Are you interested in learning more about the Tony Robbins firewalk that is a part of Unleash the Power Within? Whether you’re curious about firewalking facts or want to personally learn to firewalk, these answers to frequently asked questions about firewalking will help give you the information you need.

1. How long has Tony been doing the firewalk at Unleash the Power Within events?

The firewalk has been part of Unleash the Power Within for over 35 years. Tony first learned to firewalk in 1983 and soon incorporated the firewalk into his seminars as a “powerful expression of moving beyond one’s fears.”

2. Why learn to firewalk? What is the purpose and what are the benefits?

Firewalking isn’t just a mind-over-matter exercise. Walking over hot coals is a symbolic experience that gives people the courage to take on any challenge. After all, if they can make it through the fire, they can make it through anything.

Many of the people who have completed the firewalk report a renewed certainty and self-assuredness that carries into every aspect of their lives. While their circumstances vary widely, participants report less stress and anxiety after the firewalk, having found the inner strength to address what’s holding them back in their career, their health or in their relationships.

The lesson of the firewalk is not about the fire, but about what it takes to get through it – which can be applied to any aspect of a person’s life. Do you want to learn to firewalk so you can finally create the healthy relationship you deserve? Or do you want to go through the ritual so you can increase your self-confidence and go after a career that will fulfill you? Participants have used firewalking to adopt healthy habits and lose weight, attain financial freedom and achieve goals in every facet of their lives. If you want to learn to firewalk, you’re certainly not alone.

3. Where did the idea of the firewalk originate? Do other groups offer it as part of personal development courses?

Firewalking has been practiced by people from different cultures for thousands of years. The earliest known firewalk happened in present-day India in 1200 B.C.

Firewalking is a popular personal development practice, though we do not know of any other firewalk that is done in this context – that is, a multi-day event with specific curriculum and experiences designed to increase psychological self-awareness, improve health and vitality, uncover the path to financial freedom and create stronger personal bonds.

4. Are attendees required to do the firewalk? Is there an alternative for those people who don’t want to do the walk?

Attendees are not required to do the firewalk; participation is 100% voluntary. If an attendee chooses not to do the firewalk, they are welcome to stay at the venue and participate by encouraging others as they do so.

Part of the power of the firewalk is that each person takes personal responsibility for their own decisions. They are never forced to participate in something they don’t want to do. Instead, they are encouraged to master their emotions, face their fear and make the personal choice to walk on hot coals.

5. What are the risks of the firewalk?

There are inherent risks to firewalking, which are detailed for all seminar attendees. Failure to adhere to the rules of the event, including standing in one spot too long or attempting to run across the coals, can increase the odds of blisters and burning.

The vast majority of participants – more than 99% – experience no significant side effects from the firewalk. When you learn to firewalk, you’ll discover more about the science behind walking on hot coals. You’ll be directed in the proper way to prepare yourself physically and mentally so you can cross the coals safely while still benefiting from the confidence of knowing you faced fear and took action.

6. What support and instructions are provided to participants?

Participants are extensively prepped during the seminar. You can ask any questions during this time and ensure that you have all the information you need to successfully get through the firewalk.

7. What kinds of side effects are most common?

The most common side effect of the firewalk is hot spots on the soles of the feet, similar to a sunburn, which can be treated with aloe vera. Fewer than 1% of participants experience hot spots or blisters as part of the firewalk and their symptoms are typically resolved in one or two days.

8. Why do participants scream and yell before, during and after the firewalk?

The energetic and supportive group environment is critical to helping participants get and stay in their peak “state” to complete the firewalk. Vocalizing their support through chants and yells helps carry participants through the exercise. One of the benefits of going through the firewalk is building strong connections with those who do the activity with you. When you support each other verbally and emotionally, you can increase the value of the shared experience and create bonds that will never be broken.

9. Are there any medical treatments that are done on-site to prevent blisters?

After doing the firewalk, attendees will have their feet hosed down to ensure that hot coals haven’t stuck to their toes, as those can cause hot spots or blisters. If participants do experience the hot spots or blisters, there is a trained team on site to evaluate and treat.

10. Have you changed any procedures for the firewalk over the years?

The firewalk has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced at Unleash the Power Within, though we have had to expand the venue to accommodate growing crowds at the seminar. We now also explicitly instruct attendees to put away their mobile devices, including taking photos or videos, until after their firewalk is complete.

Now that you know the firewalking facts, you see that nothing is holding you back from experiencing the benefits from learning to firewalk. Attend Unleash the Power Within to create your own firewalking experience and see how it changes your life.