No comments about Advanced Dim Mak.

5 comments about Ultimate Dim-Mak: How To Fight A Grappler And Win.

1. Im sorry some people who are grapplers feel that way.
   Im sorry that some people feel the need to argue about it.
   If those who feel they need to argue knew that Erle Montague actually WAS A FORMER PRO WRESTLER perhaps none of them would have actually said anything and made themselves look bad.



2. This book is great, and I just cant overstate that enough! This book has really good training techniques that can easily be learned from unlike many other books! how to develop your "eagle vision" improve accuracy etc. also shows 5 sleeper holds that will leave them lying! definately a good companion to add to any library. like many of mr. montaigue's books this book would be a great training guide whether a novice or advanced martial artist this book would be most benificial! know how to deal with a grappler by understanding his game and defeating him with your own by beating him before he can get you to the ground! or if he is lucky enough to have gotten you there learn dim-mak points that are easily managed from the ground by merely pinching! does not show you subnission holds, or grappling possitions. but rather how to avoid the ground in the first place. sounds to good to be true, or like someone thinking "im to good to be taken to the ground!" i know submissoins, and how to grapple. i know a little dim-mak, but i also know that if you study this book, then you will never be at a loss against a good grappler agian. A MUST READ!!



3. This book is very good...in my opinion. I only have 3 stars because I'm very picky in order for my review to be taken seriously. It's not the BEST book out there, but it definitely is not a bad one either. It shows some common basics such as punching with REAL and TREMENDOUS power...a skill often overlooked by many stand up fighters, because if they could hit harder, then all they would have to do is hit a grappler once. "When in doubt go for the neck" is one of my favorite quotes from this book. It tells of how to really take an attacker out, which is why this is such a good book. It is also very specific about how to do each technique in the book...which is good if you know nothing about this art. I train in the Japanese form of this Dim Mak, called Kyusho-Jitsu, and I have tremendous respect for the Chinese form after reading this book.



4. I think everyone should read this book, and rely on it to learn how to defend him/herself. Anyone who reads this book can defeat even the best grappler, with the greatest of ease.
   
   Those are the facts.
   
   Read this book, become a monk, and never get your [...] kicked again! Do it, and do it now!
   
   Note to grapplers: The more people out there who rely on these techniques to beat you, the less likely you are to ever lose a fight. Do your best to promote it.



5. Warning- Anyone who tries any of the moves showed in this book against a person with real wrestling (not the fake stuff like WWE), Jiu-Jitsu or even judo experience, will get their butts fed to them. Being a Wrestling/Boxing/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu MMA fighter, I read the book to see if there was any new fighting styles competing with BJJ and found nothing but the teachings of a Professional (meaning that fake WWE stuff) wrestler. Watch UFC, Pride or any other real fight MMA based event and you will see the techniques illustrated in this book will not help you in a real fight with a trained grappler. The only way to become a proficient fighter is to train several fighting styles consistently. No single book is going to make you whoop up on a talented grappler especially one written by a WWE actor.

5 comments about Death Touch: The Science Behind the Legend of Dim-Mak.

1. "Dr" Michael Kelly appears to have identified a profitable niche market in the overlapping space where bad science meets bad martial arts. Complaints about this book could reasonably be divided into these two categories.
   
   On the science, the problem with the claims made is basically that, beyond fairly basic concepts like the fact that the nervous system is made of nerves, and that most nerves meet the spinal column at some point, they are not true. Most of the technical terms used to describe the interaction of one nerve with another nerve somewhere else in the body appear to me to be madeup words to describe madeup effects. I deeply doubt the credentials of the "professor of neuroscience" who appears to have reviewed this book, because Kelly's scribblings look much more like a rehash of speculative work on Chinese traditional medicine than any solid science.
   
