The Stunned Silence of Skeptics

Date: Weds, 1 February 2006

Has this ever happened to you?

You’re at a party or whatever and someone learns that you do martial arts.  So they want to see how fast you are and they make you hold out your hands and they put their hands over your hands and you’re supposed to flip your hands around and slap theirs before they can pull them away.

Pretty dumb, huh?

But, as martial artists, we occasionally have to put up with people who want a “demonstration.”

Well, I’ve got a good one for you.  Do it right and it’ll silence any doubters.

I’m going to let a guest tell you about it.

For the purposes of this issue, I recently called my friend Keith Pascal about an art he’s mastered.

I did my best to take notes and put our conversation in interview form.  Here it is . . .

Rob: Keith, I wanted to talk to you, so my subscribers could learn about coin snatching.  First, what is coin snatching?

Keith: Well, there are two different definitions. One has to do with balancing a stack of coins on one's elbow and then straightening your arm out and plucking the stack of coins out of the air. That's not the kind we're talking about.

Rob: Your coin snatch is martial-arts related, right? In fact, doesn't it have a Bruce Lee connection?

Keith: Right on both accounts. In my version of the coin snatch, you place a coin in the outstretched hand of a volunteer. You attempt to grab the coin before the participant can close his or her hand.

Rob: In the movie 'Bloodsport,' Van Damme switched one coin for another. Was that just movie stuff?

Keith:  Coin switching can be done, but I don't think Claude did it in the movie. So, yes, it was a movie stunt, but no, it's not just movie hullabaloo.  In fact, I have done it over 1,000 times. In my new book "Coin Snatching: The Reputation Builder," I teach a variety of ways to snatch and switch a coin.

Rob: What do you mean by "reputation builder?"  It’s a trick, right?

Keith: If someone performs it as a just a stunt, then it cheapens the effect, and yes, it comes across as being just another trick. So, I made sure to include presentation tips, story lines, and subtle ways to build your reputation as a martial artist. If we could switch gears a bit, let's talk practical application.

Rob: OK. How is stealing a coin out of someone's hand martial-arts related?

Keith: This may sound like a sales pitch. I apologize, if it does .... I devote chapters in the book on how to eliminate telegraphs ... you know ... those little body movements ansigns that people give off that signal they are about to move. You learn to smoothly, cleanly, and efficiently move your hand to the coin. Then you discover how to transfer the speed motion of coin snatching to your martial arts techniques, beginning with your punches.

Rob: Is it easy to make the connection?

Keith: There is an entire chapter in "Coin Snatching: The Reputation Builder" devoted just to martial-arts application.

Rob:  I was hoping you’d say that.

Keith:  I know a lot of martial artists who’ll benefit from that chapter. Anyway, I'll send you a copy of the book. Take a look at it, and let your readers know what you think of it. In the meantime, those who are interested can read more at http://www.CoinSnatching.com

Rob: Consider it done  :-)

Keith: And if any of your customers buy a copy, have them mention your name. I'll email them a few special, martial arts ebooklets that don't come with the book, normally. I'll even include a Speed eBook on improving one's reaction time. But they have to mention your name, or I won't know to include the martial-arts ebonuses.   Oh, and I'll include a few coin-snatching souvenirs, as well.

Rob: Thanks for the kind offer. Go to: http://www.CoinSnatching.com

Note From Keith: You have to mention Rob's name. If not, the people fulfilling the order won't know to forward your information to me, so I can include the ebonuses. Also, do let me know if you'd like it autographed ... To ___________(your name)? Just signed?

Well, folks, Keith did send me the book, and I can tell you it’s well worth the price.  Learn this ancient martial sleight-of-hand skill and you’ve got a guaranteed reputation builder wherever you go.

Have fun with it.

Rob LaPointe

P.S.  Remember, when you mention my name, you get the bonuses.  Don’t miss out on this deal.  Keith knows his stuff.  It’s a fun skill to add to your bag of tricks, and as Keith said, he made sure to relate it to martial arts training.