Dim Mak

The Death Touch

The Dim Mak or "Death Touch", as it is typically referred, is a part of several Chinese Martial Arts. White Eyebrow and Eagle Claw, for example, teach "Dim Mak" striking techniques as integral parts of their systems. These styles are not particularly popular or wide-spread because knowledgeable "Dim Mak" masters take only a few students and only after a long screening process. These are dangerous techniques and the moral integrity of the student is of the utmost importance. Tai Chi Praying Mantis and Choy Li Fut also teach "Dim Mak" which is referred to as pressure point training by some. These techniques are reserved only for students of good character who have reached high levels in these styles.

The effectiveness of "Dim Mak" strikes is in direct relation to Chinese Medicine's theory of blood circulation and energy balance. Circulation and energy must be balanced congruently throughout the entire body. The Chinese refer to the blood as being like a river--if its flow is not balanced it will flood, causing too much water in some places while there is too little in others. According to this theory, the body's energy source controls the balance of blood circulation. If circulation is not balanced the body can become damaged in those areas of incongruence.

Some of the principles of acupuncture as well as "Dim Mak" strikes are based on this theory. For example, an acupuncturist will attempt to release blocked energy by stimulating certain points or nerve centers along the body's 12 energy meridians. The "Dim Mak" expert will attempt the same procedure with one major difference--he prefers to cause a blockage by pressure point stimulation rather than release one.

Another theory of Chinese Medicine is that each of the 12 energy meridians corresponds to a specific time period or "hour" of the Chinese "12-hour" day. If, indeed, the "Dim Mak" practitioner strikes the correct point/meridian at the correct time he could cause greater injury to his opponent. But simply knowing the location of a certain "Dim Mak" point is not quite enough for the average person to perform "Dim Mak" successfully. One must know the exact location, depth and measurement of each pressure point. "Dim Mak" experts are trained in the internal aspects of these kinds of strikes and are very adept in focusing their own energy into the opponent via the "Dim Mak" strikes.

"Dim Mak" experts also practice extensively on external conditioning of the hands and fingertips in order to be able to strike as deeply as is necessary for each "Dim Mak" technique. In Choy Li Fut there are four principle hand techniques implemented for "Dim Mak" strikes-- Phoenix Eye Fist (Fong-Ngan Chui), Crane Beak (Hok-Juei), Arrow Finger (Jin-Ji) and Leopard Fist (Tsop-Chui).

Traditional "Dim Mak" training includes acupuncture and medicinal methods to counteract the damage inflicted by "Dim Mak" strikes. Each of the 12 meridians employs a different antidote and there are specific healing formulas that correspond to the exact time of day that the damage was done.

Do not take "Dim Mak" training lightly. True "Dim Mak" training is difficult to find and should be considered only as a life-saving defense.

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Published on: 2004-01-12