   And this is the issue. Western science simply does not recognise that there are "Dim Mak" points where trauma to the end of one nerve can cause organ damage elsewhere. Neural impulses are trasmitted as extremely subtle electrochemical changes; the pupported effect is out of all proportion to the cause. In traditional Chinese medicine, accupuncture and accupressure points make a lot of difference. I am personally agnostic about whether there is anything to TCM other than snake-oil, but it is clear to me that anyone who is serious about learning about accupressure points should do so from a qualified TCM practitioner and should learn the underlying chi-theory, rather than attempting self-education from a book which tries to translate TCM into a half-genuine, half-bogus framework of neurological buzzwords. (I would note that Western medicine has pretty little time for osteopathy as well, and this appears to be Dr Kelly's field of expertise. Perhaps the book's subtitle should read "The New Age Babble Behind The Legend of Dim Mak".)
   
   If anyone is genuinely interested in "the science behind Dim-Mak", they should consult an anatomy textbook. Most of the key Dim-Mak points are things like the trachea, the liver, the eyes or the testicles. It is hardly rocket science to work out that a punch in the gonads is going to hurt. The rest of the Dim-Mak points simply don't work. The only "nerve point" I am aware of is the major nerve on the outside of the upper thigh which accounts for the effectiveness of Thai leg kicks or "dead legs". But leg kicks do not disrupt one's small intestine.
   
   And now we reach the subject of the martial arts applications. The disclaimer that Dr Kelly aims to "educate" the martial arts community about the dangers of Dim Mak is of course as hypocritical as a Mafia hitman's paternosters. He wants to sell books, to kids who believe that by learning the Dim Mak points from a book they can take a short way round the difficult business of training in the martial arts and become superheroes, taking out the local bully by manipulating Triple Warmer Point 15. I would be more cross about this irresponsible practice if I thought that there was any danger to the public involved in teaching Dim Mak, but there isn't.
   
   It has been known for years and years that acupressure points Simply Don't Work, apart from the ones which happen to be situated on the testicles, eyes, thigh muscles etc. Most of these points are really quite small, and thus very difficult to strike accurately on a resisting opponent. If you have the speed and muscular control to hit three acupressure points in succession on someone who is trying to hit you, then you are a champion boxer anyway, so why do you give a damn about Dim Mak? If this book encourages people to go into a fight looking for tiny points to press on their opponent, then it will result in a few more idiots getting a kicking, and to be honest, I find it hard to get to worked up about that.
   
   I would also like to, by extension, express similar vitriol toward all the books in the "Amazon also recommends" section on this page. Without knowing the specific titles, I'm guessing that they are also part of the subgenre of books aimed at convincing people that it is possible to succeed in unarmed combat without prolonged and uncomfortable physical training. I personally don't have the stamina or interest to carry out such a program of training; that's why I do not pretend to be a badass, avoid confrontational situations in the street and endeavour to maintain a middle-class lifestyle in which the police and nightclub doormen will do my fighting for me. Perhaps I should write a book on this survival tactic of the mystic East (London), but I doubt that "How to Avoid Being Hurt Through Common Sense" will ever sell as well as "How To Disply Physical Prowess Without Effort Through Magic".



2. I have a black belt,an earned doctorate, and over a decade experience with pressure points/kyusho jitsu/dim mak. Therefore, I am not unexperienced when it comes to the topic. I can say without reservation that this is the best Western medical explanation of the topic written to date.
   
   In reading this book, it must be understood that many things about pressure points are not completely understood by Western science. This book provides an excellent theoretical framework for understanding some complex topics. I have also read some of Dr. Kelly's postings on Kyusho.com and found that he is a very knowledgeable person.
   
   In reading the reviews, I found that one physician agrees with me and one doesn't. I respect both of their learned opinions. When you read the Endnotes at the conclusion of the book you will find that Dr. Kelly is a scholar who has done his homework.
   
   One footnote, an osteopath is a physician, by law, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You may safely dismiss ignorant comments by uninformed sources to the contrary.



3. In all actuality Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are Medical Doctors plus. The school is longer. They are required to take the same coarses as a M.D. then additional coarses that specialize in the muscular, skeletal, and nervous system. This is only in the U.S. Other countries have no such requirements, and are pretty much glorified chiropractors.
   In my honest opinion concidering what all information is in the book I think he did a damn good job. There really isn't any good research out there explaining why dim mak works. Really the only things I didnt care for were the diagrams, a little hard to follow. Even so he recomends getting an anatomy book. Also you have to have alot of patients to handle the info. But still great info, and definatly worth it concidering it costs like a whopping 16 bucks. Well have fun kiddies.



