The pioneer of modern firewalking on hot coals is Tolly Burkan, who, after long explorations, developed a training methodology, thanks to which the unique process became accessible to the multitude. Tolly Burkan founded the Firewalking Institute of Research and Education (F.I.R.E.) in California, US.

The F.I.R.E. institute trains and certifies professional firewalking instructors. They are trained to render professional assistance to people and groups of people in overcoming their inner fears and thus extending the understanding of their inner capabilities. Without any doubt, an instructor knows how to arrange a firewalking process in a safe and efficient way. Starting from July, 2006 Lithuania has two F.I.R.E. certified firewalking instructors: Darius Čibonis and Andrejus Sutuginas.

Since the ancient times fire has been worshipped as one of the most powerful and important elements of nature. The roots of firewalking trace back to the pre-historic times. Indian shamen used it for healing, Scandinavian Vikings used to walk on glowing hot iron shields in order to accumulate energy and stern for victorious raids, the inhabitants of the Oceanian islands walked on red-hot lava. Fire is and has always been a metaphor for any challenge, which can distract us from the goal. When learning to walk on a path of red-hot ember safely, people are actually learn to overcome their fears.

We know that our fears are beliefs, in this case, they are an obstacle needed to be overcome in order to reach more than has already been reached. When we take a step on the red-hot ember, we experience our fears and thus learn to make them serve us rather than obeying them. Our fears hinder in utilizing our true potential. After a successful overcoming of one big fear there is a chain reaction – other fears also vanish and self-confidence grows significantly.

It is normal that just a thought of a step into fire barefooted brings fear. Brian Tracy, a well-known guru of personal success and author of multiple books on leadership has said: “Your key to success is developing a habit of doing things you fear the most”. Firewalking is a nice symbol, helping to re-evaluate one’s true capabilities.

It is, if you are not appropriately trained. The temperature of hot ember reaches 250-700 C˚. At first glance it is hard to believe that it is actually possible. Unawareness of one’s capabilities is actually the main reason for such disbelief, which is called limited confidence.
Without any doubt there have been burns in case the person had not been appropriately trained. The F.I.R.E. institute in California has surveyed 20 persons, who incurred severe burns when firewalking. It appeared that they had one thing in common: before taking a step on hot ember they were certain that they will burn. All the people, who incurred burns when firewalking were sure that it is impossible before taking one step. Such people are not ready or prepared for such steps. A lot depends on the instructor’s professionalism – even after the training firewalking should be personal choice of every participant. The person has to be certain that he or she is going to succeed, and such a unique state can be experienced only when standing in front of a path of red-hot ember at the moment of determination. After finishing of the walk through a path of ember, by the other end of the path the person is not the same – he realizes that a minute ago he knew only one millionth part of his capabilities.

There are many theories, explaining why it is possible. However neither of them is perfect. Traditional science still has a lot to learn. One of the most popular theories is illustrated by an example with the paper cup of water, held above fire: the cup will not get into flames till the water boils away (the water does not allow the cup to heat more than 100 C˚). According to the supporters of the theory in case of firewalking human blood plays the role of such water. However the theory fails to explain why there are people incurring second-degree of third-degree burns – after all physical characteristics are similar with all people. The conclusion is the following: if in case of similar physical conditions (ember temperature, weight of a person, blood group, etc.) some people get burned and others don’t – the only variable which counts is the person’s state-of-mind. At the moment of taking an important decision human brain undergoes biochemical changes, helping to overcome the known laws of physics. It appears fire does not necessarily burn a person. This idea could be continued - ....maybe a person does not necessarily have to get ill, old and a lot of other questions starting with “maybe?”. This is a unique process, which becomes the most exciting experience in life for many.

In the modern world of business companies are in the state of everyday struggle for market share, in the times of increasing global competition every day is a struggle: you either grow or drop, floundering or taking small steps is equal to defeat. Firewalking helped ancient warriors to accumulate determination and energy for victory.

We have developed special training programs for teams from business enterprises, operating in an especially competitive environment and facing uncommon challenges. We are ready to pass over the ancient wisdom, which used to be accessible only to the elite and which will help to mobilize the immense inner reserves of every person or a team.