Humans Unleashed

Welcome to Monkey Wrench Satori. Because this is the first post I have decided to make it a celebration of humanity. I picked three videos which show some amazing, seemingly impossible human feats. First let me assure you that they are real. No special effects, CGI, wires, or anything like that were used in any of these videos. The people in them are legitimately doing what you see. Second, I assure you that nearly all human beings are capable of such abilities; however most people’s lifestyle and lack of discipline prevent them from achieving such heights.

The first video is a break dancing competition in Germany. I found the video on youtube, but hesitated to watch it because its 25 whole minutes long. After watching the first three, I was so captivated I let the whole thing run. Once I remember thinking that breakdancing must be easy, I mean hey, it’s dancing, how hard could it be? I encourage you to try any of the tricks in this video so you can see how hard they are for yourself.

For those interested in attaining the ability required for this, there are a few ways to go about it. First, take time every day to play around, and have fun trying the moves. Make a point of having fun, rather than being goal oriented. That comes later. Second take a Hip-Hop dance class. This will give you basic conditioning, and teach you how to dance. Third, to increase flexibility and basic mobility do Yoga. Yes Yoga. It’s a challenging workout and will increase your flexibility to levels never thought possible. After you have advanced far enough in Yoga, find a gymnastics gym. There they will get you doing the more advanced stuff, like handstands, handsprings, flips, swipes, etc. By the time you are at this level I assure you: You will be a better break dancer than you ever thought you could be.

The next video blew my mind. I will let it speak for itself. Let me assure one more time that this IS real. There are no wires, no CGI, and no safety nets. Pay close attention.

The discipline this guy practices is called Parkour. To learn how to do what he’s doing your best resource is American Parkour.com. It takes a lot of conditioning to get strong enough, and once you are strong enough you will have to take baby steps to over come the fear that may arise when performing stunts. Another great resource for conditioning is CrossFit.com. A link can be found at the bottom of this page. This sport, like breakdancing, will eventually require some gymnastics abilities, so keep an open mind.

The next video is just plain cool.

Rodney Mullen is an awesome skater. It is such a testament that when someone loves and dedicates themselves to something, even something funny like riding a board with wheels, they can make it inspiring.

The last video is a personal favorite of mine. When the movie “300” came out the internet buzz was “these guys have all done steroids,” or “they have years of pumping iron under there belt.” Not true. The actors got in shape in 6 months of training and eating right. It’s a testament to the power of good old fashioned effort and intensity.

The trainer in the video is Mark Twight, the owner of Gym Jones in Salt Lake City. He is quite the badass himself, let me tell you. Just flip through the first few pages of his book: Extreme Alpinism.

The last video is amazing to me. A “normal” teenager from the east coast took some time training, and video taping by himself on a series of cloudy days and put this beautiful video together.

If you haven’t been inspired by any of these people, then I suggest you check your pulse, and if your heart is still going, seriously consider a lifestyle change. Remember, when it comes to acquiring new skills

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. -- Theodore Roosevelt

and always enjoy the pursuit.