Foreword: sorry for typos or punctuation besides periods and commas, i just want to get this all down, and proofreading would slow me down, its hard for me to focus, i have too much going through my head
as the topic suggests, i want to learn about a martial art i heard of once taht uses energy fromy our body to project it onto something, not magic or any of that occult stuff, but basically heres what i remember from the statement i heard about it, i forgot the name but it MAY (or may not have) started with a "t"
"basically my friend can punch a tree, and stop his fist about an inch or two away, and then the force will knock down all the leaves"
dunno if this is BS or not. I want to find out, if anyone has information, please tell me!
besides that im also into martial arts of any kind, self defense, crawling on walls (i know its impossible, but what i mean is doing stuff such as la parkour (do an google on free running))
mind control, not hypnosis or BS like that (even though hypnosis is possible, i think), i want to be able to use body language and "subliminal" messages in your language to increase your persuasion and whatnot, or if not this (which i dont think i want this exactly, but thats the best way to describe it(i dont want to take away peoples free will or make them bend to my thoughts and crap, that would be.... ugh... it would just destroy life, mine and theirs)) then something close, as i read in a Net Force book (its a tom clancy series thingy)one of the net force explorers (not the real net force) wanted to learn how to manage people when she grows up, this is the book with julio cortez, the Ace pilot. I think tahts more of what im looking for, seeing underneatht eh underneath of what people are saying.
Self Focus, as i said, its har dfor me to focus, im ADHD, im on stratera or whatever though to control it, works great, but every few weeks, my dreams or goals in life switch, i ened to stay focused on one thing, the thing taht seems not only most feasible but i also have some knokwledge in already... gaming, if you have guides that teach people how to focus, then please tell me, or just reply to this post with stories of people who have a problem like me with focusing.
RECAP! - martial arts training vids/guides - the name and possible info to using your energy (KI, Chakra, whatever) to either raise your strength/speed/senses/etc or be able to project that energy in a type of..... ehhh this may sound crazy but like the tree and leaves thing.. "ranged mental attack" (If only a few inches) - learn how to "manage" people - self-focus guides
please please respond with any info or criticism or anything, just respond to the post period, especially on the third subject, that is most important to me for now (The Self Focus part)
Posted by Epictetus (Member # 6235) on :
You may be thinking of Ki, sometimes called Chi. The exact definition is "spirit" I believe, but mostly, it refers to willpower, focus and levelheadedness.
For example, in horse Archery, it takes an incredible amount of focus to hit a target from a running horse. Another example would be "no-mind" a concept mentioned briefly in "The Last Samurai." This concept of Ki is also expanded to make martial training and discipline something of a spiritual experience, in tune with ideas from Confucianism and Buddhism (i.e. calm through meditation, self control, steady breathing etc.)
In some of the martial arts I've dabbled in and sometimes vaguely pretended to know, the "Ki" aspect is a little hard to explain, but it's sort of giving yourself a proverbial, mental kick in the butt at the last moment of a strike. Most classes have the student's let out a "Kya" shout as the punch or kick or whatever. It's kind of similar to that.
I've never heard of your tree example. It sounds a little too far out there to me, but as you get better at any martial art, your focus and control will increase substantially to the point where you can punch at a target and stop very close to it. Maybe not as dramatically as in the movies, and you'll have skinned knuckles to show for it, but it does improve. All in all, that sort of control helps you develop your technique, in any application of a martial art, i.e. a real fight, stopping your fist doesn't serve any purpose, but control and technique will.
And, concerning the proofread thing: download the Google Toolbar, it has a very useful spellchecker on it and saves a lot of time. for me, it helps my posts look more educated than they actually are.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
lol, hmm, epictetus, you dont give yourself enough credit, your extremely modest, do you have any form of instant messenger, i would like to talk more
also here is a site i foudn that may let me focus more
You're looking for the supernatural when the natural will do.
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
I agree with Tom.
Don't know if you have heard of Derren Brown...He is an English guy who regularly does something very similar to what you are asking. He puts a "psychological" spin on his method but it is pretty much standard magic, from what I understand. Here is a video example (might take some time to load)
amazing! but how does he do it? someone lef ta comment saying on the guys show he pushed him and his dad back
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
I don't know how he does it The person who left a comment on the bottom didn't give details, but there are some standard ways in which such effects can be accomplished in a group setting...To be honest, what DB did here was a bit different.