4. I realize there are already a lot of reviews, so I'll try to be brief.
   
   First, about the osteopath controversy, in the US, osteopaths have the same privileges as MD physicians, and can take specialty training. I personally am acquainted with at least one osteopath who's an anesthesiologist and another who's a neurologist. I understand it may be different in other countries.
   
   I'm a neuroscientist of sorts, a surgical neurophysiologist, and I approached this book with great skepticism, and only because one of my bagua brothers wanted my opinion on it. I am very surprised and favorably impressed. I also still have serious reservations.
   
   I don't believe in the existence of acupuncture points and meridians, and as far as I know it hasn't been demonstrated that acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, or ear candling, foot reflexology, whatever like that, actually work (other than for anesthesia). Up to know I haven't seen why there would be any connection between dim mak points and healing points.
   
   This book does a great job of explaining these things, in a very simple and logical way. The points and meridians are all on nerves, and attacking, or massaging, a spinal nerve (in the arm or leg) or a cranial nerve, can conceivably affect internal organs through convergence in the sympathetic nervous system, or directly in the case of the vagus nerve. The pressure point knockouts could be due to induced vasovagal syncope. The concepts of facilitation, abererant referral, and convergence explain a great deal, including a few things I hadn't previously understood, though I'm sure they're common knowledge in neurology. It ties a lot of things together, and provides a simple, rational explanation for a lot of things that I didn't think could be so explained. So to me, this is very impressive, and extremely welcome. There's nothing New Age or pseudoscientific about it at all, no need to believe in anything ineffable.
   
   All that said, it's true that there's a lot of speculation about things that would be hard to test, and haven't been tested. I personally still doubt if acupuncture and so on work reliably for healing, but this does provide a possible explanation for how they could work.
   
   One of my bagua teachers once pointed out to me that the open secret about attacking dim mak points is, you can't really do it in a standup fight. Once you have your victim down, and maybe a little stunned and unable to defend himself, then you could actually attack dim mak points. I guess Earle Montague claims you can also do it in standup grappling. I don't know. I still think there's plenty of room for skepticism, but for the first time, it doesn't all seem totally mysterious and incredible to me.
   
   I'd like to add that I don't see any constructive purpose for dim mak in modern times. If it works at all, it's dangerous as hell and certainly constitutes excessive force. This should only be an intellectually interesting issue, imho.
   On the other hand, this offers some possible validation of acupressure etc. as healing techniques, so further research is definitely indicated.



5. I have been in the martial arts for almost six years. I have been studying Dim-Mak for about 3 years. When I read this book, I had a sudden understanding of how Dim-Mak really works. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who is studying Dim-Mak. Paired with Mark Tedeschi's "Essential Anatomy for Healing and Martial Arts", this ancient and complicated art will make some sense to you.

5 comments about Advanced Dim-Mak: The Finer Points Of Death-Point Striking (Advanced).

1. This is a very detailed book on Dim Mak. Having read other books from different authors and being disappointed. I must say that Erie has done a very good job. But don't read this one till you've read the first.



2. I must say that Erle Montaigue just never seems to dissapoint!! He is without a doubt a true master of this fine art. His technique, and training is superb. Also his explanations of how, and why are great. I would recomend it to anyone with intrest in this art. Yet another must have.



3. This book is an excellent continuation of Mr. Montaigue's first book, "Dim-Mak: Death Point Striking". In this book, the author goes into footwork, and how to keep your ballance while moving (ignored by a lot of folks); how to handle a knife attack; different Qi-gong and other excersises; qi-related nutrition, and much more! I think a lot of what's in this volume could probably stand alone, but to truly begin to understand it's depth, the first book is needed. Once again, the author's style of writting is very laid-back and personable; I felt like he was right there, talking to me. As for the content, this book has so much that's missing from other books on the Chinese and/or internal martial arts. For those who don't know, a lot of Mr. Montaigue's system is based on T'ai Chi and Paqua; he's just put claws on those styles, and made them "martial" again. The chapter on how to bring up internal "animal" energy was very unique, and the chapter on knife defense seems very practical. A chapter on martial arts ethics is also included, which was nice, as well as a chapter discussing teaching martial arts to children. If you own "Death Point Striking", and wish to learn more on the subject, this should be your next book. I'd also recomend this to those who wish to learn about holistic health from a Chinese perspective, as well as martial artists who are searching for more than just the latest fad, who really want to refine themselves.



