ive just seen a tv special that explained some of david blanes astounding street magic tricks. most notably, his levitation trick. all of his magic is not that inexplicable, but this started me to wondering if the karate masters of old, got up to similar tricks, i dont mean to fool people, but to defeat them. over the years ive come across seemingly ineffectual techniques that were in fact extremly effective, even devistating, punches from chinese systems that packed the power of a magnum and yet looked like something a daft girl would throw. I wonder if when looking for effective martial arts are we looking in the right place?
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david blane
Moderator: Available
-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
david blane
I once had a majician as student. He was interested in what we did, and vice versa. It's a craft with great practitioners just like any other.
Illusion and trickery can be part of martial arts, but ideally there is substance somewhere. One cannot rely on it; it's a tool like any other.
Ever watch the old Star Trek series with Captain Kirk? <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
Illusion and trickery can be part of martial arts, but ideally there is substance somewhere. One cannot rely on it; it's a tool like any other.
Ever watch the old Star Trek series with Captain Kirk? <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
- BillNot chess, Spock, poker!
david blane
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bill Glasheen:
Not chess, Spock. Poker!
The Corbomite Maneuver
also
"2. Bluff:
"Remember this word is actually derived from the Mongolian word 'bluf,' meaning
'punt.' Magnanimously announce that just this once you will forgive his clumsiness and allow him to go his way unmolested.
"Then exit rapidly before he figures out that he's been had.
"Don't laugh, some times it works! If not, at least it plants a seed of unease in the back of his mind that maybe he isn't in complete control of the situation."
Asprin, R.L. Dark Horde Survival Handbook & Training Manual (Previously titled "How To Live Off Other Peoples' Land", Section XXIII, Ten Ways To Get Out Of A Fair Fight
student
[This message has been edited by student (edited April 30, 2002).]
Not chess, Spock. Poker!
The Corbomite Maneuver
also
"2. Bluff:
"Remember this word is actually derived from the Mongolian word 'bluf,' meaning
'punt.' Magnanimously announce that just this once you will forgive his clumsiness and allow him to go his way unmolested.
"Then exit rapidly before he figures out that he's been had.
"Don't laugh, some times it works! If not, at least it plants a seed of unease in the back of his mind that maybe he isn't in complete control of the situation."
Asprin, R.L. Dark Horde Survival Handbook & Training Manual (Previously titled "How To Live Off Other Peoples' Land", Section XXIII, Ten Ways To Get Out Of A Fair Fight
student
[This message has been edited by student (edited April 30, 2002).]
-
jorvik
david blane
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KarateKid:
I'm a student of Close-Up magic. I got my membership to the exclusive Hollywood Magic Castle in 1992 and have watched David Blaine since the inception of Street Magic. Don't get me started on that guy.
whats up with david blane? sounds like you dont think much of him.
Anyway... as a practioner of Karate, there are things you can use in 'fighting' which we use in Magic. It's called...
MISDIRECTION.
Sometimes in magic you may want to lean, or look, or draw attention to something while you do the 'sleight' somewhere else.
Could not the same be said about fighting. Give your opponent an opening they can't refuse then counter where they aren't looking? Draw attention to your footwork and throw something high? Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
It may not be considered 'trickery' but it is a part of the whole when you break it down.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm a student of Close-Up magic. I got my membership to the exclusive Hollywood Magic Castle in 1992 and have watched David Blaine since the inception of Street Magic. Don't get me started on that guy.
whats up with david blane? sounds like you dont think much of him.
Anyway... as a practioner of Karate, there are things you can use in 'fighting' which we use in Magic. It's called...
MISDIRECTION.
Sometimes in magic you may want to lean, or look, or draw attention to something while you do the 'sleight' somewhere else.
Could not the same be said about fighting. Give your opponent an opening they can't refuse then counter where they aren't looking? Draw attention to your footwork and throw something high? Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
It may not be considered 'trickery' but it is a part of the whole when you break it down.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
david blane
I'm a student of Close-Up magic. I got my membership to the exclusive Hollywood Magic Castle in 1992 and have watched David Blaine since the inception of Street Magic. Don't get me started on that guy.
Anyway... as a practioner of Karate, there are things you can use in 'fighting' which we use in Magic. It's called...
MISDIRECTION.
Sometimes in magic you may want to lean, or look, or draw attention to something while you do the 'sleight' somewhere else.
Could not the same be said about fighting. Give your opponent an opening they can't refuse then counter where they aren't looking? Draw attention to your footwork and throw something high? Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
It may not be considered 'trickery' but it is a part of the whole when you break it down.
