Japanese children learn super-fast mathematics with abacus

[Geckomayhem]

I work in a Japanese school. Japanese in general aren't inherently good at any given subject by any means - including maths. Anyone, given enough interest and practice, can master any subject or discipline they put their mind to (so long as they don't have a mental disability). I'd rather exercise the creative side of my brain though; it's more fun. ;)

[cyberpunk2100]

Not lvl asian, if you dont give a xbox nor tv nor nothing let only an abacus in his bedroom to play like a crazy he can do like that lool

[shishamu]

and this is why asians in america is generally dumber....your parents have to be extremely strict for you to be that smart...

[Tristamus]

Could someone let me know the proper name of where this video comes from? What is the name of this Documentary?

[UnverifiedUser]

That is really, kinda creepy

[DoesHeDieded]

Difficulty Level: Asian

[robbysharolaid]

I would rather die then operate like a fucking machine.

[Cobac]

@robbysharolaid kill yourself then , you already are born like a machine , you decide like a computer from code , youve already set your own code , color blue , lets asume its your favourite , line of code says - favourite color blue - true , there you are a computer

[robbysharolaid]

@Cobac You are a maniac.

[Cobac]

@robbysharolaid i programmed myself that way subconciously :) each different personality is a different coded program-like :) think about it you know they relate .

[shay1992ify]

like we use calculators in america...they use these.

[savotage09]

They didnt look humanlike while they were calculating

[Dannyisgreatful]

i knew they were aliens.

[WhySoAsi4n]

sigh... asians in America get dumber every generation (I'm 3rd generation and totally America-ized)

[el5pk]

what clip is this from? i can tell it's from some savant docu

[DarrylChang]

You took this from Daniel Tammet's documentary -.-

[MikeZ778]

i... just shat a duck...

[Coolguyrob2006]

I can't see how learning how to do long sums will help in anything other than this particular class. Would this help him learn algebra and differentiation etc.

[SupremeAmerican]

It appears as though America needs to neutralize the threat posed by these young Japanese warriors. This time instead of mere atomic bombs, we will use hydrogen bombs.

[destroychineseempire]

@SupremeAmerican , first show your example, killing your daughters and boys and mothers and fathers with your shitty hydrogen bombs. lol

[TheReasonWhyGuy]

I think if you challenge kids, they'll become more interested in math... I only really started caring about math when it was presented as a challenge...

[xAyaLollikies]

That kid is so smart :O

I'm 14 and even I can't usean abacus xD

[Zeknafein6]

nurds

[MrEpicFlashes]

@Zeknafein6 no they're asian which is being smart without being a nerd..

[ForevaNewsh]

@Zeknafein6

..."nurds"? Well, sir, I guess that would make you quite 'stoopid' now wouldn't it?

[Zeknafein6]

@ForevaNewsh No thank you

[heartzempire]

Fuck.I'm moving to Japan.

My school is retarded compared to these kids.

[PurletStar]

after watching this, i feel bad for not putting my full potential in school! :(

[Og3990]

this video is so asian my face hurts from watching it

[gohanDaniel1]

sugoi but with enough pratice i can become faster then this kid

[logitechbreath10]

this only helps with concentration and speed. This helps but ucmas isnt discover the genius within. Its like you know you keep learning the abacus and it affects the mind in a GREAT way. I do the abacus. I calculate really fast.

[kendallhoty]

i sholde start doin this shit XD T.T

[logitechbreath10]

@kendallhoty it isnt shit. When u get the brains u will know

[kendallhoty]

@logitechbreath10 i meant by like do things to become more smart e.e

[kurokaminiso]

俺はそろばんと習字とピアノをやらせて欲しかったお

[aluisious]

The funny thing is it takes 8 years of hard practice and trillions of neurons to replicate something you can do with a couple hundred transistors in a microsecond.

[Waterfall714]

you know mathematics and the calculation are obviously different.

[junitono1]

You have brought shame to our famiry!

