How this guy gave himself flamethrowing punches using cheap tech and a little effort

Any fan of Avatar the Last Airbender has probably dreamed of fire bending. Well friends, dream no more, because it's now a reality, thanks to a little DIY hacking. 

L.A.-based Allen Pan crafted a set of wrist-mounted devices that allow anyone to emit a burst of flames in a straight line when executing a punching motion. Connecting a butane fuel chamber and solenoid valve to an Arduino Pro Mini and an accelerometer, Pan was able to make sure that the flame only shoots out when a "good punch" (high speed motion, then sudden stop) is sensed by the Arduino-controlled device.    

To show off just how cool it can be, Pan mounted the flamethrowers to the wrists of a real martial arts expert. Combined with a soundtrack that brings to mind visions of Samurai Champloo, the sight is like all our karate dreams come true.  Read more...