4. This book is over 300 pages and has a lot of diagrams. The diadvantage of the book is it is very complicated to learn and the movements take a lot i mean alot of time to do. i have not seen a book with that much information and exercises.if you are new to dim-mak chances are when you see the blocks and stance of dimmak you would quit. Howewer the advantage is it does have chapters on very basic self defence easy to learn moves and does show you how to ko a person and how to revive them in more than ten ways. If your searching for a book on deadly strikes this is the book to buy and yes the moves do work. so deadly that you would have to think thrice before using them and in a physical fight chances are you would not use such effective moves AUTOMATICLY if you dont practice everyday it does also explain on how the moves work and includes also the st.9 point



5. The book followed the following general format. The author's explanation of his art, his opinions on being a martial artist, basis stances, illustrations of dim mark (or pressure point) strikes for control and potential death, his opinions on health and nutrition, and his philosophy on teaching children martial arts. There were less than 200 pages on dim mak (or pressure points) and the rest were focused on the author's opinions and philosophy.
   
   I gave this book three stars primarily because the book focused too much on his philosophy and opinions instead of focusing on dim mak. Moreover, the illustrations and diagrams were not as detailed as I had expected.
   
   I think this book is an interesting read and would complement such books as, "The Ancient Art of Life and Death: The Book of Dim-Mak" which the author of the book under review also appears to have recommended. The aforementioned book is one that I owe and I use as a reference.

3 comments about Dim-Mak's 12 Most Deadly Katas: Points Of No Return.

1. I have 17 years of experience in martial arts, including experience in Kyusho-Jitsu (pressure point fighting). This book is a total waste of money. This guy is a joke because he even doesn't know about simple cycle of destruction between five elements, which is the most important part in pressure point fighting.



2. I'm only really writing this review as an answer to the one presently listed at the mo. I do really feel that people have got it in for Erle and his books, and this comes across in some reviews of his work. I don't agree with everything he's written, but I do know what works. I've had this book for a number of years now, and it does exactly what it says in the title: show you the 12 circular dim-mak forms of the Old Yang style taiji - no more, and certainly no less. It's not a pretty book to look at, but there's certainly no BS in there. I've had experience of several grappling styles, as well as karate, kung-fu, tae-kwon-do, boxing and kickboxing, as well as taiji and several forms of bagwa and hsing-I over the past twenty-five years, and I'll simply say this: as good as I was at boxing and judo, (and I wasn't too bad at all of them), I never fully "understood" grappling or striking until I put these forms into practice - it din't come immediately, but after practicng these short forms foe just a little while, I "knew" how to throw/strike/and grapple, it was just a case of putting the hard work in of learning the forms and chi-gung at my bodies own pace.
   Yes, this stuff does work, and it'll probably enhance your other activities. If you don't want this stuff to work, it never fully will- but learn them and see for yourself. All you need for self-defence is in this little book, it just takes a bit of time and practice, that's all.



3. This book teaches you exactly what it says on the cover: The 12 katas of Dim-Mak. The destructive (KO) and controlling (Shen) cycles are not covered in this book because they hold no bearing on the forms. They are covered in depth in some of his other works such as the Encyclopedia of Dim Mak. In short, I was able to learn the katas and fa-jing (explosive movements)and improve my abilities ten-fold.

5 comments about The Ancient Art of Life and Death: The Complete Book of Dim-Mak.

1. This book is a must have for all Martial Artist or anyone wanting to study and learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and the points used for both Acupunture and Presure Point Control or Striking.