[cyberbemon]

ahhh asians xD

[peaceawakeupcall]

i am speechless...

[evansendra]

1:34 Why do they make the math sound scary?

[Kawayoporu]

@evansendra Yea, that's what I was thinking that why would they put a strange music to make that scene part sound like it's like a problem here with those kids studying very hard like that and it's like a headache to me when kids practise like that so difficult I think for everyday, right? I have disabilities and I don't like math at all.

[Dulisk]

I'm japan they use abacus, but in united states of America we us calculator:/ (btw, wow they have insane skills o.O)

[aluisious]

@Dulisk Some people use calculators. I got through two years of physics and calculus classes in university with no calculator because they were not permitted in tests.

No amount of skill with a calculator is ever going to prove a new theory, or design a supercollider.

[jackstorm777]

Awesome, but whats the point? Master something more useful, maybe?

[mrrusss]

This is more about the amazing things that are available to us with work and practice than it is about doing math. The part where they don't need the the abacus anymore is the most inspiring. I'd like to get this familiar with a musical instrument.

[Vhozard]

It's amazing to see what the human mind can do.

But in today's society it's not a great skill, computers have replaced (nearly) all difficult mathematical calculations.

[Leafshinoby]

Isn't this china? or abacus is originally taught in china?

[fcym]

@Leafshinoby this is japan cos they are speaking japanese. but i'm not sure if abacus originates from china.

[lolio42]

is this from a longer video? if so what is it?

[mrrusss]

@lolio42

It was a documentary about a guy named Daniel Tammet. I believe it was called Brainman, on one of the Discovery channels. I think one theory is that he is like an autistic savant who is so "high functioning" that he doesn't have the severe handicaps that go with autism, just some of the mental abilities.

[TwilightFire]

...."Sometimes I am very strict, and they cry. Sometimes I hit them..." *steps on brakes* Wow! That's dedication if they keep going. Ain't nothing wrong with a little tough love.

These kids make me feel dumb. :B

[thetrueparadisecity]

I actually learned this and I thought I did it pretty good...until I saw this. wow these people are fast!! This is incredibly hard to master and I must admit that the calculator kinda ruined me because that is what I have to use at school.

[202drummerboy]

:( i thought i am  a clever .. ops "(

[zackhanscom]

what is the purpose of this exactly? and to take this to the logical conclusion, what's the purpose of self improvement anyway? you have 70+ years to live, i'd rather spend that time in ignorant bliss than focus all my energy on a particular meaningless goal. ultimately, any kind of "progress" is the result of ego. people think if they keep improving they'll get a better understanding of the world. and it's been that way since the dawn of civilization. have we gotten any closer to the truth? no

[devoutxcynic]

@zackhanscom um we have. electricity, technology. you talk too much. do something worthwhile in your life that contributes to the world instead of sitting your ass giving "higher than thou" opinions on youtube. spare us all the self-righteous bullshit. The truth is you need to get out your ass and do something, then include it in your youtube comment. Whatever the purpose may be defined by society for the pursuit of achievements you are one lazy fuck.

[alteph]

@zackhanscom you have point. but there's nothing wrong with learning whatever.

[iRwaaar]

I hit them

[CalyxAsgard]

In other words, if you practice with an abacus long enough, you can add or subtract large numbers with just your fingers.

[itsMurderess]

But does it run warhammer??

[lineridemidget]

i have just barely touched upon subconscious calculations :c

[mujijibu]

He can do super fast calculations but can't write the answers in a straight line xD

[ibfan1]

@mujijibu

Haha, I noticed that too, but I think writing in a straight line comes last in the order of importance. XDD

[mujijibu]

@ibfan1 What is the point of driving a motorcycle if you don't know how to walk ;)

Know the basics..... poor asians, they go for the stars xD

[ibfan1]

@mujijibu

The motorcycle to walking analogy makes no sense. o____o;

And I don't see why you pity them..? O_o;

[mujijibu]

@ibfan1 What is the point of being able to do a hard thing if you can't do a simple basic one? -.- I pity them because to get noticed they have to do a lot. Asia has extremely high standards

[ibfan1]

@mujijibu

Writing in a straight line and getting calculations correct aren't even related, so stop trying to connect the two. If I wanted to be the fastest, I could care less about writing in a straight line.