Anyway... as a practioner of Karate, there are things you can use in 'fighting' which we use in Magic. It's called...
MISDIRECTION.
Sometimes in magic you may want to lean, or look, or draw attention to something while you do the 'sleight' somewhere else.
Could not the same be said about fighting. Give your opponent an opening they can't refuse then counter where they aren't looking? Draw attention to your footwork and throw something high? Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
It may not be considered 'trickery' but it is a part of the whole when you break it down.
david blane
quote
____________________________________
Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
____________________________________
Sounds like one of the basic groundfighting setups. Quick jab at the face to pull your opponents attention and hands northbound while you drop for his legs and take the fight to the floor.
____________________________________
Jab high then 'shoot' for their legs?
____________________________________
Sounds like one of the basic groundfighting setups. Quick jab at the face to pull your opponents attention and hands northbound while you drop for his legs and take the fight to the floor.
david blane
"Don't get me started on that guy"
C'mon guys, quit teasing... how does he do some of his illusions.? I can't even come up with a theory on some of them...
What tv show was it???
C'mon guys, quit teasing... how does he do some of his illusions.? I can't even come up with a theory on some of them...
What tv show was it???
-
jorvik
david blane
the karatekid would be the one to answer that im no student of magic, but for what its worth the levitation trick, here goes.
you have to stand with your back to someone and about 10 ft away, stand at an angle of about 45degrees, so that if you look over your right shoulder you can see them, start with your feet together, but then move the left foot forward about 2 inches, then lean slightly forward and balance on your left toes, from that angle it will look like your levitating. in fact its just that you cant see the left foot. it takes a bit of practic e to get it right but it looks terrific, some of his other tricks involve quite elaborate props, but he always chooses tricks that do look like real magic. the programme was on uk tv, we usually get that years after you, it was an american guy doing it, he wore a leather mask, you know the sort of thing
you have to stand with your back to someone and about 10 ft away, stand at an angle of about 45degrees, so that if you look over your right shoulder you can see them, start with your feet together, but then move the left foot forward about 2 inches, then lean slightly forward and balance on your left toes, from that angle it will look like your levitating. in fact its just that you cant see the left foot. it takes a bit of practic e to get it right but it looks terrific, some of his other tricks involve quite elaborate props, but he always chooses tricks that do look like real magic. the programme was on uk tv, we usually get that years after you, it was an american guy doing it, he wore a leather mask, you know the sort of thing
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the Khazar Kid
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Sun Dec 26, 1999 6:01 am
david blane
Apparently a good deal has been written recently on sleight-of-hand in fighting:
www.alliancemartialarts.com/magic.html www.drearic.com/sass1-sleightofhand.html www.drearic.com/SignalsKeating.htm www.drearic.com/Magichoudini.htm
www.alliancemartialarts.com/magic.html www.drearic.com/sass1-sleightofhand.html www.drearic.com/SignalsKeating.htm www.drearic.com/Magichoudini.htm
david blane
re: David Blaine
Okay... you got the levitation one... but the key to his success on that show is the miracle of television.
Just watch his performance again on that particular illusion. He seems to float FEET above the ground.
And the crowd reacts with awe.
Now add Television editing to the mix.
Number one... street magic is not some black magic stuff reaching to the higher gods for 'the power'. It's sleights that usually a 5 year old can decipher. As we get older, we tend to lose sight of the obvious.
Make a coin go from one hand to the other and make it dissapear by actually keeping it in the original hand.
Where would a two year old look for it? IN THE ORIGINAL HAND! And that, my friends, is a quick answer to sleight of hand.
Now back to Blaine... Yes, he has some 'core' tricks up his sleeve like the 'AMBITIOUS CARD' and some essential sleights like 'TOP CHANGES' and 'DOUBLE LIFTS'... but for the most part his close up stuff is unrefined and cheats you as a television audience.
He's not highly renowned in the inner circles of magic but is highly innovative in getting people to watch magic. We like the fact that he draws attention to it through his specials. But we, as magic enthusiasts, think, well... his magic stinks!!!
How does he do the levitation thing? Well, you can buy the video for $19.95. And with much practice, you can amuse your friends. But don't expect to levitate 2 feet off the ground. (Unless your foot is actually 2 feet and a couple of inches long!) <-
Okay... you got the levitation one... but the key to his success on that show is the miracle of television.
Just watch his performance again on that particular illusion. He seems to float FEET above the ground.
And the crowd reacts with awe.
Now add Television editing to the mix.
