30 minutes · Week 4: Mimicry

Mimicry with Percy

Mimicry is copying movements with precision so martial arts skills stick.

Green StripePercy's page

Growing Ninjas · 3–6 years. Same 30 minutes, told as an animal story. Partners, 2–3 step directions, and a stripe they can name.

1. 5

   Warm-up

   Follow the Parrot

   Warm up by copying with precision.

   • Copy simple jumps, claps, spins, marches.
   • Add karate punches, ducks, one-foot balances.
   • Match the instructor's speed as it changes.
2. 10

   Skill of the week

   Developing Mimicry

   Mimicry is copying movements with precision so martial arts skills stick.

   • Mirror Ninja — Pairs. One leads slowly, partner copies. Switch after 30 seconds.
   • Echo Drill — Instructor does one move. Students repeat after a short pause. Build sequences.
   • Ninja Call & Response — Jump, kick, duck on command, matching the model.
3. 10

   Ninja challenge

   Echo Ninja

   Copy 3-step sequences from sight only.

   • Setup: Instructor creates a 3-step ninja sequence, e.g. Jump, Punch, Spin.
   • Slow simple sequence.
   • Add one extra move.
   • No talking. Watch and copy.
   • Pairs: one creates, one copies perfectly.
4. 5

   Cool-down + stripe

   Parrot Perch

   Award the Green Stripe. Ask what they learned about mimicry.

   • One-foot perch with wings out, 10 seconds each side.
   • Slow wing stretch, 5 flaps on the exhale.
   • Silent perch: copy a clap, whistle, or snap after 3 seconds.
   • Inhale like a parrot listening. Soft squawk on the exhale, quieter each time.