There are other tricksters who have done similar stuff in history. The thing that is refreshing about Derren Brown is that he is on record as not believing in the supernatural. Like I said, he says some stuff about these being psychological effects -- "It is all in the mind" etc --but that is mostly spin as well. Many of his tricks are far more mundane.
Somebody might think that he truly has some "power" but is hiding it. But, if you look at some of the other stuff he or anyone similar does, you will notice that they do many tricks which are variations on standard tricks. Anyone with such awesome power should be able to pull off lesser tricks without having to use fake methods, and yet they do not. These are undoubtedly hard to figure out (that is why they earn good money!), but they can be figured out, if you spend the time. I would say that it is the "power" of these people which is all in our mind.
If you are really interested in figuring out how he does stuff like this, I would suggest trying out some skeptic forums, like the one at randi.org. IIRC, Derren Brown gave a talk at a skeptic convention hosted by James Randi this Jan. There might people at the forum who would know better about where you could figure out how he did this. I can only think of using some gadgets to pull it off.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote:I don't know how he does it.
Having watched the film, it's worth noting that there's not much in fact being "done." Try watching it first without the sound, so that you aren't influenced by the credulous patter, and it's far less impressive-looking.
Posted by Juxtapose (Member # 8837) on :
From what I've seen so far, this is similar to Dasa's link, but with shorter load time.
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson:
quote:I don't know how he does it.
Having watched the film, it's worth noting that there's not much in fact being "done." Try watching it first without the sound, so that you aren't influenced by the credulous patter, and it's far less impressive-looking.
Thing is, I don't have sound on my comp, so I didn't hear the patter It is good advice though..I will try watching again
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
Nope, still nothing...unless you are saying the punched guy is a stooge.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
I had a teacher when I was younger who was a very strong Tai Chi practicioner. He was a very tall, very well built black guy who was very distant and silent, but ultimately a really nice and caring guy - the prototypical "strong & silent & caring" character from so many stories.
I went in to talk to him about becoming a camp counselor, and we were sitting in his office talking, alone, when the subject drifted to Tai Chi. He was drinking tea. I mentioned that I had always been interested in the personal focusing aspect of the martial art and asked him if it had any real world application. He looked at me silently and finished his tea. He set the tea cup down and continued looking at me.
At which point the tea cup, without a sound or a motion from him, fell over into my lap.
So...well, you believe what you want to believe, I guess.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
weeeeird, but interesting, so there obviously is some type of way to perform actions without physical intereaction, maybe a form of telepathy, but i doubt it, they say if you use more than 10% of your brain its possible, but thats unlikely.
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
When the guy in the video punched the guy in the back, it looked like he moved a second too late. If he did it to me and I felt something, then I might be impressed.
There's also the placebo effect to consider. Maybe that's what punching in the back was for, but if someone is expecting to be punched, of course they're going to flinch. What wasn't clear to me was whether the guy was actually feeling pain as if he had been punched. If I say I'm going to hit you in the stomach and then make a realistic motion to do so, I'd bet you'd react a bit like the guy in the video. That's actually the rationale behind certain Aikido techniques (which if done right can result in an attacker being thrown without being touched). You act as if you are going to punch them in the face but stop short. They flinch or dodge, which puts them off-balance. Then you throw them. If they're running at you, they might well fall over. Nothing magical about it, just psychology.
Edit to add: There's much to be gained from studying martial arts that doesn't involve mysical abilities. I think most of the people who claim to have superpowers are full of it, anyway. If I were you, I'd look for a more down-to-earth place to train if that's what you want. You won't get an instructor who claims to move objects with his mind, but you'll gain self-confidence, improve your coordination, maybe learn some philosophies that will help you in life. I think those are worth more in the end than the possibility of some sort of magical mind powers.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
They aren't magical, and I don't think mind powers exist, if someone were let me examine an object ebfore hand, open it up, throw it in water, and then put it back together, then they were to have it move around without going enar it, I'd believe it, but so far I don't think that's ever been done with anyone who claims to have mind powers.
I do think that using psychology and possibly certain pressurepoints on the body you can make people throw up/faint/etc
Like in Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon, when those ninjas/samurai/whatever fight eachother, and they can paralyze eachother by attacking their chest a certain way with their fist, I think that's possible.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I just would like to say that pirates have real ultimate power.
Arrrrr, matey.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
Does anyone knwo anything about or ever experienced time-distrotion, lucid dreaming, or anything like that
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
quote:Originally posted by Alex Johansen: Does anyone knwo anything about or ever experienced time-distrotion, lucid dreaming, or anything like that
Lucid dreaming, yes...several times. They can be generated without much effort. See http://www.lucidity.com/ for some basic techniques.