2. I am proud to call Rick Bauer a friend and his prescence in my martial art life has always been positive, informative and influential. His long tireless work to bring this superlative book to fruition, on a deeply intricate and little known art, Dim Mak, is commendable. This collaborative effort with Master Flane Walker has long been needed and I am now able to clearly state that this is the book the internal martial arts community has been missing.
   
   The subject matter, contents and layout of this work have been given keen attention which benefits the overall aesthetic. It is both easy on the readers eye and informative without alienating the layman. It does not play down the depth of these arts for those who frequent it's heights but rather strikes a perfect balance which comfortably caters to all; no mean feat!
   
   In refering to my University manuals on Chinese Accupuncture Point Locations, I made a comparison with this book which did not leave me wanting. My University manuals were a largely dry affair which
   catered to the medical TCM fraternity while the Book of Dim Mak covers all bases and then some. Among some of the most delightful aspects of the book is the martial applications of the points as an adjunct to the medical; very important in my view.
   
   The subject of Dim Mak has been given lavish treatment in a most concise fashion, would it were that all books were so accessable when dealing with obscure subjects such as these. I have already found this to be the number one go-to book when requiring detailed information on Dim Mak, and while Erle Montaigue has had his own excellent works out for some years now, I can safely say that this work is an important addition to the study.
   
   I couldn't recommend this work more highly for those with a vested interest in truly understanding the intracies of Dim Mak from tip to toe.



3. The Book delivers almost exactly what it promises ,so I will not mention its good points .One thing I didnt like much was the lack of clear photos for the points ,inside the chambers section of the book .Although you get a rough idea on where each point is ,I had to use my older bibliography in order to pinpoint the exact location of most points .
   Also I find unacceptable that the authors did not give extensive information on Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel .Although they mention the points at the last section of the book where they present a sum of combinations and points ,there is no analysis of GV and CV .That was a disappointment .



4. The book of Walker and Bauer is a welcome futher information besides the works of Erle Montaigue. The authors have deep insights into the art of acupuncture. For this reason it was easier for them to go into the secrets of DIM Mac. Nevertheless without medical knowledge it remains difficult to understand all details of this theme. There are some mistakes in the book, but it not so important. For example the paintings and the text of the bladder meridian use different systems. Therefore some acupuncture points do not correspond between figures and text. A lot of fighting combinations in Dim Mac remain hypotheses, because a scintific analysis is not possible or mandatory. Such combinations may result in damage of individual health, experiments have to be forbidden. Nevertheless this book is an exellent work of ancient chinese martial art.
   Helmut Kogel M.D. Professor of surgery
   regional director IMAF ( international Martial Art Kokusai Budoin)
   5.DAN Karate Renshi, 5.Dan Kobudo, 2.Dan Nihon Jujutsu, 1.Antas Arnis



5. Wonderful book that delivers more usefull information than any other I've seen. Terrific illustrations throughout to make learning easy. Outstanding!

5 comments about The Extra Meridians, Points, And More (Encyclopedia Of Dim-Mak).

1. Mr. Montaigue's companion volume to the Dim Mak encyclopedia is a welcome addition to his outstanding series of Dim Mak titles. This book covers point strikes to the extraordinary meridians (covered in TCM theory), as well as additional information concerning the medical effects of point strikes to the human body. This book along with its companion "The Encyclopedia of Dim Mak" are excellent reference material for those wishing to learn more about both the damage and healing which this art can be used for.



2. erle montaigue just never seems to go wrong! this book is greatly written on not only point locations, effects, applications,multiple strikes, etc. but also has an added bonus on qigong (internal) training. also shows how to discover which points are most idealy for one to study by explaining how to learn the way which YOU already naturaly react. great learning tool to add to ones training. even includes his very personal fav. points in which he trains with. great companion to the fisrt volume! highly recomended reading!!



3. Mr. Montaique has expanded on his other masterpiece, and well done I might add. This is the follow on to his other encyclopedia and a must have to complete the collection.
   
   Bryan Winkelman (www.senseibryan.com)- Author of "Training Manual for Isshin Ryu Karate" listed on Amazon.com



4. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - for both practitioners of the internal arts and the healing arts. I've had both volumes for years and am still regularly using them for cross-referencing, research and study. Lucky enough to have been instructed by Erle, I can assure you he is a true master in every sense of the word and the information in these volumes are worth gold.



