This blog covers everything related to self defense including but not limited to training, techniques, principles, martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, weapons, various scenarios, tips, sparring, psychology of combat, the list goes on. It is not restricted to just one fighting art but welcomes every reader regardless of experience to gain knowledge on self defense.
The Dim Mak "touch of death" is a set of martial arts techniques focused on targeting the body's vital points which could potentially result in death. Typically, this is done with finger or knuckle strikes. There's alot of controversy on it's legitimacy in combat but if you were to ask me "is the Dim Mak real?" My answer would be "yes but not in the way you think."
There's a scientific basis for Dim Mak being authentic. This does not however prove the existence of Chi or other mystical beliefs. While Dim Mak has it's history in Chinese medicine acupuncture, there's documented knowledge in western society. Modern medical literature has many articles suggesting that targeting the body's vital points can result in serious injury or death. There's been a documentary showing a scientific study conducted in Asia with instruments being used to observe the effects of Dim Mak on the body (see videos below.)
Why is the Dim Mak effective? The carotid sinus is a special sensory organ regulating the pressure of blood flow to the brain. The carotid sinus is located over internal and external carotid arteries. When blood pressure is too high, the carotid sinus signals the vasomotor center of the brain to decrease the blood pressure by dilating peripheral blood vessels and slowing down heart rate. That's why it can result in a loss of consciousness along with a build up of plaques in the carotid arteries. By striking this area, small tears can result in the carotid arteries and blood clots. Death can occur by striking this area. That's why doctors look for a pulse because the carotid artery is a major indicator of life. A very helpful resource in understanding more on Dim Mak is Dr. Michael Kelly's (a sports medical doctor) book "Death Touch: The Science of Dim Mak (1). In this book, he explains that stimulating a nerve through a Dim Mak point connected to an internal organ can cause damage.
Another helpful resource in understanding Dim Mak is Moontagu's youtube channel (2). A western view on Dim Mak and it's effects on the body is explained for each Dim Mak point. When you look at Dim Mak from a scientific point of view and it's effects on the nervous system along with the body's organs then you will see it's legitimacy. Can Dim Mak be applied in self defense? Yes but because of it's lethal nature, Dim Mak should only be used in certain types of extreme situations.
With an extensive knowledge of the body, you will be able to use Dim Mak in combat.
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After watching the film IP Man and seeing his graceful moves, i quickly became inspired by this martial art as i did my research. I began learning and training around the year of 2013. I was appealed to Wing Chun mainly due to it's fighting principles that can be applied to daily life and also as an expression of who i am.
Wing Chun principles consist of the following:
* Structure and balance - By having a solid stance, you are able to draw more attack power. In life, balance is key to a healthy well-being. By obsessing in one aspect of your life while neglecting the rest, you suffer in those areas.
* Softness and relaxation - In Wing Chun, we strike with a soft and relaxed body. The power comes when we release our chi. Wing Chun philosophy is that tense and stiff muscles make attacks less powerful. Soft hands that absorb energy rather than fight against it are able to redirect it and use it to our advantage. I am a kind-hearted person which is why softness suits me but i strive to not be taken advantage of.
* Simultaneous attack and defense - Unlike other martial arts emphasizing powerful attacks, Wing Chun is unique in the sense that it balances both offense and defenses. You do not compromise your defenses and balance for a more powerful attack as the aim is to eliminate the threat while protecting your own health. This teaches you to care for your own well being as it is the aim of self defense.
* Simplicity - As a scientist and a teacher, simplicity is key to making students understand you. The same works for Wing Chun. Many martial arts emphasize complex and curved angles in their attacks while Wing Chun prefers directness in a straight line. Making your moves simple enables you to strike faster in combat than going through a complicated series of attacks.
* Economy of motion - Wing Chun philosophy stresses importance in only using the proper use of energy necessary to end a fight. The less energy you spend, the more efficient you will be and alert for the next opponent. It is more efficient and effective to deliver a powerful kick that throws your opponent off balance in response to a hook than to block then attack. In life, it is important to know how much you ought to invest your energy in a task.
* Minimum use of brute strength - Wing Chun involves absorbing brute force and redirecting it from your opponent rather than fighting against it. Brute force alone will not ensure you will win fight especially when your opponent is skilled in using your own energy against you. In life, it is essential to turn negative energy into positive energy for the sake of our health.
My ultimate goal is mastering self control and achieving a better life through Wing Chun. For these reasons, i find Wing Chun a beneficial martial art that suits my personality and well being that other martial arts do not do as well. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog for updates, more advice, and exclusive content in the near future. I'm proud and excited to offer a FREE sample chapter of my E-book "Jeet Kune Do: How to build your own fighting system for self defense!" It's essentially a step-by-step guide on how to make your own self defense system suited to fit your own needs using Jeet Kune Do. If you would love to receive your FREE chapter of my e-book, click on the link below and share a post via. social media then it's yours for FREE! Be sure to also fill out the survey on the right and provide feedback on my blog. Leave questions, comments, and suggestions below.
The Dim Mak "touch of death" is a set of martial arts techniques focused on targeting the body's vital points which could potentially result in death. Typically, this is done with finger or knuckle strikes. There's alot of controversy on it's legitimacy in combat but if you were to ask me "is the Dim Mak real?" My answer would be "yes but not in the way you think."
