Fire Spinning
Q: What is Fire Spinning / Poi?
A: “Poi” is the Maori word for a ball on a cord that is swung around the body. “Poi” is pronounced like “Toy” or “Boy”.
The Maori are natives of New Zealand. Poi are used in a dances by the females (sometimes used as mating rituals), and also swung for co-ordination training by the warriors before battle. Poi are also used as a training aid for other ancient weapons like the Mere or Patu (Short club)
Standard Poi heads are the size of a baseball to a softball (depending on type and personal preference). Heads range from being simple beanbags, black light reactive tailed bags, light up heads (LED), glow sticks, or Kevlar® wicks to be soaked and lit aflame (aka Fire Poi).
Standard Poi cords range from anything to simple nylon… to string, steel cord, woven material, or chains. Often the lighter poi heads (bean bag) will have a light cord (nylon, string), whereas the heavier heads (LED, fire) will have a chain cord.
Q: What part do you have in learning / using Poi or Fire Toys?
A: I started learning Poi in Late October of 2003. I spin Fire Poi, LED poi, flag poi and fire whip. And for those wondering, no, I haven’t killed myself or burnt myself yet. While this is a danger of spinning, I accept it and know the risks. I personally spin with a high level of safety (nearby extinguishing methods, etc) and don’t spin with my Fire poi until I know how to perform a move without endangering myself.
For me spinning came as both something entertaining to others, but primarily with heavy spiritual aspects involving my connection with my divinity. I spin both publicly using my LED and fire heads at clubs and gatherings, semiprivate (amongst friends), and totally privately for personal spiritual reasons. I enjoy spinning for others in that when doing so I can provide them with something entertaining. I personally greatly enjoy being able to share this gift I am learning to others, even if I don’t know them. I truly is an art form, and I am learning much about myself within it.
Q: Do you have any pictures of yourself spinning fire or led poi, or fire whip on the net?
A: Yes, available here.
Q: Isn’t that dangerous?
A: Yes. However, I take proper safety precautions as well as practice long and had with “non-lit” toys to make sure that I am ready to perform when the time comes
Q: Where can I find out more about Poi / purchase a set of practice poi?
A: I would recommend Home of Poi for all your poi needs. Further they have galleries of hundreds and thousands of pictures of spinners, forums to meet others, etc.