Number one... street magic is not some black magic stuff reaching to the higher gods for 'the power'. It's sleights that usually a 5 year old can decipher. As we get older, we tend to lose sight of the obvious.
Make a coin go from one hand to the other and make it dissapear by actually keeping it in the original hand.
Where would a two year old look for it? IN THE ORIGINAL HAND! And that, my friends, is a quick answer to sleight of hand.
Now back to Blaine... Yes, he has some 'core' tricks up his sleeve like the 'AMBITIOUS CARD' and some essential sleights like 'TOP CHANGES' and 'DOUBLE LIFTS'... but for the most part his close up stuff is unrefined and cheats you as a television audience.
He's not highly renowned in the inner circles of magic but is highly innovative in getting people to watch magic. We like the fact that he draws attention to it through his specials. But we, as magic enthusiasts, think, well... his magic stinks!!!
How does he do the levitation thing? Well, you can buy the video for $19.95. And with much practice, you can amuse your friends. But don't expect to levitate 2 feet off the ground. (Unless your foot is actually 2 feet and a couple of inches long!) <-
david blane
I completely agree that he has done wonders for the close-up magic community.
I don't doubt that one second. Believe me, close-up magic has not gotten its just recognition as an 'art'.
The question does arise - why can't he then perfect his magic instead of showing off... well... crap?
The same would go for a Martial Artist who respects the art.
We have many teachers, blackbelts and masters of many arts. Each has his or her own philosphy and teachings and believes that there is a core understanding of the art when their new blackbelts go out into the world. Now how would the community of blackbelts feel if 'so and so' went out there, publicized the art, and made it look horrible?
Of course you can argue, 'people are watching it and are now signing up for classes'... (much like what the Movie Karate Kid did for Karate). But the bottom line is, why not do it 'well' and respect it as well as make a living at it?
I'd hate to see "DARYL" or "JOHNNY ACE PALMER" or "DAVID WILLIAMSON" go out in the public without the sense that they respect every bit about what they are doing.
Does David Blaine respect what he's doing. Maybe in his mind he does. But when you go on the TONIGHT SHOW and fumble with the back of the cards to prepare for a double/triple lift I don't buy he cares. Has he looked in the mirror in order to practice that sleight? Doesn't seem like it. Isn't it about perfecting an art? Geez- Learn a pinky count or something!
Like perfecting your own martial art style?
We look in the mirror every night as martial artists and we strive to understand and perfect the art we respect. Magician's/illustrators/painters (artists) should do the same.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
I have yet to get a series like "Friends" or craft an award winning screenplay but I still should have an opinion.
While I think David Blaine is horrible as a magician, I have thought Cooperfield as brilliant as any performer.
While I think "A.I." was a horrible film, I feel "2001" was brilliant.
Although I feel my best friend performs a french drop with the worst timing and technique... after he bought the David Blaine video, he can levitate like you wouldn't believe!
-and he's not even a magician.
NOTE: If you wanna see some seriously good CLOSE UP MAGIC stuff on tv, try to catch Ricky Jay's special on HBO! I wish i had it on tape somewhere!
[This message has been edited by KarateKid (edited May 08, 2002).]
I don't doubt that one second. Believe me, close-up magic has not gotten its just recognition as an 'art'.
The question does arise - why can't he then perfect his magic instead of showing off... well... crap?
The same would go for a Martial Artist who respects the art.
We have many teachers, blackbelts and masters of many arts. Each has his or her own philosphy and teachings and believes that there is a core understanding of the art when their new blackbelts go out into the world. Now how would the community of blackbelts feel if 'so and so' went out there, publicized the art, and made it look horrible?
Of course you can argue, 'people are watching it and are now signing up for classes'... (much like what the Movie Karate Kid did for Karate). But the bottom line is, why not do it 'well' and respect it as well as make a living at it?
I'd hate to see "DARYL" or "JOHNNY ACE PALMER" or "DAVID WILLIAMSON" go out in the public without the sense that they respect every bit about what they are doing.
Does David Blaine respect what he's doing. Maybe in his mind he does. But when you go on the TONIGHT SHOW and fumble with the back of the cards to prepare for a double/triple lift I don't buy he cares. Has he looked in the mirror in order to practice that sleight? Doesn't seem like it. Isn't it about perfecting an art? Geez- Learn a pinky count or something!
Like perfecting your own martial art style?
