Is the unfortunate chap in this clip really deluded in his belief of his own mystical powers? If so, then what can be said of his loyal students?

If we look at the first half of this clip we see a truly amazing sight. The students are completely and utterly loyal not only to their instructor but also to his belief that he can control people with his “Chi” or “Kiai”. Chi is the life force that binds the universe and as we are part of that then the power of the universe is within us also. “Kiai” translates literally as, to shout, and is used in martial arts to affect you’re opponent in different ways.

Personally I believe in the theory of Chi but I do not believe it can be used as a weapon by itself. As for the Kiai, sound waves most definitely can alter a persons focus and affect someone physically so use of the voice can certainly be a weapon in some circumstances.

The extent that this guy takes this theory is just too far. What I find most fascinating is the extent to which his students take his beliefs. Flinging themselves like rag dolls all over the place without being touched. Is this guy some sort of con-man? I don’t think so. I think it is a very good example of the power of suggestion and demonstrates how far humans will go to support their own, or even someone elses beliefs no matter how far beyond the realm of reason those beliefs may go.

In the second half of the clip we see the walls of reality come crashing down as the “master” meets a non-believer. It is not pretty, and the guy looks almost embarrassed after flattening the deluded master of kiai.

Would the same result have occurred if the challenger had spent time learning the theory of chi manipulation and kiai under the master? Who knows. I think that putting up a purse of $5000 to any challenger was where the man made his biggest mistake.

If this challenge had not taken place then he would still be teaching blissfully unaware that he could easily be flattened by anyone who can throw a punch. At least now he knows the limitations of his theories because that’s all they are. Although I understand and believe myself that chi and kiai are very real, I also believe that they are components of something far more complex and taken out on their own they are fragile and vulnerable.

As a martial artist I feel sorry for the master and his loyal students but it was a reality check that needed to happen. Indeed the power of suggestion is powerful, but only to those that believe.

In Australia the Aboriginals have a ritual form of execution called "bone pointing" where a ceremonial bone or Kundela, is pointed at the condemmed person. The belief that the Kundela holds the power of the tribal curse is enough to kill the person. Not immediately but after days or even weeks of pain and misery. This is one of many examples of the human condition that is belief, or even faith.

I prefer to focus on the more positive aspects of belief and faith. Someone once gave me a lovely quote, I am not sure where it came from but I shall leave it with you; "Fear came knocking at the door, faith answered and no one was there." I like that.