I find it sad/depressing that you pity them.

What's there to pity? They're trying to accomplish something. And since when did one get noticed for doing nothing?

Without high standards people would get no where and accomplish nothing.

[devoutxcynic]

@ibfan1 i agree. these people try to feel good with the crap they spout. whatever, do nothing in your life then. i dont care whether people are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated but ffs do SOMETHING, ANYTHING..the more it contributes to the betterment/progress of the world, the better. excuses/self-righteous pompous opinions cannot mask the fact of the matter which is LAZINESS.

[fcym]

@mujijibu Asia of cos has high standards because they are hardworking. which is why if the West remains complacent, they will be overrun.

[pastorsc01]

I love the critical comments here..Yes, calculators are wonderful but we still need to develop our minds and an abacus does this. Try going to a store and giving the clerk money and see how they make change..Most can't count money back to your and require the cash register's readout to do it for them. That's sad. I love it when the bill is something like $2.97 and I give the person 3.02 and they look at me funny because I just gave them enough for a nickel back. That's what this exercise does!

[ruthmagdalen]

It' s the development of the neuron pathways....it doesn' t matter if we have calculators or not these same highly developed (super highway in this case) pathways can transfer to many applications in life/maths/art/science. It' s all in the connections...making connections.

[sirexium]

seems to me they're not humans anymore!!!

I wonder if you can use it on extraction too?

[Xilosphere]

@sirexium I'd like to be comparable to a computer in lacking of "human-ness" as that for some reason seems to be the next phase of evolution in my opinion. Besides, humans are gullible and can be effected too greatly by emotion during those times it's least beneficial. I've begun practicing this method of calculation, and I hope within the next few years I'll be on par in the presence of those with such mastery of mathematical techniques. Sorobans need to replace in schools of all grade-levels.

[Insidee13]

omg i wish i could do that ............

[MrSaddleMaster]

I know where to get my next accountant.

[ElliotovHull]

Its impressive but they're tiem could be better spent. Who would need to do these large calculations that quickly and dont have a calculator.

[amandarocksyoursocks]

There are many things that are impressive but not necessarily helpful. That doesn't mean they aren't worth learning.

[HopefulOTaKu]

the little kids are so cute ^__^

and amazing O.O

[kourichan]

Tutor guy: Hai!

All the kids: *flip paper super quickly and at the exact same time*

:P

[mengyl]

abacus is a required course in China. At least it was when i was young.

[lennoxlude]

maths is very simple. it's all patterns, and if these kids are using a pattern to determine the answers much more quicker than other parts of the world in their minds, then good for them. i wonder if they also have patterns for such maths as alegbra, and so on.

very impressed with this form of calculations though.

see alot of bitter posts below, don't know why. envious maybe?

[wubs23]

they might be fast.... but 2 seconds later... i have calculated the same exercise, with 100% certainty..

it is called a calculator..

[Grcar57]

@wubs23

its a reason why they teach them these tehniques

so they dont need one. ITS called power of mind.

[midgetman8888]

@wubs23 the point is, they ARE the calculator

[666sv700]

holy fuck

im sending my kids to a school like that

[devoutxcynic]

@666sv700 whatever it is send them before they're 9..coz i got sent when i was 9-10 but it was too late coz i was already comfortable with doing it by memory even though it takes time

[MusicalPiano100]

When will people ever need to do this super fast?

Just as long as we can do it within maybe a few minutes, theres no point. Time and effort could be used for gaining valueable knowledge and learning new usefulo skills rather than this.

[alexaimaq]

haha holy crap

[GigaAndy]

So they can add up quickly. Too bad that isn't maths.

[Sina1879]

wtf, these guys seem so much faster than rudiger gamm and all those other human calculators........ wtf...