We look in the mirror every night as martial artists and we strive to understand and perfect the art we respect. Magician's/illustrators/painters (artists) should do the same.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
Heck... I don't doubt that he is successful in what he does. But I still can be a critic of his banter and his style just like I would wonder why the heck Spielberg tried so hard with A.I. and why George Lucas would produce such a poor story in Episode One.**Stinks enough to get three national TV specials, shots on Oprah, Leno, Letterman and everywhere else he wants. Technically, he may be a little above average, but he's got an agent that can move mountains. And that counts for a lot in the professional division.
I have yet to get a series like "Friends" or craft an award winning screenplay but I still should have an opinion.
While I think David Blaine is horrible as a magician, I have thought Cooperfield as brilliant as any performer.
While I think "A.I." was a horrible film, I feel "2001" was brilliant.
Although I feel my best friend performs a french drop with the worst timing and technique... after he bought the David Blaine video, he can levitate like you wouldn't believe!
-and he's not even a magician.
NOTE: If you wanna see some seriously good CLOSE UP MAGIC stuff on tv, try to catch Ricky Jay's special on HBO! I wish i had it on tape somewhere!
[This message has been edited by KarateKid (edited May 08, 2002).]
david blane
Comments interspersed, marked by **
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KarateKid:
re: David Blaine
Okay... you got the levitation one... but the key to his success on that show is the miracle of television.
Just watch his performance again on that particular illusion. He seems to float FEET above the ground.
And the crowd reacts with awe.
Now add Television editing to the mix.
** The Balducci Levitation is a VERY difficult thing to pull off on the street. Agreed. Blaine, however does just that - for real. I met him at Jay Marshall's 80th Birthday party (Jay is the Dean of the Society of American Magicians) and watched him do it. And it would fool lay people.
Number one... street magic is not some black magic stuff reaching to the higher gods for 'the power'. It's sleights that usually a 5 year old can decipher. As we get older, we tend to lose sight of the obvious.
** Really? Care to introduce me to a 5 year old who can spot a push through control, an Elmsley Count or a Topit move? There are levels of everything, KK.
**Also, TV had little to do with his handling of the Ash Trick, his Ambitious Card routine, Brainwave and the like. Or the fly trick for that matter.
Make a coin go from one hand to the other and make it dissapear by actually keeping it in the original hand.
Where would a two year old look for it? IN THE ORIGINAL HAND! And that, my friends, is a quick answer to sleight of hand.
**Actually, in my 30 years of performing professionally, the usual attack from an audience is to go for the sleeve...
Now back to Blaine... Yes, he has some 'core' tricks up his sleeve like the 'AMBITIOUS CARD' and some essential sleights like 'TOP CHANGES' and 'DOUBLE LIFTS'... but for the most part his close up stuff is unrefined and cheats you as a television audience.
**Call me when you get your next national TV special. Sorry, but this is the same sour grapes that went around when Copperfield did his forst special.
He's not highly renowned in the inner circles of magic but is highly innovative in getting people to watch magic. We like the fact that he draws attention to it through his specials. But we, as magic enthusiasts, think, well... his magic stinks!!!
**Stinks enough to get three national TV specials, shots on Oprah, Leno, Letterman and everywhere else he wants. Technically, he may be a little above average, but he's got an agent that can move mountains. And that counts for a lot in the professional division.
**Stinks enough to where lots of guys are performing his stuff in copycat fashion. Biting the coin in particular is one that I hav sn don to dath recently.
How does he do the levitation thing? Well, you can buy the video for $19.95. And with much practice, you can amuse your friends. But don't expect to levitate 2 feet off the ground. (Unless your foot is actually 2 feet and a couple of inches long!) <-<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
**Blaine, while a subject of debate on several of the magic boards, has done more FOR the professional close-up magician than anyone in a long time. He has chosen strong, commercial effects, presents them in a serious manner, not denigrating the importance of the effect on his audience, and then blows them completely away.
Please understand, this is not a flame, but the views of someone who has performed full time (and part) for over 30 years for clients including 50 of the Fortune 1000, Sandals Resorts (regularly), colleges, universities and behind the bar with the legendary Heba Haba Al at the old New York Lounge in Chicago and at Schuliens (which doesn't mean much to most of you, but to magicians it should).
Blaine, regardless of what you might think of his technique, has done more for close-up magic than anyone in the last 20 years as far as getting the public's attention and interest.
I only hope that I can do the same.
Learning to apply some of the body misdirection that he and other magicians use, can be very effectiv for any martial artist. It can even be usd to cover a weapon draw.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
PS apologies for the slightly off topic post, but there is another side to the Blaine issue. LD
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KarateKid:
re: David Blaine
Okay... you got the levitation one... but the key to his success on that show is the miracle of television.
