Dim Mak or Touch of death is an ancient Chinese martial art that consists of striking
certain nerve points, vital points or pressure points
(a place on the body close to the surface of the skin, which means that it can be
pressed to partly stop the flow of blood or chi)
in order to kill, injure, or otherwise control an opponent. Dim Mak theory is based on the idea that certain pathway lines called meridians
exist on the human body, along which are found many hundreds of acupressure points.
According to Dim Mak attacking these points (or combinations of points) with
particular intent and at certain angles can result in either enhancing or withdrawing chi
flow in the body.
Consequences range from weakening an adversary, to paralyzing limbs or organ systems,
to slowing bodily functions to the point of death.
Dim mak has many valuable benefits, it makes martial arts training fascinating, it can be
an additional tool we can use to defeat an enemy and it can lead students to become
interested in acupuncture. To be able to use Dim Mak, one needs to know the location of the pressure points and be
able to direct chi to those points by touching or striking. Many of the points work
when just hit with normal external power,
that makes Dim Mak an extremely dangerous martial art. The effects of attacking
the pressure points include knockout, death,
and a delayed death. In ancient times, this information was only taught to the advanced and trusted students.
As the martial arts spread around the world, the knowledge of Dim Mak remained in
isolation and secrecy. Lately this tradition of secrecy has been broken and there
are martial arts schools which teach the methods of attacking the pressure points
to the public. This information is now available at seminars and books. Even though
this has had a positive effect on the martial arts, it does raise the issue of safety.
Kuk Sul Hapkido Martial Arts Training DVD
Dim Mak