A Preliminary Macro-PK Investigation at a Martial Arts Center

Introduction: Speculation about the nature of mind and its relationship to physical reality has been part of our field since its inception. PK research is particularly relevant in this context, as it strongly challenges explanations that reduce consciousness to a mere epiphenomenon. Since Schmidt’s RNG studies (Millar, 2022), PK research has focused on micro-PK, involving extremely subtle effects and considerable ambiguity as to their true nature (i.e., whether indeed involving PK or instead a form of receptive psi). Directly observable and measurable PK effects would seem to be a more solid foundation for exploring ‘mind over matter’ and a number of research directions have been tested over time including analysis of spontaneous cases (RSPK or poltergeists) quasi-experimental work with physical mediums (Mulacz, 2021), and experiments focusing specifically on the movement of small objects isolated from the agent (Dullin & Jamet, 2020).  

Method: We present our first investigation of Panagiotis Senteris (PS), a Greek martial-arts teacher, who one of us had encountered in 2020, and who claimed not only to produce a range of PK effects, but also to train others to produce such effects themselves. Our investigation involved a 3-person team from France (the two authors and an assistant) and took place October 22-24, 2021, at PS’s martial arts center near Athens. Our objective was to document ostensible PK effects under good observation and control conditions, based on an approach that was partly ‘anthropological’ (PS situated in his own ‘ecosystem’ with his own target materials) and partly experimental (based on our own protocols, measurement systems and target materials). Documentation was based on video recordings with multiple cameras and continuous real-time with no takes. Additionally, our approach included a number of reference (or control) trials in France, prior to and following the trials with PS, using identical target materials.  

Results and Discussion: We obtained over 200 videos centered upon 14 experiments with different target materials. For the sake of this presentation, we summarize results under 4 broad categories.  

A – Influence upon proximate objects: 

We recorded a number of successful trials with target-objects influenced from a small distance (up to a few centimeters): movement of metal cans (with or without magnetic properties); rotation of a Crookes radiometer and of paper pyramids balanced on a needle (both free standing and enclosed in a glass container); influence on a digital scale (a 3.5 g decrease in displayed weight). We also observed the ‘ignition’ of a fluorescent tube upon contact with PS’s body; shifts in a magnetic field detector (2 to 3 milligauss) and intentionally induced increases in PS’s electric field (up to 160 volts/meter). These latter measurements seem especially relevant to understand the other effects. If PS can strongly alter his electric field, it seems plausible that effects on the rotating pyramid, radiometer, neon tube, etc. may be electrostatic phenomena.  

B –Temporary adhesion of objects to a vertical surface: 

These experiments involved, first, holding a fairly flat object such as a book against the vertical wall of a plywood desk; and second, slowly withdrawing the hand while wishing for the object to remain in place, despite gravity. Several successful trials were observed with a thin wooden plank and with books weighing from 54 to 510 grams and adhering to the vertical wall for up to 5 seconds after the person withdrew their hand.  

Control tests show that an electrostatic generator could make a single sheet of paper adhere to a vertical wall for a few seconds, but the weights of objects used would necessitate a far more substantial ‘charge’. Both visual observation during the trials and video recordings showed no suspicious system present. It is conceivable that PS and his students have learned to generate a very high electrical charges in their bodies, in just a few seconds; however, it should be noted that one of the successful trials was done by one of the experimenters, who definitely has no such electrical powers.  

C – Influence on distant objects (0.5 to 5 meters): 

Several target-objects were involved in this group. PS made a paper pyramid rotate, while enclosed in a glass cubic box from a distance of about 50 cms. He also triggered a 3 milligauss change in a CellSensor gaussmeter at a distance of 3 to 4 meters.  Both PS and two of his students seemed able to move small battery-powered cars at distances that varied from 0.2 to 5 meters with the remote-control device inactive and in plain sight. Finally, over the course of a few minutes, PS extinguished a candle several times, while seated in a meditative posture 3 meters away from it. 

The gaussmeter effect should be treated with some caution: this device belonged to the martial arts center, and we did notice some spontaneous shifts in its levels. Similarly, the toy cars used belonged to the martial arts center and when we conducted control experiments with one of these we found a construction defect: at random moments the car would spontaneously move a few centimeters all by itself, and this occurred even when isolated in a faraday cage. For the time being, then, little can be concluded with respect to these trials. On the other hand, we find no ‘normal’ explanation – such as air currents – for the paper pyramid’s rotation. And the results with the candle were even more impressive. These were brand new candles that we had brought with us; during the experiment we lit the candle ourselves and verified that air currents or intentional blowing could not extinguish it, given the distance. Furthermore, control tests (prior to and following the field trip) showed that the candle flames would stay lit for at least 130 minutes.