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Vital Point Strikes: The Art and Science of Striking Vital Targets for Self-defense and Combat Sports

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Description

Vital Point Strikes is a guide to pressure point striking for the average martial artist. Sang H. Kim demystifies the lore of vital point striking and shows you realistic applications of vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports. For those new to the concept of vital points, he begins by examining the Eastern theory of acupoints, meridians and ki (qi) and the Western scientific concepts of the nervous and circulatory systems, pain threshold and pain tolerance, and the relationship between pain and fear. This synthesis of accepted Eastern and Western theories helps the reader understand what makes vital point striking work and why it can be not only useful in fighting, but deadly. Based on this introduction, you ll learn about 202 vital points for use in fighting including the name, point number, location, involved nerves and blood vessels, applicable techniques, sample applications, and potential results for each point. The points are illustrated in detail on an anatomically correct human model, with English, Chinese, and Korean names as well as point numbers for easy reference. In addition to identifying the vital points, Sang H. Kim gives you detailed information about the type of techniques that work for vital point striking including a discussion of fighting zones and ranges, plexus strikes, stance and footwork, bodily weapons, striking directions and angles and dozens of applications for common empty hand, grappling, groundfighting, knife and gun attacks. Based on over thirty years experience in the martial arts and in-depth research, Sang H. Kim has created one of the most complete books available on the art and science of vital point striking. Read more


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Turtle Press; Illustrated edition (June 23, 2008)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1934903051


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 56


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.53 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.85 x 11 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #331,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #336 in Martial Arts (Books) #3,037 in Exercise & Fitness (Books) #23,249 in Arts & Photography (Books)


#336 in Martial Arts (Books):


#3,037 in Exercise & Fitness (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Good read
Good read for the price
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023 by Alec

  • Comprehensible and comprehensive
This book caught my attention due to having begun practicing the internal exercises of Nei Gong for health reasons. The better instructional books on the subject always emphasized the importance of the meridians. The meridians I'd heard about for many years but had always considered them to be an esoteric rationale for the practice of Qi Gong or acupuncture. Gradually I came to see the relationship between pressure points and the meridians. Pressure points could be used to heal or to harm and it was the former that interested me. To me the greatest unarmed combat skill was a raised awareness enabling avoidance of situations leading to it. So studying this book began with examining the the sections on the meridians and their related pressure points. Since the author has a thorough grounding in both Western neuroscience and Asian practical applications related to the nervous system, the book brought about understanding that the meridians were not simply mystic philosophy. Already I knew that concentration and accumulation of chi was a real physical phenomenon so this book served to deepen my understanding of it in accessible terms. Deeper into the book were combat applications of this knowledge based upon the ganglia and ther effects upon parts of the body sometimes distant from their locations, The efficiency of pressure applied to various points achieving reactions in excess of force used seemed a preferable means of getting out of a fix than some brute force techniques that often did as much damage to defender as assailant. Also encountered were techniques I'd known for many years but refrained from using due to their often fatal effects. They weren't ones to be practiced while roughhousing with rowdy friends. The author wisely cautions the reader about this when presenting some of the most effective techniques. You don't (at least I don't) want to leave some oaf dead or permanently paralyzed for coarsely characterizing your mama or dietary habits. The photo illustrations often clarify the points made better than simply the text alone. The author also gives alternative solutions to the same situation stating these are simply suggestions since reality seldom sticks to the script and Murphy never sleeps. Everything read so far is strictly to the point without wasted excursions into theory and philosophy. No book can ever substitute for real life instruction from an experienced teacher but this one comes close for an autodidact residing far from urbane population centers. The information is dense packed and encyclopedic, thus reinforcing and internalizing it makes for slow reading to maximize the benefits. However, this book rates high recommendation to those interested in the subject. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2019 by David Campbell

  • one of my Favorite Books...
Takes your Art to another level...
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023 by Rick H

  • Great book
I been practicing martial arts for over 30years Hapkido,Aikido, jujitsu. Done Combat Hapkido Tactical Pressure points course.This guy knows what he talk about. Give not just the points, the right anatomy, the nerves and the blood vessels
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022 by Troy Allison Dawson

  • Intense And Comprehensive
This book is much better than I had expected. First of all this is a large and thick book. I expected a regular paperback sized book with some pictures included. This is a comprehensive manual on the arts of self defense via pain and pressure centers. It includes very well done diagrams and comprehensive photos. I found that some of the attack points that I thought were safe are potentially deadly. I won't use those. I actually bought this book to find pain centers for my walking cane self defense regimen. There is much more than a list of pain and pressure points in this manual. The author explains and demonstrates through photos and descriptions how these points are used. The in depth discussion of these include points of view including the classic Chi meridians and the modern medical nervous system. This book is more in depth than I expected or require, but if you want to learn how to access these points in real life situations this is the book for you. Not a light read, but well worth the effort. This book belongs in the library of every martial artist. There is much to be learned here for all. Well worth the price. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2013 by arthurstone

  • Ninja porn
Cant put it down
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022 by D. Sinclaire

  • End a fight fast!
Thorough and comprehensive manual on painful pressure points. Very detailed-full of charts and diagrams. Some complain about the resolution of the photos, not being in colour. But I didn't find this to be the case. I thought it just fine. 2 thumbs up. I'd give it three if I had a third arm.
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2022 by paul roger spence

  • Vital Point Strikes is a Hit
Wow. So many vital points, so little time. Kim throws down the challenge to all hose who think they know it all on vital striking points. He can hold his own there. The problem, however, is the plethora of striking points. Many are simply in spots that require far too deft a touch than could be expected to be applied in an actual street attack--not without years of deliberate and high tempo practice. Still, the book is informative and well-packaged. It is a good reference and one of the better works on striking points out there. Ample illustrations and discussion. THIS IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS or the recreational, sport-type martial artist. It is geared more for the serious martialist...there is a difference. There are warnings throughout the book and they should be heeded. Please do not buy this book for a budding karate or kung-fu student--that would be a mistake. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2015 by Mr. Rob

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