It is the Encyclopedia not training manual...


Necessary Book of DIM MAK   November 20, 2000
 19 out of 20 found this review helpful

This is one of the two DIM MAK books required. (See my other reviews). If you're looking for a book with a detailed history and detailed information about dim-mak, this isn't your book. However,if you're looking for a book with some history and information, as well as an to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as learning about the various points and what happens when you hit them in the right manner, this book is for you. As it says, this covers the main 12 meridians, with volume 2 covering the remaining material.

It is fascinating how the points can be used for both damaging and healing purposes, all of which is covered (yes, even death points). This is a dangerous art which is not to be used lightly. Highly recommended reading if you're interested even the slightest in martial arts or TCM. This book is extremely useful. The details about the meridians are fantastic. There are a lots of photographs in vivid detail. each and every meridian is explained with set-up and antidote points. Healing details is what makes this book stand out. The location of points is described with a lot of medical terminology that a non-medical reader will struggle to actually locate the point. But the pictures are helpful.


Excellent Book for the Serious Student   August 31, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Excellent book for locating the Dim Mak points and for understanding what they can do. Erle's tapes on Dim Mak show how to use these points for self defense and either a study based on the tapes or else training from one of Erle's students is necessary to fully understand their application. It's interesting that many of the points don't have to be hit precisely, and some don't even require much force! Others, however require an ability to hit with Fa-jing power. Very good reference. Erle's taichiworld.com web site has a lot of additional information as well.


Encyclopedia of Dim-Mak   July 10, 2000
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is an excellent source of knowledge for the martial artist interested in focusing on more than the simple 'smash and bash' techniques. I found the illustrations most helpful in identifying where pressure points are located. The ironic thing is that most of us would not be able to accurately hit these points and do any real damage due to the fact that the necessary weapon may be a finger or single knuckle strike. I have trained for over 10 years and would not resort to that type of strike since I don't condition my hands for those techniques. Overall, this is a superb body of knowledge for someone aspiring to a higher 'mental' level. It certainly gives you quite alot of information to consider in your training.


Pretty damn interesting   June 25, 2000
 15 out of 16 found this review helpful

If you're looking for a book with a detailed history and detailed information about dim-mak, this isn't your book. However, if you're looking for a book with some history and information, as well as a nifty introduction to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as learning about the various points and what happens when you hit them in the right manner, this is DEFINITELY your book. As it says, this covers the main 12 meridians, with volume 2 covering the "extra" stuff.

There's a lot of medical mumbo-jumbo ("...lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertbra.) but there are drawn diagrams that show where the points are. Don't let the medical stuff keep you away though, because this book is simply fascinating, especially how the points can be used for both damaging and healing purposes, all of which is covered (yes, even death points).

This is a frightening art, and as the book says, it's not to be used lightly. It's dangerous stuff, but it's mind-blowing and really opens your eyes to alternatives to western medicine as well as the power of the body. Highly recommended reading if you're interested even the slightest in martial arts or TCM.