Ulmen Trials

The Ulmen Trials is the toughest test of Xtreme Card Manipulation ever conceived. It consists of 13 steps, each step requiring the challenger to complete a difficult move, series of moves, or to create an original move to meet strict requirements. Upon completing the trials, the individual or individuals attain the Ulmen “Master” title and a medallion in memory of the original Ulmen 4.

The Ulmen Trials has been a myth and legend for many years in some small villages in the Eifel region of Germany. A tale of 4 friends that would challenge each other secretly in the ruins of a castle to test their limitations and fears has again risen by the youth of a small town in Germany. Their challenges and tests of each other’s strength and abilities has been written about and told in many stories. Many of their stunts were incredibly dangerous involving fire, physical impossibilities and the like. One of the members, Marius Sr. was an avid card player and soon adapted some of his challenges with the use of playing cards. He soon got his friends to participate in his “card” challenges. These 4 friends soon became unbelievably skilled and the stories of their skills that have been passed from person to person are simply amazing.

When the original members passed away, several of their sons/grandsons attempted to carry on their fathers’ traditions and keep their legend alive. The original challenges that were carried out by the original Ulmen 4 were entirely too dangerous to make public. The Ulmen 4 representatives however continued these challenges, and invited others to partake secretly in memory of their fathers and grandfathers. With very little participation, they turned to one of the Ulmen 4’s biggest fans and one of the best manipulators that would attempt to participate in the original trials to help. They invited De’vo vom Schattenreich to assist in keeping their fathers dreams alive. He agreed.

When De’vo left Germany to the United States in 2001, he formed the Superhandz.com and Handlordz.com websites in the hopes of pushing forward the art of Xtreme Card Manipulation. He first attempted to hold a mini-trials, or Superhandz trials, in honor of the original Ulmen Trials but the Ulmen representatives did not like the idea. They persisted that the original trials would be the only way to keep their fathers dreams alive. So with the help of Handlordz and Superhandz, we are proud to help carry on the legend, the myths, and tradition of the Ulmen Trials, held in Germany.

We convinced the representing Ulmen 4 that the trials had to be less dangerous, and more achievable. Out of all the challenges that were attempted, they decided to focus on the xtreme card challenges, as Marius Jr. is one of the senior members, and wanted to commemorate his father and grandfather with this honor. With the help of a board, they decided on the new trials to be held and several organizations to include Superhandz went to work to promote and spread the word of the Ulmen Trials.

Today the Ulmen Trials is known as the world’s hardest card challenge and is spearheaded by the Ulmen 4 representing party in conjunction with Superhandz. Those that want to challenge themselves are invited to attend! The Ulmen Trials is about the individual, what they are capable of doing and pushing their internal limits to the end. This isn’t just about cards and what moves you can do, it’s about a personal commitment and the growth of both the human mind and body.

The first six of the thirteen steps are outlined for everyone to see. The remainder of the steps is given once you complete the first six. This keeps the competitors focused on the beginning challenges.

Requirements are very stringent and are enforced by the Ulmen 4 representing party. The individual taking the challenges will be alone with the Ulmen 4 in the old castle ruins where the Trials are held. The Trials is about the individual and their personal power. The feeling of being in the ruins, with only the Ulmen 4 is a very powerful one. The Ulmen 4 wear black cloaks in memory of their fathers/grandfathers and stand in front of you watching carefully that you fulfill the requirements. There is no slack by the Ulmen 4, after all the trials are about pushing personal boundaries and fulfilling the Ulmen 4’s original dream.

In previous years, the challenges were held in total secrecy in the castle. With the birth of the new Ulmen Trials, we continue the tradition. Only key people in Ulmen, and those that wish to attend and participate, will know when the trials occur and other details. Many facets of the original trials remain. The walk up to the castle on trial day, the torch lighting ceremony, the town warning, and the end of trial parties continues.

We cordially invite anyone interested in taking the NEW Ulmen Trials to attend. Please email De’vo vom Schattenreich at: handlordz@msn.com if you wish to participate in the new Ulmen Trials.