What if someone told you a man sliced a flying bullet in half with a sword? Sounds like an anime scene, right? But it really happened. And it was caught on camera.
His name is Isao Machii. He is a modern-day samurai who holds six Guinness World Records. But one of his most shocking feats was cutting a BB pellet in mid-air. The pellet was moving at over 500 miles per hour. That is faster than a race car or even a jet landing speed.
Let’s dive into how he did it, why the internet went wild, and what this moment means for fans of martial arts and geeky skills around the world.
Fast Facts
- Subject: Isao Machii, modern-day samurai and Iaido master
- Viral Moment: Sliced a BB pellet mid-air traveling at 820 km/h
- Verified By: Guinness World Records using high-speed footage
- Skills: Katana precision, reaction time under 0.1 seconds
- Training: Over 40 years of martial arts practice
A Viral Moment That Looks Like Magic
In a video shared by Guinness World Records in 2011, Isao Machii stands calmly in front of a BB gun. The gun fires a tiny 6-millimeter pellet. It travels at 820 kilometers per hour. That is about 509 miles per hour.
In less than a blink, Machii draws his katana and swings. The pellet splits perfectly in two. The moment is recorded using high-speed cameras, showing just how fast and precise his reaction is.
What Makes This So Impressive?
To understand how amazing this is, picture this:
Imagine someone throws a grain of rice at you from across a football field. Now imagine slicing that rice grain perfectly in half with a sword. While blindfolded. That’s how hard this is.
The pellet is only 6 millimeters wide. Machii’s sword hits it while it is moving faster than most cars on a highway. His timing and focus are what make the moment possible.
Even more impressive, this was not a lucky shot. It is backed by six Guinness World Records, including:
- Fastest BB pellet cut
- Fastest tennis ball cut by sword at 708 kilometers per hour
- Most sword cuts on straw mats in three minutes
Source: Guinness World Records, official record pages
Who Is Isao Machii?
Isao Machii was born on August 20, 1973, in Japan. He began practicing martial arts at age 7. Over the years, he became an expert in Iaido, which is the art of drawing and cutting with a katana in one motion.
He now runs a dojo called Shushinkan in Hyogo, Japan. There, he teaches students how to use a sword with control, focus, and respect.
Many call him the “Modern-Day Samurai” because he sticks closely to the traditions of ancient sword masters. But he also amazes the internet with his skills.
Machii has been featured in shows, documentaries, and martial arts festivals around the world. Despite his fame, he keeps a low online profile and prefers focusing on teaching.
How Did He Actually Do It?
There was no trick or tech behind the scene. Just skill.
He used a traditional uchigatana, a katana designed for fast drawing. The BB pellet was fired from a gun just a few meters away. Machii did not aim with his eyes. Instead, he used his deep training to feel the pellet’s path and respond instantly.
His reaction time is less than 0.1 seconds. That is about the same time it takes you to blink.
As Machii said in an interview with Guinness:
“It’s not about thinking. It’s about feeling the moment and letting the sword move.”
He practices with thousands of sword swings every week. He builds muscle memory, so his body reacts without delay.
Why Is This Going Viral Again in 2024?
Although the video was first posted in 2011, it returned to the spotlight in 2024. People started sharing it again on Reddit, X (Twitter), and TikTok. A Reddit user named u/CantStopPoppin posted the video on r/nextfuckinglevel, and it gained over 1,700 upvotes.
Fans began calling Machii a “real-life anime character.” Some even compared him to Zoro from One Piece. On X, users with anime fan accounts posted things like:
“He’s got the power of god and anime on his side!”
Why now? One reason is the growing interest in Japanese swordsmanship, anime-style heroes, and impressive real-world skills. Machii’s calm style and deadly precision hit the perfect note for today’s online audiences.
Did He Really Do It?
Yes. The feat was confirmed by Guinness World Records. It was filmed using slow-motion, high-speed cameras. The pellet did split in half in mid-air.
Still, some skeptics online say it may have taken many tries. Others complain that it wasn’t a “real bullet.” But even a 6mm BB pellet traveling at 820 kilometers per hour is incredibly hard to hit.
No major controversy surrounds the video. Most people are simply amazed that it was even possible.
Can You Do This Too?
Not right away.
Cutting a pellet mid-air takes decades of focused training. It is not safe to try this at home. Machii started as a child and trained every day for years.
But if you are inspired, you can start learning Iaido at a local dojo or through beginner courses. Here are some tips:
- Start with a practice katana (called an iaito). These are dull and safe for learning.
- Look for beginner lessons online or in martial arts schools near you.
- Try books like The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship by Masaaki Hatsumi.
- Join communities like r/Iaido on Reddit for tips and support.
Once you’ve gained some experience, you can take a look at buying Kanu swords and other Katana swords.
What Is He Doing Now?
Machii continues teaching at Shushinkan and performs in martial arts events. He keeps his focus on spreading Iaido to new generations. While he doesn’t chase fame, his viral moment has likely helped bring more attention to the art.
He has not announced any new products or partnerships. But his influence is clear. Many young martial artists now look up to him as proof of what is possible with focus and discipline.
Why This Moment Matters
This is not just a cool trick. It is a reminder that human skill can reach amazing levels. Machii’s feat is a perfect mix of discipline, focus, and tradition.
In a world full of CGI, his story is real.
It shows that geeky passion, when mixed with years of training, can turn into something almost superhuman. Whether you love anime, martial arts, or viral videos, this moment makes you believe in what humans can do.