apartment complexes.

Kerr said he learned about Ninja Destruction from his friend Stephanie Stevens, who brought the game from California. Kerr and his friends began playing a few weeks before the end of last semester. They started playing in their apartment, but as the group grew in numbers they moved the game outside. They now usually play at the stadium.
Kerr said Ninja Destruction is popular because it is a fun, active game that a large number of people can play.

“[You] just need quick reflexes and [to] be on your guard. That’s all it takes,”   Kerr said.

Anderson was surprised to see people playing Ninja Destruction at the park, and played a few rounds with them. Anderson said some skill is important to have.

“They weren’t very good at it, so I won a few games,” Anderson said.

Hannah Smith
scroll staff

Rules of the game

1. Start in a circle standing within touching distance.
2. The game moves clockwise starting with the Ninja Master
3. Ninja Master says, “Ninja Destruction” and the whole circle strikes a pose.
4. Ninja Master starts by attempting to “strike” (must be hand-to-hand contact) another player.
5. The target gets one swift movement to miss the strike. If the target is hit then he or she is out. If not, the player stays in and the player clockwise from the Ninja Master has a turn.
6. The game continues like this until all players are out.

Photo by Hannah Smith

Originally Published 05/05/09