The Samurai Game® is a highly challenging, intense leadership and team simulation within which individuals and teams are called upon to exercise resourcefulness, decisiveness, honor, dignity, integrity, risk-taking, selfless service and personal commitment in a series of fast-moving, highly uncertain situations that make up the Game’s “battlefield”.  And a battlefield it is.

In this amazing experience, the Game’s opening invites each participant to cross a psychological boundary and step into the unfamiliar world of being a medieval Samurai warrior.  Players form two teams (armies) that will face each other in a series of individual, one-on-one contests.  Every match is symbolic, and while involving no significant physical contact, demands much in the way of commitment, focus, centeredness, personal integrity, and team support.

Throughout the contests participants are encouraged to summon forth their “warrior” spirit, gain personal control and focus, and act with courage and determination to prevail … or face defeat (symbolic death).  At the same time, everyone is encouraged to engage opponents with the kind of respect, compassion, and honor usually displayed by life’s true champions.

The pace is fast.  Tough decisions must be made quickly.  The ever-changing environment simulates the intensity of actual combat.  The Game models very well the forces of radical change. How will the individual and the organization respond:  with warrior-like resourcefulness or with low engagement?  In this way, the Samurai Game® presents a series of fascinating examples of how we choose to fully engage (or not) with the challenges in our workplaces and our lives, and to what degree are we willing act decisively and with integrity to get the results we need.

The Game builds to a Final Contest where only a few players are left to continue.  At this incredible moment, players must choose what will happen in the face of uncertainty.   Will a series of final battles unfold or will a dignified surrender occur … and at what costs?

Developed by the prolific human potential author and martial artist George Leonard, the Samurai Game® is a unique, and arguably one of the most intense learning experience that companies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and individuals can participate in.  You will be talking about it and making connections to it for years to come.