Just watch his performance again on that particular illusion. He seems to float FEET above the ground.
And the crowd reacts with awe.
Now add Television editing to the mix.
** The Balducci Levitation is a VERY difficult thing to pull off on the street. Agreed. Blaine, however does just that - for real. I met him at Jay Marshall's 80th Birthday party (Jay is the Dean of the Society of American Magicians) and watched him do it. And it would fool lay people.
Number one... street magic is not some black magic stuff reaching to the higher gods for 'the power'. It's sleights that usually a 5 year old can decipher. As we get older, we tend to lose sight of the obvious.
** Really? Care to introduce me to a 5 year old who can spot a push through control, an Elmsley Count or a Topit move? There are levels of everything, KK.
**Also, TV had little to do with his handling of the Ash Trick, his Ambitious Card routine, Brainwave and the like. Or the fly trick for that matter.
Make a coin go from one hand to the other and make it dissapear by actually keeping it in the original hand.
Where would a two year old look for it? IN THE ORIGINAL HAND! And that, my friends, is a quick answer to sleight of hand.
**Actually, in my 30 years of performing professionally, the usual attack from an audience is to go for the sleeve...
Now back to Blaine... Yes, he has some 'core' tricks up his sleeve like the 'AMBITIOUS CARD' and some essential sleights like 'TOP CHANGES' and 'DOUBLE LIFTS'... but for the most part his close up stuff is unrefined and cheats you as a television audience.
**Call me when you get your next national TV special. Sorry, but this is the same sour grapes that went around when Copperfield did his forst special.
He's not highly renowned in the inner circles of magic but is highly innovative in getting people to watch magic. We like the fact that he draws attention to it through his specials. But we, as magic enthusiasts, think, well... his magic stinks!!!
**Stinks enough to get three national TV specials, shots on Oprah, Leno, Letterman and everywhere else he wants. Technically, he may be a little above average, but he's got an agent that can move mountains. And that counts for a lot in the professional division.
**Stinks enough to where lots of guys are performing his stuff in copycat fashion. Biting the coin in particular is one that I hav sn don to dath recently.
How does he do the levitation thing? Well, you can buy the video for $19.95. And with much practice, you can amuse your friends. But don't expect to levitate 2 feet off the ground. (Unless your foot is actually 2 feet and a couple of inches long!) <-<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
**Blaine, while a subject of debate on several of the magic boards, has done more FOR the professional close-up magician than anyone in a long time. He has chosen strong, commercial effects, presents them in a serious manner, not denigrating the importance of the effect on his audience, and then blows them completely away.
Please understand, this is not a flame, but the views of someone who has performed full time (and part) for over 30 years for clients including 50 of the Fortune 1000, Sandals Resorts (regularly), colleges, universities and behind the bar with the legendary Heba Haba Al at the old New York Lounge in Chicago and at Schuliens (which doesn't mean much to most of you, but to magicians it should).
Blaine, regardless of what you might think of his technique, has done more for close-up magic than anyone in the last 20 years as far as getting the public's attention and interest.
I only hope that I can do the same.
Learning to apply some of the body misdirection that he and other magicians use, can be very effectiv for any martial artist. It can even be usd to cover a weapon draw.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
PS apologies for the slightly off topic post, but there is another side to the Blaine issue. LD
-
Guest
david blane
Anyone can do magic!
Try this simple trick.
----------------------
Ask your boss for a raise
The Boss disappears really fast
Laird
Try this simple trick.
----------------------
Ask your boss for a raise
The Boss disappears really fast
Laird
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jorvik
david blane
im not a magician, but i do enjoy watching david blaine, his approach is very different from say, david copperfield.who i dont enjoy watching and i think that is why he is so succesfull. he probably isnt the greatest magician alive, but outside of magicians i dont think anybody would notice, its not a widely studied art.
can i ask karate kid and lee darrow if they have witnessed anything inexplicable in the martial arts?
by this i mean we are constantly hearing about the "empty force" "ki" "chi" etc.
ive seen people have concrete broken on their head with a sledgehammer, if their heads are that hard why dont they just hit them with the hammer? why do people lie on a bed of nails and not on one nail?
can i ask karate kid and lee darrow if they have witnessed anything inexplicable in the martial arts?
by this i mean we are constantly hearing about the "empty force" "ki" "chi" etc.
ive seen people have concrete broken on their head with a sledgehammer, if their heads are that hard why dont they just hit them with the hammer? why do people lie on a bed of nails and not on one nail?
