National Geographic Channel Presents Fight Science

I love the programming on National Geographic Channel and I’m always happy to plug upcoming attractions whenever I receive their press releases. Tonight, we get a preview of a new series titled, “Fight Science” which delves into how top physically conditioned men and women can go into battle whether it be in battle or in the ring.

Here’s what you’ll see tonight.

FIGHT SCIENCE: ULTIMATE SOLDIERS
Monday, February 1 at 10PM ET/PT (Sneak Preview)
Burbank, CA: US Marine Corp scout sniper Mike in the sniper nest made of plexiglass. He is aiming at a target that is 100 feet away and he pulls the trigger between his heartbeats. He is trying to keep his core temperature as warm as possible until he needs to take a shot in this extreme environment. (Photo Credit: (c) Base Productions) 

Special operations forces are an elite breed of soldiers with the ultimate military training, superior physicality and extraordinary mental ability, especially under stress. Watch as the Fight Science team of scientists pushes these legendary fighters past their breaking point. A sniper is challenged to shoot between heartbeats while enduring temperature extremes inside a glass box. An Air Force pilot and an Army Ranger are spun in a gyroscope to test their ability to fight spatial disorientation. And the team will push a Navy SEAL’s water survival training to the limit by weighing him down in a pool. Watch as these special operations soldiers demonstrate the control of both body and mind that allows them to excel beyond most human limitations. 
Video #1 – This army ranger’s elite training helps him shoot on target even when his body is depleted of oxygen.

Video #2 – A well-trained sniper uses mind over matter to control his own physiology.

Video #3 – This ordinary Joe proves he’s no fighter pilot when a ride in the gyroscope makes him disoriented and sick.

Then on Thursday, the series has its regular premiere.

FIGHT SCIENCE: FIGHT LIKE AN ANIMAL
Thursday, February 4 at 9PM ET/PT (Regular Night/Time)
For centuries, martial artists have been inspired by the animal kingdom. But can a human strike as fast as a snake, be as nimble as a monkey or as powerful as a tiger? The Fight Science team tests whether kung fu experts stack up against their animal counterparts.  High-speed video cameras compare the striking speeds of human fighter and rattlesnake. A martial artist uses a crane technique to test his exceptional balance on a set of steel poles, each topped with a pedestal the size of a dinner plate, while pressure sensors in his shoes show how his weight is distributed. Then a mantis kung fu expert is challenged to catch flies like his insect inspiration. Finally, we see a demonstration of the fearsome, flesh-tearing Tiger Claw attack — and witness the shocking results on a dummy designed to react like the
human body.   

Los Angeles, CA: Bren Foster, a self defense instructor demonstrating the tiger style. (Photo Credit: (c) Base Productions)

Video #1 – Danny uses his monkey technique to accomplish astounding feats of agility.

Video #2 – Li Jing is trained to attack like a snake, but is she faster than this Western Diamondback rattler?

Video #3 – Crane style Kung Fu fighters are known for keeping perfect balance, even while evading lethal attacks. 

The rest of the episodes include:

There’s also a video game to check out if you so choose. Thanks to the National Geographic PR department for sending me the info.

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television. Fang celebrates the three Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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