Posted by Dasa (Member # 8968) on :
Not proofreading slows everyone else down. Make the time.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
quote:ever experienced time-distrotion
Everytime I move.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
The one-inch punch is a very different thing than chi projection.
The one-inch punch actually makes contact and delivers a blow. The force comes from moving your body through the blow with appropriate timing. If you watch the Bruce Lee clip closely, you can see him lunge in time with the punch-- you'd be surprised how much extra force that can provide. I can do something similar, and probably most properly trained punchers could as well.
Chi projection is near universally regarded as a hoax (edit to add: in the combative martial arts community) and even those who take it the most seriously will be the first to tell you that it can't be duplicated on random subjects, but they are generally only successful with people they are attuned to.
But don't discount everything with the word "chi" attached to it. Many martial arts are very ergonomic and, as with the one-inch punch, can generate surprising power. This isn't a matter of mysticism but merely of using your body efficiently. The way I like to put it is that Tiger Woods doesn't drive the ball 300 yds by being bulked up, but by swinging with near-perfect mechanics. For the same reason, a 130 lb boxer can throw a punch that will put your average 200 lb man on his keister... his swing is finely honed to maximize his power. Simple physics (or, if you prefer, engineering) nothing mystic about it, though it might easily seem so at first glance.
Posted by prolixshore (Member # 4496) on :
I've been punched by the one inch punch before, back when I was in martial arts and a guy named Brandon was way ahead of me. He punched me in the chest like that and I fell backwards a couple feet. It really hurt. There isn't anything magical to it though, it's all about technique.
--ApostleRadio
Posted by Earendil18 (Member # 3180) on :
I believe most of what's going on there is the same principle in physics that is used to break cement blocks etc. It's called "impulse"
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
Alex, it sounds like you really want to believe in this stuff, but part of you knows that its not true. Trust that part of you, its a bunch of hocus pocus.
quote: weeeeird, but interesting, so there obviously is some type of way to perform actions without physical intereaction
quote:They aren't magical, and I don't think mind powers exist
See? You go back and forth from one post to another.
If any of that stuff was true, James Randi has for years now had a 1 million dollar reward for anyone who can demonstrate any sort of telepathic or telekinetic power. No winners yet.
I guess I've got a mean streak in me, but I considered making up a story about some psychic power that either I had or witnessed just to see your reaction to it. Similar to:
quote: He looked at me silently and finished his tea. He set the tea cup down and continued looking at me.
At which point the tea cup, without a sound or a motion from him, fell over into my lap.
That load of crap. The only way thats possible is if he set the tea cup down on the edge of the table so that it fell off.
Martial Arts is great, pick one and take some classes, but PLEASE also look into some of James Randi or Michael Shermer's works. even the skeptics dictionary is great fun to read. http://www.skepdic.com/ Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
bah! dont discourage me, there are secrest all around us and you cna only find them if you beleive in them and go around the world iwht a fine toothed comb!!!
take ghosts, they exist, or it seems they do from all the paranormal experts and ghost hunters in the world.
peopel fear what they know little of, so to block the fear they block their ears. people dont beleive in ghosts, because they know little about them, they htink they cna cause harm to us.
also take lucid dreaming, and dreaming, and the brain, existence in general, excuse my language, but what the **** would have caused existence to come into existence???? you think that some immortal all pwoerful being got bored one day and created us on a whim? have to admit, sounds funny, doesnt it? (not friends funny, but frasier funny (and if you like frasier, sorry, but what im intending to say is that i mean its just weird))
the supernatural and unbelievable are all around us.
so support me, or maybe give me alink, ill post the secrets i uncover, here.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote:there are secrest all around us and you cna only find them if you beleive in them
I have this bridge I'd like to sell you.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
hah, ok mister tom, if you dont want to find out how to slow down time and- oh god i sound crazy dont i... but still, this stuff has to work
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
It doesn't have to work. And often it doesn't. As someone above suggested, a little familiarization with PsiCop and James Randi might be in order for you.
Having said that, my man GKC once pointed out that a busted con-artist says as much about as much about the supernatural as a fraudulent check says about the bank it is drawn on.
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
http://www.secretsoftheuniverse.net/ (I note on this webpage that the secrets of the Universe and related materials are the exclusive property of Joel Furches. You aughta contact him.)
