Beyond Human Endurance – Discovery Channel
January 1, 2003
In Beyond Human Endurance, a Discovery Channel Documentary, we span the globe and see the human body pushed to amazing extremes. Travel to New York, where Shaolin Monk, Shifu Shi Yan Ming, from China’s Henan Province immerses his hand in sub-freezing water and breaks boards on his torso – without even flinching. In India, meet a group of Sadhu holy men who sit in a ring of fire, quietly meditating while flames rage mere inches away from their skin. And follow a unique extremist as he subjects himself to self-mutilation during the curious Easter week rites of the Philippine village, San Pedro Cutud. Witness the impressive physical and mental methodologies behind these stunning triumphs of the will and learn how these mere mortals can withstand the most excruciating pain imaginable.
Prof. Richard Chapman, Ph.D
Spear to the throat.
Above
Shi Yan Ming demonstrates the effect of chi of the body. In this photo, a student uses a brick to break two stone slabs against Shifu’s upper back, while bending two spears that are set into his neck. During this demonstration, a doctor measures Shifu’s blood pressure and heart rate.
Breaking a board over the arm.