[blackmaskboy]

1:44

What's wrong with him?

[Smithinit101]

it looks to me like he's envisioning the abacus in his mind and the finger movements are what he'd normally be doing with the abacus, basically making it easier for him to "see" the calculations in his head

[AlienFt]

@Smithinit101 no shit sherlock?

[Maul3rR4ngx]

rofl! they can calculate with an imaginary abacus but they cant write inside the lines?!

[Mangostine1]

It is training for brain.

[slvrmsngr]

This is impressive, but a waste of teaching.

Why does any human need to train for years to hone this ability, when instead we can just use a calculator/computer?

[ANIMEEEEEE]

thats why now most of the people are becoming stupid and retarted ..... -_-

[MrNana5051]

yup!! T_T

[devoutxcynic]

@slvrmsngr EFFORT. to not get lazy. i think you need to watch wall-e.

[ChuckVanDamme]

thats why japanese have no soul.

it takes too long to be very fast at it.

in that time you can learn more mathematics.

[ruccus61]

exactly chuck, exactly!

[XxshonenxX]

now you know why some are bald To much stress from young age....

[theonlystory]

As impressing as this is, I would hate to be one of them. Having to sit there and being beaten until I became a human calculator... What's the point of it?

[devoutxcynic]

@theonlystory if you thrive on challenging yourself it shouldnt be

[DarkHalmut]

"some times i hit them" "i hope they are happy, they never have a smile on their face."

[poweredbydiscuz]

amazing method... all primary schools should teach this to their students...

[RockLeeLover100]

WOW!! XO

[ajachz]

I watched his on discovery channel last night. its showing how regular people can learn to do quick math.

[KWTJx3]

Amazing, now i feel really dumb

[IFlashFuryI]

wtfbbq

[xxDemonGirlxx17]

Thats amazing. Why dont they advertise this more and teach this in more schools???

[BomberLaaz]

cuz part of the currculum is you getting hit, and crying at home :P

[PiBBP]

Because calculators can do all the calculations these days and being fast at calculating doesn't have anything to do with you being good at mathematics (the important thing), so i guess people dont find it neccessary to teach this to the kids these days

[fcym]

@PiBBP but if you are good at calculating, you will have an advantage in maths. You will still need to be able to do mental sums in order to do well in maths.

[roflroflomgomg]

because it takes 8 years and how often in daily life do you need to use this?

[allgoo19]

roflroflomgomg: "because it takes.."

It's not all about learning a skill. It's more about learning how to concentrate your mind, learning how to improve yourself for the goal you set. A few of the most important things in life but lacking in many people these days.

Brain is just like muscle, if you don't use it, it gets weaker.

[MusicalPiano100]

Because this takes years and years of practising with an abacus and also, it isn't necessary when we have calculators which are exactly the same thing - push some buttons instead of the abacus things and you get the exact same result.. Except with much less practice or effort. Besides, when would doing maths this fast in your head be that necessary? I'd say it would be better using time up on more than just this.

[Shehdginger]

wtf...i want some

[Oyasumi12]

wow, sugoi!! :) it looks amazing! and the boy does not even need the abacus anymore! i am impressed!

i'd like to know how an abacus works, i've never seen one before... ^^°

[InuAva]

sugoi! i wish i had learned how to use the abacus when i was in elementary school...

[Tanbird]

same here..... it doesn't seem like its a bad way to learn.

[sameri3]

studs!

[PapaLeGrand]

hoooooooooooolllllyyyyyyyyyyyy shiiiiitttttt that is one smaaaaaart ass motha focka. anybody studyin math for school should take this kids example. 2 hours on a weekday, and 10 hours on a weekend. im still in school and i wish i had that kind of dedication. its my senior year and the rest of my life pretty much depends on how much i study. if only i had this type of dedication to my study. but then again, i bet he enjoys doing that, so it must be easy to spend that much time doing it.

[mirandadeaton11]

oh

my

god!