5. As a trained acupuncturist who has practiced martial arts since 1982 it is my humble opinion that this is a fraudulent book, as is the other vol. It will be obvious to any acupuncturist that Mr. Montaigue, with the aid of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner (Simpson), simply made use of TCM texts and reversed the application of energetically active points to suit "his" Dim Mak model. Anyone who has been in a real fight will not harbor an illusion that they can make use of minute accupoints to defeat an opponent. This is pure fiction and displays a total lack of understanding of Qi energetics. I don't dispute that Dim Mak once existed, but those capable of using it are people who were raised in temples where life revolved around simultaneous medical & martial training for many years; an existence most westerners cannot really understand. So Earl who bounced around from place to place and one thing to another does not even remotely fit this model. In his bio, he dedicates 1-single line mentioning his "main internal martial arts master", and makes no mention of being granted a rank of sifu or receiving a place in the lineage from this "master". So what great knowledge was really passed to him?
   
   Ask yourself logically: How does Earl know the effects of striking all 360 + accupoints? Has he hit that many people and studied the effects? Did one of those old Chinese teachers he brags about give him such complete details? Or is it that he is just giving you the TCM obvious, like ST9? It does not take rocket science to know that striking a point where the vagus nerve & carotid artery are close will produce a negative effect. In fact, every true martial art is aware of such targets.
   
   While Dim Mak makes perfect sense to me in theory, I am under no illusion that it is something I will ever perform in my lifetime. I have studied with, met, and observed many Chinese "masters", and I have yet to encounter a single one who has such command of their Qi. Unless you have lived like a monk uninterrupted for some 20-years under expert guidance, it is simply not realistic in this age.
   
   The application of real Dim Mak is beyond any of us today. It is the equivalent of performing acupuncture treatments without using needles, but under combat stress. If you believe Earl is some high Qi master, then this book may be for you.
   
   More likely, your martial path will be significantly enhanced by studying the legitimate positive effects of these points through a TCM text book. After learning to heal yourself you can consider healing others. Earl's "Dim Mak" would have you take that in reverse. Focusing your Qi to harm others, or even just entertaining the thought is a dangerous act that has no place in daily training and should only be reserved for life-threatening situations.

No comments about Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Dian Xue Shu (Dim Mak) - Skill of Acting on Acupoints.

5 comments about Dim-Mak: Death Point Striking.

1. The information in the book is worth 10 times the price. Stuff i never saw in 6 years of TKD. But i had to watch the video to get what the pictures were trying to show. The pictures in the book are really poorly done. Get the video, if you like it and want more then get the book.



2. I'm sure some people are reading my title and saying, "but dim-mak isn't an art", but that's what this book pretty much focuses on. Erle Montaigue is best at putting horns and claws on the internal Chinese arts, and that's exactly what he does in this book. It's a great book on accupuncture points, their martial applications, and using taiji to attack them. The sections on C-back and Fa-jing are useful to everyone. The author goes into how the points work, how to counter the effects of being hit in those points, basic "chi circulation" theory, some chi kung, and some excersises to mess with your chi flow. I have just some minor complaints about this book. First, some of the points mentioned were not actually covered, like "strike point so-and-so", but no where in the book is that point's location given. Also, it's kind of oriented to someone with some background in taiji (t'ai chi), which I'm not, so some references to certain possitions just left me confused. There is a video that makes this book easier to understand, done by Montaigue, by Paladin Press. Overall, a very unique look at pressure-point striking, offering insights into why these points work the way they do. A good book for anyone interested in the subject of pressure-point strikes. This is one of my favorite books, and I learn something new every time I read it.



3. I like this one because of how easy it is to follow what Mr. Montaique has presented. I could use the techniques shortly after reading about them. Well written. This is just nother example of his martial abilities.
   
