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Pressure Point Karate Made Easy: A Guide to the Dillman Pressure Point Method for Beginners and Young Adults
Practical self-defense explained in words and photos. Includes illustrations showing the pressure points used in self-defense techniques.
- GenresMartial Arts
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
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March 15, 2008
This is the fourth book on pressure points written by George Dillman and Chris Thomas. The text has been written specifically with the younger martial artist in mind, and the authors make good use of photographs showing instruction with children.
The use of "pressure points" in martial arts refers to strikes to small points along the body which are used in acupuncture. As such, this book includes a very brief introduction to Asian internal medical theory (i.e., why stiking acupoints can be so effective), to help the reader understand the point terms and concepts, and makes references to Mr. Dillman and Thomas' earlier works.
Unfortunatly, the authors have chosen to only cover 17 of the 350+ classical pressure points (ten on the inner and outer arms, five on the lower torso and two on the legs). Regarding the selected points (L-5, L-6, L-8, H-6, EX M-UE-28, LI-7, LI-10, TW-11, TW-12, SI-7, CV-3, CV-4, CV-5, CV-6, SP-10, SP-11 and SP-12), the authors provide excellent anatomical diagrams, but provide limited descriptive text on where those referenced points are located and their martial function / application. In fact, the "how they work" paragraphs are so simplified, each of the discriptive texts numbers 14 words or less. While I can appreciate the fact that the authors are writing this text with a beginning martial arts student in mind, I think they simplified the text too much. A few areas do footnote Mr. Dillman and Thomas' earlier works, and suggest the readers learn more about the points once they become more advanced. But the existing text is so limited in the extent of its explanation, I am not convinced this is the best manner in which to write an introductory primer on a subject rooted in Chinese Dim Mak theory.
In addition to the few pressure points covered, the authors give a brief historical overview of the development of karate, and provide application overviews on the basic building blocks of a martial arts curriculum: stances, punches, blocks, kicks and kata. The final chapters include some training and drill advice.
The use of "pressure points" in martial arts refers to strikes to small points along the body which are used in acupuncture. As such, this book includes a very brief introduction to Asian internal medical theory (i.e., why stiking acupoints can be so effective), to help the reader understand the point terms and concepts, and makes references to Mr. Dillman and Thomas' earlier works.
Unfortunatly, the authors have chosen to only cover 17 of the 350+ classical pressure points (ten on the inner and outer arms, five on the lower torso and two on the legs). Regarding the selected points (L-5, L-6, L-8, H-6, EX M-UE-28, LI-7, LI-10, TW-11, TW-12, SI-7, CV-3, CV-4, CV-5, CV-6, SP-10, SP-11 and SP-12), the authors provide excellent anatomical diagrams, but provide limited descriptive text on where those referenced points are located and their martial function / application. In fact, the "how they work" paragraphs are so simplified, each of the discriptive texts numbers 14 words or less. While I can appreciate the fact that the authors are writing this text with a beginning martial arts student in mind, I think they simplified the text too much. A few areas do footnote Mr. Dillman and Thomas' earlier works, and suggest the readers learn more about the points once they become more advanced. But the existing text is so limited in the extent of its explanation, I am not convinced this is the best manner in which to write an introductory primer on a subject rooted in Chinese Dim Mak theory.
In addition to the few pressure points covered, the authors give a brief historical overview of the development of karate, and provide application overviews on the basic building blocks of a martial arts curriculum: stances, punches, blocks, kicks and kata. The final chapters include some training and drill advice.
Displaying 1 of 1 review