Javier Jarqui Is The Card Ninja

Card Ninja Trick Shots

Since winning the 2007 `So You Think You`re Funny` competition in Christchurch, New Zealand, Javier Jarquin has spent his time working as a professional comedian. He’s played and headlined in some of the biggest clubs in NZ and Melbourne, appeared on television, and was a core member of New Zealand`s longest-running comedy show: Scared Scriptless. Since moving to London in August 2010 he has established himself as a UK circuit regular and headline act. He has performed on the same bill with top names such as Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee, Jo Brand, and Paul Daniels. He was a finalist (4th place) in the prestigious ‘Hackney Empire New Act of the Year’ Competition and has also performed in Croatia, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia. Jav shares his quick-thinking, fast-talking attitude with his audience in a way described as “slick, professional and completely approachable”. Being a professional improviser, we’re never sure if he’s making it up as he goes along – neither is he.

As well as his award-winning stand-up, Jav also has a variety act: CARD NINJA. The Card Ninja possesses extraordinary skills which are more than just sleight of hand; these ‘tricks’ are on another level, and unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch as Javier uses ordinary playing cards as weapons, with unfathomable precision, speed, and power, in a unique that you’ll never see before.

When growing up Javier, like many, was heavily influenced by martial arts films. Think Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. His retelling of the story still possesses the passion he must have intrinsically had in his youth. As a result, he wanted to become a Ninja. A warrior, skilled in martial arts and able to take on multiple opponents at any one time. However, he had one drawback – he didn’t have any weapons. Enter the cards. Night after night. Day after day Javier would practice until eventually, he could make cards his weapon and make his weapon into an art form.

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