   Bryan Winkelman (www.senseibryan.com)- Author of "Training Manual for Isshin Ryu Karate" listed on Amazon.com



4. This book opened a lot of doors in terms of the relationship between Martial Art and Medicine. I give these books credit in the sense that helped deepen people's association between external movements and internal applications. However, as a Doctor of traditional Chinese medicine who is both western trained and trained in China, the point applications in this book rank up there with George Dillman ... they are not correct ... not even close.
   
   For the record I am insulting Montaigue or his students, I'm just calling it like I see it.
   
   Why are all of the points mentioned with no genuine relationship to the Chinese Calander? If you are trying to look into the energetic components of kung fu ... it is the proverbial "horse stance" of the concept.
   
   Why are there no detailed pieces of info on Qi Gong and Chinese Medical Theory? If you want to hit like a Chinese, you need to think like a Chinese.
   
   Fa Jing doesn't mean "explosive energy". Why is there no sexual Kung Fu explanation as a part of "Fa Jing" as it relates to this book?
   
   Three major misses like that make me write these type of books off.
   
   Other than that, it's a great text book ... it has a really pretty cover and nice stories in it.



5. The origins of Dim Mak and its supposed effectiveness are extremely questionable. But, Erle Montaigue does seem to be the authority in this controversial subject, and I do believe this is the definitive guide.
   
   The chapter about Fa-Jing is very useful for Chen Taichi practitioners. Modern Yang style, which is supposed to be the roots of Dim Mak, has lost all the Fa-Jing movements.

5 comments about The Main Meridians (Encyclopedia Of Dim-Mak).

1. I acknowledge that Mr Montaigue is widely considered to be the world's foremost expert on "combat tajiquan" and "dim mak" -- and this book (on which he collaberated with an Australian accupuncturist) is, indeed, encyclopedic -- after reading it, I feel as if I've learned almost nothing of value.
   
   Possibly the most important point that Montaigue makes is that several "points" located on the side of the neck (i.e., vagus nerve & carotid sinus) will indeed cause an "instant knockout" if struck properly -- but may, in fact, induce a debilitating or fatal stroke months later. This is important, due to the fact that many ignorant instructors (Dillman, et al) are currently showing off their "1-strike knockout blow" to martial artists who pay to attend their seminars. According to Montaigue, severe or repeated trauma to the carotid artery can cause the interior lining to slough off and form a clot after time. This would be bad.
   
   One reason I disliked this book was because it relies heavily upon multi-strike techniques (like in the Jet-Li movie "Kiss of the Dragon"). This means that, in order to achieve the desired result, one must rapidly strike between 3 and 5 points in rapid succession, in a specific order. Now, not only are many points smaller than half a dime, but the strike must come from a specific angle.
   
   Are you SERIOUS, Erle??? In a streetfight, it is difficult to hit a single target much larger than that! And you expect us to strike 5 tiny points -- in order -- without interruption, and from precise angles? I don't think that's very realistic.
   
   Most of the points listed (hundreds) will not cause a knockout, and the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel are not addressed in this work.
   
   If you are interested in learning more about Eastern medicine for accupuncture, accupressure, or Shiatsu, this is a great book to have in your library. If you're a martial artist, however, expect to be discouraged and confused.



2. As a trained acupuncturist who has practiced martial arts since 1982 it is my humble opinion that this is a fraudulent book, as is the other vol. It will be obvious to any acupuncturist that Mr. Montaigue, with the aid of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner (Simpson), simply made use of TCM texts and reversed the application of energetically active points to suit "his" Dim Mak model. Anyone who has been in a real fight will not harbor an illusion that they can make use of minute accupoints to defeat an opponent. This is pure fiction and displays a total lack of understanding of Qi energetics. I don't dispute that Dim Mak once existed, but those capable of using it are people who were raised in temples where life revolved around simultaneous medical & martial training for many years; an existence most westerners cannot really understand. So Earl who bounced around from place to place and one thing to another does not even remotely fit this model. In his bio, he dedicates 1-single line mentioning his "main internal martial arts master", and makes no mention of being granted a rank of sifu or receiving a place in the lineage from this "master". So what great knowledge was really passed to him?
   
