This is a fantastic book. If you’ve ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook is the perfect place to start. Love it.
Introduction
Before taking a closer look at the eBook, a quick word on my own training. Although I’ve been lifting heavy stuff for years, I didn’t begin doing dedicated grip work until 2007. Since then I’ve hit a wealth of PRs, and grip work has been a firm favourite.
Despite this, I haven’t devoted any serious time to tearing; primarily as I didn’t know how, or where to begin. Jedd has bridged that gap brilliantly, and my own card tearing has improved in leaps and bounds in just a few weeks. I have every confidence that full decks won’t be all that far away – a great feeling.
Now, back to the book itself. There are 5 key sections which get you tearing within hours :
Techniques
As with any aspect of gaining strength, there are several ways to do it. Jedd examines a number of techniques for tearing cards, covering everything from the initial hand positions to the movement of the tear. Several common and challenging techniques are clearly described, illustrated and demonstrated.
The book also outlines the various factors that will determine your preferred technique, including everything from hand size to the strength of your own wrists in a particular direction.
Making it easier, making it harder
Once the basic techniques are covered, Jedd explains the many ways of making the exercise easier or more challenging. These methods will enable you to bridge the gap between one type of deck and the next (and yes, there’s a big difference). They will also allow for progressions within your own training; more on that in a minute.
On the other hand, if your first torn deck is still in the future (very few people can tear a deck on their first attempt), these adjustments will bring that goal one step closer. In the meantime, of course, there are many variations on the ‘partial deck‘ theme.
Training
This section of the book alone is well worth the investment. Jedd outlines a number of exercises that will not only radically improve your card-tearing; they will aid you in a number of areas of hand and forearm strength.
Fortunately, all of these make use of training tools probably already found in your garage or home gym. These include :
- a kettlebell
- length of chain or rope
- sledgehammer
- timber offcuts
- and of course, plenty of duct tape.
NB : the general idea is to choose a couple of these exercises (the ones most relevant to your own needs), in addition to your regular routines. A tiny bit of grip work can go a long, long way.
Where to begin
If you think ‘all decks are pretty much the same‘, you’re not alone. However, there are actually several differences between one brand and the next. These range from the materials the cards are made from, to how slippery the surface is. These small variations add up.
In reality, there’s a natural progression from brand to brand. Working through this progression will make your life much, much easier.
Who to watch
After you’ve been tearing for a while, one of the best ways to improve your technique is to watch a master in action. Jedd lists some of the world’s greatest card-tearers, and the best place to watch videos of them in action. Superb.
Final thoughts on the Card Tearing eBook
I love this book. Not only does it go into great detail on the many aspects of technique and training, it’s an incredible resource. As with the Bending eBook, I refer to this one each time I look to refine a particular approach or test out a different style.
If you thought tearing up your junk mail was fun, wait until you read the Card Tearing eBook. Highly recommended.
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