One Finger Handstand

Is a one finger handstand even possible?

Most would say that no human could possibly do this feat. But then most would agree Shaolin monks are anything but normal people!

This video shows a 91 year old monk Hal-tank from the Sil Lum Temple in China perform that feat.

As I’m sure you’ll agree this move goes beyond just finger strength, requiring intense focus of chi.

There are many other monks who have mastered a two finger handstand like this picture shows. Thanks to Gay Ng for sending it to me.

Two Finger Handstand by Shaolin Monk

Two Finger Handstand by Shaolin Monk

The True Art and Science of Hand Balancing
The True Art and Science of Hand Balancing on Amazon

(You can also witness this feat from another Shaolin monk in the awesome DVD Shaolin: Wheel of Life available for cheap on Amazon.)

But getting down to a single finger handstand takes many more years of dedicated practice.

Its sure to be an entirely different approach but there’s a full chapter by Bob Jones, famous for his thumbstand, on doing fingertip pushups and handstands in The True Art and Science of Hand Balancing.

You can get started with the basics. Whether you’ll work up to two or one finger handstand like the monks do is up to you.

Good Luck and Good Hand Balancing,
Logan Christopher

Want more?

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive blog updates. Find it in the top right of the sidebar.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 Responses to One Finger Handstand

  1. Ryan August 18, 2009 at 12:05 am #

    I already saw this. I would be interestedif we could develop a way to do and teach people this.

  2. palmcron August 18, 2009 at 3:57 am #

    There are also circus-performers performing a one-finger-handstand. Have a look at Rudi Macaggi for example (there is at least one other, who also does it, but I forgot his name) – and they even do it without a wall!

  3. Jock Young December 3, 2009 at 1:31 pm #

    I personally knew Armit Tighner (sic?) in the mid 50’s who does one-finger handstand sans wall. However, he uses a customized gun-like device that supports the finger, that he conceals with a glove. He also does handbalance walking on 6 ft stilts. Any one has any sighting of this former circus performer?

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Two Finger Balance and Spring | Lost Art of Hand Balancing - August 9, 2010

    […] has to be one of the most amazing feats I have ever witnessed. I’ve show-cased Shaolin monks and the finger balancing abilities before. But this is amazing and I have no doubt to its authenticity. Watch and see the ‘Two […]

  2. The Wide World of Hand Balancing « Blog Archive « The Wide World of Hand Balancing - September 14, 2010

    […] There is finger balancing. Many people can work up their finger strength in order to be able to support the weight just on the fingers. In fact, hand balancers of the past like Bob Jones were capable of doing fewer fingers. Bob was most famous for his Thumb Stand. There is rumored Shaolin monks capable of on doing a one finger handstand. […]

  3. The Wide World of Hand Balancing « The Wide World of Hand Balancing - September 16, 2010

    […] There is finger balancing. Many people can work up their finger strength in order to be able to support the weight just on the fingers. In fact, hand balancers of the past like Bob Jones were capable of doing fewer fingers. Bob was most famous for his Thumb Stand. There is rumored Shaolin monks capable of on doing a one finger handstand. […]

  4. The Wide World of Hand Balancing | Gymnastics-Trophies - October 27, 2010

    […] There is finger balancing. Many people can work up their finger strength in order to be able to support the weight just on the fingers. In fact, hand balancers of the past like Bob Jones were capable of doing fewer fingers. Bob was most famous for his Thumb Stand. There is rumored Shaolin monks capable of on doing a one finger handstand. […]

  5. The Wide World of Hand Balancing | Ladies - January 19, 2011

    […] There is finger balancing. Many people can work up their finger strength in order to be able to support the weight just on the fingers. In fact, hand balancers of the past like Bob Jones were capable of doing fewer fingers. Bob was most famous for his Thumb Stand. There is rumored Shaolin monks capable of on doing a one finger handstand. […]

  6. The Wide World of Hand Balancing · shaolin - April 27, 2011

    […] There is finger balancing. Many people can work up their finger strength in order to be able to support the weight just on the fingers. In fact, hand balancers of the past like Bob Jones were capable of doing fewer fingers. Bob was most famous for his Thumb Stand. There is rumored Shaolin monks capable of on doing a one finger handstand. […]

  7. Two Finger Balance and Spring - November 26, 2012

    […] Mastery This has to be one of the most amazing feats I have ever witnessed. I’ve show-cased Shaolin monks and the finger balancing abilities before. But this is amazing and I have no doubt to its authenticity. Watch and see the ‘Two […]

Leave a Reply