What is the widest sword swallowed?

In 2009, the Guinness World Record for "Largest Curve in a Sword Swallowed" was achieved by Dai Andrews with a 120 degree curved sword.

What is the length of sword swallowing?

Sword swallowing dates back to India 4,000 years ago, and only a hundred or so people in the world practice it today. What all sword swallowers have in common is a mastery of their gastrointestinal anatomy that allows them to slide a 16-inch sword — or longer — all the way into their gut.

How hard is it to swallow a sword?

It's a sideshow so dangerous there are only a few dozen full-time professionals, according to trade association Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI). The society claims sword swallowing takes 3-10 years to learn, though some say they mastered it in six months.

How many people can sword swallow?

Only 1 out of every 250 million people know how to Sword Swallow. There are less than a few dozen professional Sword Swallowers left actively performing the 4000 year old ancient art around the world today.

How is the sword swallowing trick done?

Tilt your head back, tucking in your chin until your mouth and esophagus align with your spine. “Get everything in a straight line,” says Dai Andrews, who travels the world as a sword-swallowing performer.

Guinness World Record; The Longest Sword Swallowed

Do sword swallowers have a gag reflex?

Some people have a very strong gag reflex, others more minimal. Regardless, since a reflex is involuntary, sword swallowers must train their bodies to ignore it. This is done by acclimatizing the pharynx to being touched, beginning first with objects such as fingers, spoons, plastic tubes, and knitting needles.

Is sword swallowing legit?

The act of sword swallowing is a complex process called 'peristalsis' which involves using up to 50 pairs of muscles in the throat. There is no actual 'swallowing' of the sword. Instead, the performer relaxes the throat enough to allow the blade to slide down the esophagus.

How much do sword swallowers make?

Because the performances are physically taxing, that's her max — unless she wants to risk “sword throat” (what the performers call a sore throat). For these gigs, her rate starts at $150 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. The rate increases depending on the equipment and travel required.

What does sword swallowing feel like?

From most to least common, the side-effects they experienced from sword swallowing included: Throat pain[, or sword throat. Persistent lower chest pain, likely from injury to the esophagus or the diaphragm. Internal bleeding.

How much human blood would you need to forge a sword?

Forge a sword

Blood contains iron. Swords are made of iron. It was only a matter or time before someone wondered how much blood it would take to cast a broadsword. The evil geniuses on r/theydidthemath calculated that it would take 3600 pints of donated blood to extract enough iron to forge a sword.

What is the side effects of sword swallowing?

Sore throats are common, particularly while the skill is being learnt or when performances are too frequent. Major gastrointestinal bleeding sometimes occurs, and occasional chest pains tend to be treated without medical advice.

What is the secret of sword swallowing?

In reality, sword swallowing is not an illusion or trick. Those who practice it must first overcome their reflex gagging at objects touching the back part of their mouths. Long practice controls this reflex. The pharynx must also be conditioned.

How do sword swallowers learn?

As a 2006 study of sword swallowers describes, performers train by “repeatedly putting fingers down the throat, but other objects are used including spoons, paint brushes, knitting needles, and plastic tubes before the swallower commonly progresses to a bent wire coat hanger.” It goes on to note that “sore throats are ...

Can anyone learn to sword swallow?

SSAI research from sword swallowers around the world has shown that it can take some people from 3 years to 7 years to learn to swallow a sword, and up to 5 years to master it, and some NEVER learn.

Do sword swallowers get hurt?

Most serious sword swallowing injuries and fatalities occur after minor injuries or while attempting a feat beyond that of a normal sword swallow. The most common injury is a sore throat when first learning, after frequent consecutive performances, or after swallowing curved swords or several swords at once.

Why do I battle to swallow?

They have many causes. These include being dehydrated, not chewing long enough, or taking bites of food that are too big. Other swallowing problems stem from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition happens when bile or stomach acid flows back into your food pipe (esophagus).

Who is the best sword swallower in the world?

Brad Byers is truly a talented and amazing sword swallower, juggler, and yoyo tricks expert. He is well recognized by the media, sideshow community, world record organizations, and his fans for a lifetime of dedication and excellence.

How fast is the tip of a sword?

And In Conclusion. The cutting surface of the sword moves at approximately 70 km/h.

Can you fight with a sword in your mouth?

There is simply no way to fight effectively with a sword that is held in the teeth. You cannot manipulate it nor apply force effectively while it is held in the teeth.

Do you lose the ability to swallow?

Dysphagia has many possible causes and happens most frequently in older adults. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia. For example, people with diseases of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease, often have problems swallowing.

Why was sword swallowing invented?

Sword swallowing originated thousands of years ago in India by fakirs and shaman priests who developed it, along with fire-walking on hot coals, snake handling, and other ascetic religious practices, as demonstration of their invulnerability, power, and connection with their gods.

Do sword swallowers use collapsible swords?

That's why there are a number of devices – most notably collapsible swords – which are often employed by performers to give the illusion of the act. At EPIC Entertainment, our sword-swallowing performers use no such device. Our sword swallowers use real swords – no tricks and no special effects.