Customer Reviews

Advanced Pressure Point Grappling

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the third book in Mr. Dillman and Thomas' series on Pressure Point Fighting. In terms of overall content, there is a considerable amount of overlap with the material covered in their second book. The authors attempt to cover 60 of the 350+ classical Chinese acupoints (22 on the arms, 21 on the head and neck, 11 on the torso and 5 on the legs), and 4 "extra-ordinary" points (3 on the arms and one on the legs). Of the points covered by Mr. Dillman and Mr. Thomas, only nine are new to this volume; the rest were covered in the previous texts. In my humble opinion, the point location charts are excellent, and well presented. Some of the theories presented by the authors on the basis of Pressure Point Strikes, as well as the reasons why Pressure Points work, are controversial within the Martial Arts and Medical community.

In many instances, the descriptive information listed for the points is identical to the information given in the second book In fact, the most significant difference is the point location graphics have been greatly improved. In addition, there are some minor changes. For example, the authors have added some text to selected points, describing the use of set-up points to augment certain strikes.

The level of information given on each point is not consistently presented. In general, the authors give a description of the point location, and give what they believe is the anatomical structural association of the point (i.e., why it works in that area of the body). Then they usually (but not always) give a block of text marked "Method" in which they give some point activation instructions and occasionally discuss the results of the strike. This lack of discussion on the effects of the strike / rub / slap came as a great surprise, and may leave some readers disappointed. For example, on page 56, they discuss Liver 14 (LIV-14), simply noting that it is in close proximity to Gall Bladder 24 (GB-24), which lies slightly below it on the rib cage. The authors note that these points are "in close proximity and are used together," by striking them both diagonally. No additional narrative is given regarding the martial effects of the strike, nor the effects to the body from either point. This lack of basic information is concerning to me, since both points are extremely dangerous; a medium strike will produce a knockout (KO). With a slightly harder blow, both points have been known to be fatal! These points are highly reactive, and even mild strikes to LIV-14 can stop the heart from beating, and also adversely effect the Liver. None of these issues or risks are discussed for this point, nor the majority of the other points.

In addition, the authors provide a large section on application techniques, consisting of 50 waza.

This is the third book in Mr. Dillman and Thomas' series on Pressure Point Fighting. In terms of overall content, there is a considerable amount of overlap with the material covered in their second book. The authors attempt to cover 60 of the 350+ classical Chinese acupoints (22 on the arms, 21 on the head and neck, 11 on the torso and 5 on the legs), and 4 "extra-ordinary" points (3 on the arms and one on the legs). Of the points covered by Mr. Dillman and Mr. Thomas, only nine are new to this volume; the rest were covered in the previous texts.

In my humble opinion, the point location charts are excellent, and well presented. Some of the theories presented by the authors on the basis of Pressure Point Strikes, as well as the reasons why Pressure Points work, are controversial within the Martial Arts and Medical community.

In many instances, the descriptive information listed for the points is identical to the information given in the second book In fact, the most significant difference is the point location graphics have been greatly improved. In addition, there are some minor changes. For example, the authors have added some text to selected points, describing the use of set-up points to augment certain strikes.

The level of information given on each point is not consistently presented. In general, the authors give a description of the point location, and give what they believe is the anatomical structural association of the point (i.e., why it works in that area of the body). Then they usually (but not always) give a block of text marked "Method" in which they give some point activation instructions and occasionally discuss the results of the strike. This lack of discussion on the effects of the strike / rub / slap came as a great surprise, and may leave some readers disappointed. For example, on page 56, they discuss Liver 14 (LIV-14), simply noting that it is in close proximity to Gall Bladder 24 (GB-24), which lies slightly below it on the rib cage. The authors note that these points are "in close proximity and are used together," by striking them both diagonally. No additional narrative is given regarding the martial effects of the strike, nor the effects to the body from either point. This lack of basic information is concerning to me, since both points are extremely dangerous; a medium strike will produce a knockout (KO). With a slightly harder blow, both points have been known to be fatal! These points are highly reactive, and even mild strikes to LIV-14 can stop the heart from beating, and also adversely effect the Liver. None of these issues or risks are discussed for this point, nor the majority of the other points.

In addition, the authors provide a large section on application techniques, consisting of 50 waza.

This book contains little information per page, prefering oversized graphics and white space. I feel the money could be better spent to buy several books with more information. Dillman leads the buyer to believe that secrets will be revealed, yet the book barely scatches the surface of Pressure Point Arts. Better are the books by Yang Jwing Ming, such as "Shaolin Chi Na".

An interesting expansion to Mr. Dillman's original book, covering the use of a few additional acupoints on the human body.

I fail to see the reasoning from the review titled "It looks nice but.............., November 19, 2000"

The main problem I have in this persons article is that I know for fact (and from personal experience) that these are extremely effective techniques. In fact the techniques presented in this book are several times more effective in a real situation than a normally applied strike.

And also, an angry person who "wants to rip your face off," is always easier to defeat than an assailant with a clear mind and excellent coordination.

Further more, this is a book pointed towards advanced practices. That means they require practice. No technique will be effective without sufficient practice.

In conclusion, this book is an great adjunct to your knowledge if you have a background in wrestling, hapkido, or ju-jitsu.

This product arrived on time and was in good shape. The hard covers were in great shape. There was some underlining in the book but it was described to be in good not excellent or 'like new' condition. It was just like I wanted it. I always get a lot better quality and service with Amazon as opposed to ebay. I am not a fan of ebay. They don't stand behind their sales if something goes wrong.
Doug

This book contains good information on pressure point techniques.
Although in a real combat situation I would only consider them a bonus and not rely on them as a first line of defense.

This is a must for anybody martial artist who is looking to learn just that bit extra when it comes down to training,
The book is written extremely well with great pictures and easy to understand dialog... If not for anything the faces tell a thousand words by the expressions they have.

I am very glad to have been able to read and commend all involved in the making of this book.

This book does a good job at presenting basic tuite and kyusho jutsu techniques, along with some good bunkai from various kata. I think the book demonstrates that Mr. Dillman was exposed Seiyu Oyata during one of the best periods of receiving Okinawan bunkai knowledge in the U.S.

After 10 or 15 years of doing the same kata one begins to wonder what else is there about kata and these techniques? In the late 80's I came upon Dillman's tapes and books and was amazed at the effectiveness and efficiency of use. After exploring the many variations of "a punch is a block is a throw is a punch" some still wonder what else might be missed with the kata. This book opens another useful door for your kata and kumite techniques. Now after 40 years in the traditional martial arts I still continue to marvel at Dillman's revelations.
Thanks for opening another window of understanding.
Roberto
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