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
uhh, why is everyone suddenly linking to realultimatepower? that sight is total BS and if you read the hatemail, it tells you that a single mother who's kids have been to the site are now hitting eachother and doing bad in school
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
Their brains were not developed enough to contain the true power that is contained within the texts in realultimatepower.net. It is sad, but only a chosen few can truely understand the wisdom contained therein.
quote:that sight is total BS and if you read the hatemail, it tells you that a single mother who's kids have been to the site are now hitting eachother and doing bad in school
I clicked on that link, and my cat saw it, and now he just lays around all day doing nothing. That single mother doesn't know what she's talking about.
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
That is amazing! Its power is undeniable.
(edited for hospitality)
[ April 21, 2006, 09:35 AM: Message edited by: TrapperKeeper ]
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
TrapperKeeper, your skeptiscism is fine-- I'm skeptical myself-- but be hospitable.
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
Take THAT James Randi!
Posted by Palliard (Member # 8109) on :
quote: dunno if this is BS or not
If the martial arts instructors I know (military/police types) can be believed, it's BS. There are a lot of ways to make somebody fall down, but sheer willpower isn't one of them.
It won't deflect bullets, either. A lot of "iron shirt" practitioners found that out in the Boxer Rebellion.
If you're looking for a way to take people out at range kung-fu style, I'd suggest either thrown weapons (rocks were very popular, because they were cheap, but something of a consistent size and weight is easier to control) or, if you're up to it, weighted ropes (e.g., a "Meteor Hammer", which takes a great deal of skill not to injure yourself with).
If you're looking for supernatural powers... good luck with that. I myself don't know of anybody who has any.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
And anyone who does will be looking to sell you something.
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
If I remember my history right, there were also some native americans that believed when their clothing was blessed, it would be impervious to bullets. Or it might have been a charm or something they carried.
They died.
I seem to remember that such beliefs can be the result of a culture whose existance is being threatened by another culture. They come to believe that they are a special or chosen people and believe that they have mystical abilities. I believe card referenced this once when talking about the piggies, specifically the faction that wanted to spread the descolada virus throughout the universe
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
When I was a kid, I beleived I could ward off bad dreams by blinking my eyes twice in the dream.
It always worked.
Sucks as a superpower, but if I was ever trapped in 'Dreamscape,' I'd be like, the king of the world!
Posted by TrapperKeeper (Member # 7680) on :
It would really suck if all sorts of supernatural things were discovered and understood and replicated. Because then Science Fiction shows and books would become fiction nonfiction shows. And nonfiction shows are boring. Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: You're looking for the supernatural when the natural will do.
Like the guy who stands on one finger... If you spent your whole life figuring out how you could make it look like you were standing on one finger (even though your really leaning heavily against a wall, its just looks like your balancing), you could figure out a way.
I love all these claims about catching bullets and punching through concrete, it proves they have carnies in the east too. Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
so much for being able to do something really cool, anyone have any ideas on how i can stay on task then?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I'd imagine you could still do a NUMBER of very cool things. It's probably even easier now that you're limiting yourself to the ones which are actually possible.
Posted by Dr Strangelove (Member # 8331) on :
I don't know about you, but this is something I'd like to able to do. If you could do that, you would have my admiration.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I LOVE that clip, I have shown it to a lot of people. Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
It doesn't take magic or superpowers to practice keeping your mind on track. Martial arts may or may not be useful to you for that sort of thing, but you can certainly give it a try. There are other techniques out there that might help, too. Why not look into some of the more down to earth ones?
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
See... that clip is well done. But this clip (same tune, more or less same act) is even better. If only we could all be as talented as Richard Garfield.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
BtL, I have to admit that I prefer the juggling in the first clip to the juggling in the second.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
There's no impressing laymen Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
The second one has better technique; the first has better presence.
I like the first one better.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
I stand in awe. I was very impressed with the skill demonstrated in first clip, but the second was pure virtuosity.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
The first clip was a great performance. Lots of energy and glitter, with simple moves done very tightly. Some of the things Garfield does, however, are just nuts. That's not even mentioning the fact that he juggles 10 if you stick around until the end of the video.
Posted by Alex Johansen (Member # 9090) on :
hey, correct me if im wrong, but did albert einstein have a theory about time-relativity, saying something like time is different for everyone?
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Its only different for people in different frames of reference. And at any speed any person has ever gone, it has no practical application beyond some slight adjustments to very precise clocks.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
The person who left a comment on the bottom didn't give details, but there are some standard ways in which such effects can be accomplished in a group setting...To be honest, what DB did here was a bit different.![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)