   Ask yourself logically: How does Earl know the effects of striking all 360 + accupoints? Has he hit that many people and studied the effects? Did one of those old Chinese teachers he brags about give him such complete details? Or is it that he is just giving you the TCM obvious, like ST9? It does not take rocket science to know that striking a point where the vagus nerve & carotid artery are close will produce a negative effect. In fact, every true martial art is aware of such targets.
   
   While Dim Mak makes perfect sense to me in theory, I am under no illusion that it is something I will ever perform in my lifetime. I have studied with, met, and observed many Chinese "masters", and I have yet to encounter a single one who has such command of their Qi. Unless you have lived like a monk uninterrupted for some 20-years under expert guidance, it is simply not realistic in this age.
   
   The application of real Dim Mak is beyond any of us today. It is the equivalent of performing acupuncture treatments without using needles, but under combat stress. If you believe Earl is some high Qi master, then this book may be for you.
   
   More likely, your martial path will be significantly enhanced by studying the legitimate positive effects of these points through a TCM text book. After learning to heal yourself you can consider healing others. Earl's "Dim Mak" would have you take that in reverse. Focusing your Qi to harm others, or even just entertaining the thought is a dangerous act that has no place in daily training and should only be reserved for life-threatening situations.



3. The "Encyclopedia of Dim-Mak; The Main Meridians" by Erle Montaigue and Wally Simpson is a martial arts book of about 400, 8 ½ by 11 pages, consisting of half text and half photographic images that define key points of high sensitivity on the meridians of a person which can be attacked to great effect for self-defense.
   
   The opening pages of the book present a warning that the techniques described can be deadly and should be learned under the supervision of a professional who adheres to high standards. This comment is followed by a note on plagiarism that says if the material of the book is found in other places, the authors will know it because the material is not common knowledge and furthermore, their book is the first place these techniques have been passed on in physical form, rather than orally to advanced students by their masters.
   
   In essence, this book focuses on the 14 major meridians showing the precise locations of the dim-mak points along each meridian. By pinpointing these dim-mak or shrike points, the book is different from other martial arts manuals which are content with showing the general area for strikes.
   
   The information provided in the book is extensive. It gives the Chinese names and locations of the strike points; it gives the optimum direction a strike should follow and it describes the damage that could result from striking the points. This information is augmented by describing set up points to numb or disable key areas before attacking the primary target. In addition, information is provided on how each point might be used for healing purposes, and lastly, one or two strike applications are given.
   
   As background, an introduction to traditional Chinese Medicine is presented at the beginning of the book together with dimensioned diagrams indicating point locations.
   
   In discussing the strike points along each meridian, extensive use is made of sharp photographic images, each approximately 3" x 5".
   
   The back of the book contains two Glossaries; one for medical terms and the other for non-medical terms. A short Bibliography follows the Glossary, and the book concludes by a two page section called "About the Authors.
   
   In summary, the book is comprehensive and does an excellent job of meeting the authors' goals.



4. I've read every book Earle Montaigue has written. This text is complete. It shows the exact location of the points, the effects of striking, and the order of striking to be most effective. You even get selected techniques that would make use of the points.
   Mr. Montaigue never said that he practiced striking each & every point to test the results. That would have taken a lifetime. And most points would be very hard to locate and access during an actual fight. But the purpose of the book was to educate us as to the location, effects of striking, and combinations. One reviewer complained that most points must be preceded by another strike for them to be effective. He's right, but that's how they work. Ignoring the combinations and their effects would have made this text incomplete. Mr. Montaigue also spends a lot to time telling us how to help someone who is accidently struck on these points. This book is truly encyclopedic as it relates to the points themselves. Mr. Montaique has other books (the tapes are better) that show how to use this information in an actual self-defense situation. And the vast majority of the points aren't really used by even the most fully trained martial artist. In other works by Mr. Montaigue, he states that he only really internalized a few techniques that have become reflex. This book isn't about fighting, it's about one area of knowledge that will make your martial arts more complete. And in that area, this book served me well.



5. The book itself is loaded with excellent information, however the binding of the book leaves alot to be desired. Had the book 3 days and the pages started falling out. This isn't a freak accident because a friend of ours had the same happen to him.