"Non-lethal" Dim-mak Applications

[Rick Bauer]

Hi everyone,

Within the subject of dim-mak, one of the most commonly asked questions from the general public is "Most of the published material on dim-mak contains lots of stuff on killing people.  But all I want to learn are the non-lethal dim-mak techniques."

Yesterday (as a case-in-point), I received an e-mail from a martial artist who had been reading Erle Montaigue's books... in particular, his Dim Mak Encyclopedia (Vol. 1, on the Main Meridians).   The question asked was "I am trying to figure out what the non-lethal dim-mak strike combinations are.  I don't want to hurt anyone.  If I hit just one point on the body, coupled with one set-up, would that only give me a non-lethal KO?"  The well-intentioned individual had selected two of the Mu (Alarm) points as the primary points (LIV-14 and GB-24), and PC-5 as the set-up (i.e., extremely dangerous combinations!)

As a point of discussion, are some of these higher-level subjects becoming so over-publicized and so distorted by the multitude of divergent opinions, that they are becoming even more dangerous.... even though a lot is known about their risks?

The person in the example was combining views from two different sources... Montaigue and (unknowingly) George Dillman.  The erroneous and over-simplified concept that striking two acupoints will produce a KO is a central tenant of Mr. Dillman's teaching.  Is this swirling of concepts posing any long-term risks or problems to the progression of the Arts?  What (as responsible educators) can we do about it?

All the best from sunny Bahrain,

Rick
     

[lmgrahamdc]

Non-lethal dim mak?  Hmmm, interesting.  Make sure you tell them to have someone practise the points on them first, and then the good news is, is that eventually they will deplete the planet of these genes and it will all go away.....one can only hope.   Hope all is well in Bahrain...Leslie

[Rick Bauer]

Hi Sensei Leslie,

In reference to your e-mail, I would very respectfully add the following...

Non-lethal dim mak?  Hmmm, interesting.  Make sure you tell them to have someone practise the points on them first, and then the good news is, is that eventually they will deplete the planet of these genes and it will all go away.....one can only hope.

(Grin!)  Yes!

All the best from the Gulf,

Rick
 

[cjperk]

As a point of discussion, are some of these higher-level subjects becoming so over-publicized and so distorted by the multitude of divergent opinions, that they are becoming even more dangerous.... even though a lot is known about their risks?

Risk? Yes I think so this is one of those subjects that alot of those in martial arts today clearly do not understand. They think that they can pick up a book or learn a KO combination and start using or teaching it as simple KO with out truly knowing what they do. Some do not believe in dim mak and do not believe in chi or its disruption but yet thay still practice these deadly combinations on there students to gain or prove they skills surpass all others.

Is this swirling of concepts posing any long-term risks or problems to the progression of the Arts?

I think so those that are will to clam to teach these skills without full knowledge of what they do and the repercussion of these action can throw disbelief in all who teach martial arts.

What (as responsible educators) can we do about it?

Be honest with our students teach them to look and learn with an open mind. That skills of any kind must be learned and learning takes time their are no short cuts. Would you want to go into surgery with a quick study doctor who had no experince studing with someone who has done the operation before? Or a doctor who had gone through school studied as intern and learned hands on from a doctor with experance and who has done the operation many time over successfully?   Jim

[Anthony Clark]

Too much in life is oversimplified.  Reminds me of Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own."  To paraphrase, "If it were easy, everyone would do it."  People want it easy.  One of the reasons why I look so fondly upon good martial arts is that it is hard.  You have to practice.  And then practice some more.  And after you've built a foundation, practice some more.

People in  the world and especially in America want a microwave answer.  "Teach me in a weekend seminar to be great."  So they get what they put into it.  Like Tai Chi taught in most places today.  Watered down with nothing to show.

As educators and teachers, it is our responsibility to teach correctly, which means it's also our responsibility to learn correctly and be open to the change that learning brings.  I agree with Jim.  There are no short cuts.  Over time you learn most of an art.  Teach patience when you can.  By setting a good example, students will want to learn from a good teacher, and more importantly, follow closely in their footsteps, not diverge down a "shortcut".

Anthony.

[Rick Bauer]

...I think ...this is one of those subjects that alot of those in martial arts today clearly do not understand. They think that they can pick up a book or learn a KO combination and start using or teaching it as simple KO without truly knowing what they do.

Some do not believe in dim mak and do not believe in chi or its disruption but yet thay still practice these deadly combinations on there students...

Hi Jim,

Yes, I respectfully agree with your thoughts.

There seem to be a lot of people who buy this material, but take very little time to read and understand it.  Erle Montaigue's Dim-Mak encyclopedia (Vol 1) is on the shelf of tens of thousands of martial artists... and in many cases, those same readers have also bought Sigung's book, Dillman & Thomas' books, Rick Clark's book, Muncy & Moneymaker's books, Bruce Miller's "pamphlets," etc., etc., etc.  But when they discuss what they know of certain types of strikes...  they give a blank stare, and often reply "that will hurt a lot, right?"

The other thing I occasionally hear is "Just show me ten really good strikes which I can use in any fight.  I am not interested in learning the rest of the TCM and stuff."  

AMAZING!

To paraphrase Sigung... "You show them a wonderful pecan pie... and all they do is pick off a few crumbs!"

All the best from the Gulf of Arabia,

Rick




             

[cjperk]

Internet Dim-mak is that the future? I have fallin into a discussion on another board after they wrote this.

Pressure point knockout is not caused by blount force, unlike a boxers knockout, which can injure the person in a long term way, so far we have not found that with the pressure points.

Wow! and if you want to learn more he is

basically any questions on pressure point fighting you have I will be willing to answer.

What do you think any questions you always wanted answered? Jim

[Rick Bauer]

Hi Jim,

Ohhhhh.... this is SOOO tempting! (grin!)

Let me guess... the so-called "expert" you are quoting is a advocate of the nerve facillitation theory of how and why *ALL* pressure point techniques work?

All the best,

Rick