Pyrokinesis is defined as the act of controlling fire with one’s mind… and that is awesome! Super heroes and super villains alike have had control of this power and have either saved the public or terrorized them respectively. There has always been this natural awe of fire that we as human beings have, and control of it either puts fear or adoration into our hearts… sometimes both! Taking a step away from the movie screen, you can find people who control fire on a daily basis, and without any sort of superpower or high technological device. I’m not talking about fire fighters or demolition men either, I’m talking about real life people who have conquered their fear of fire and turned it into an art, a performance, and an overall awesome pastime to both watch and partake in.

Fire Breathing

Fire Breathing is something that most people have heard of in stories of dragons and sorcery, however you can also find the act in circuses, fire dances, and many other performances worldwide. All it takes is a little bit of quick burning fuel, a lighter, and someone with very powerful breath. Spit the fuel at a torch and you have a homemade man powered flamethrower. No superpowers needed. Oh… I forgot to mention but fire breathing is dangerous, and even if done correctly, a slight wind or a misplaced breath could cause serious injury or harm, so all fire breathers are trained professionals, and I think this goes without saying but don’t try this at home.

Fire Spinning

The first reaction that someone has when they see someone dancing with fire is “wow, isn’t that dangerous” and it is this illusion that makes the art of fire spinning alluring. However, as a personal practitioner, let me say that when the correct fuel is used, threat of personal injury during a fire performance is minimal, and you can practically hold a ball of fire in your hand… if you know how. That being said I will reiterate, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Fire Spinning itself used to mean the art of spinning balls of fire at the ends of chain, but since then the art has evolved and taken on a personality all of its own. Now you see staff spinning, fire fingers, fire whips, fire hula-hoops, fire gloves, fire swords, and much much more. The best thing about Fire Spinning, you can get into the act without the fire! Anyone who even has a slight desire to join the spinning crowd can easily make practice spinners out of socks and tennis balls, and can find numerous spinning resources online.

Fire Juggling

An old rule of the action genre is that everything is much cooler when it is on fire. Juggling in and of itself is impressive, but add a few flames to the mix and you get a real spectacular show. This guy manages to juggle sticks, torches, plates, balls, and much much more, and that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the fire juggling arts. I hate to beat a dead horse but I’ll say it again, DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME! Otherwise you too may be up on Youtube, except your video name will be “idiot sets himself on fire with a blow torch”… and no that won’t get you an article on our site… it’s been done before.

Related posts on 30ninjas.com:

• Homemade Explosions
• A Beginner’s Fire-Spinning Guide
• “I Am Your Father”
• Homemade Glider
• Flaming Balls — Not That There’s Anything Wrong With That
• It’s a Long Shot