Sang H. Kim - Vital Point Strikes: The Art and Science of Striking Vital Targets for Self-Defense and Combat Sports

To my father who persevered and survived WWII, the Korean War and his own inner war, for his dreams with grace and valor.

To my grandmother who taught me the value of gentle discipline in martial arts since I was 4.

I am deeply grateful to my teachers: Calligraphy Master Jung Dong-shik at liwawon Elementary School, Taekwondo Master Kim Dae-shik at Dalsung Middle School, Calligraphy Grandmaster Lee Sung-Jae at Daegun I Iigh School, Grandmaster Kim Do-boo at Taekwondo Yunmukwan in Daegu City, Superintendent Kim Soo-hwan of National Police Agency of Korea, Hapkido Master Kim Jae-hwan and Kim Dong-hwan, Grandmaster Park Yong-tak at Taekwondo Jungmu Dojang in Daegu City, Kumdo Master Lee S. Won, Grandmaster Kim Ho je, Dean Emeritus at Kuk- kiwon Seoul, Dr. Kim Sung-bae for Acupuncture knowledge, Dr. Arthur Joseph McTaggart of USIS in Daegu City, Ambassador Dr. Chang Dong-hee, Professor Han Young-choon and Professor Park Sung-han of Yeungnam University, Dr. Lee Kyu-hyung of Kyemyung University, CID officers at Camp Walker in Daegu City, Dr. Ken Min at UC Berkeley, Dr. Hwang In-soo at Yale University, Dr. James Agli of Southern Connecticut State University; to my friends: Professor Chung Kuk-hyun of Korean National Physical Education University and 4 time Olympic champion, Grandmaster Yuri Jun-chul, Dr. Chung Jin-bae of Yeonsei University, Dr. Stephen Harrigan; to my former colleagues who gave their lives in their missions and those whom I have trained with and learned from.

My enlightenment in the art of survival came from classes under special agent instructor TK Kim in the Counter Intelligence Academy in South Korea. lie taught us how to reinvent an invincible self to survive captivity in enemy territories. Twice, I had the honor to remember him as my mentor for life.

My special thanks goes to Alan Tafoya, a seasoned actor and martial artist, for assisting me in this project and his sheer passion to enhance our arts. It was great pleasure to work with him.

I also would like to thank my parents Kim Byung-soo and Oh Wol-ki for preparing me to travel around the world without losing my identity; and to William and Judith Mager for having faith in my dreams.

Finally, I have to admit that without the support and editorial collaboration with my wife Cynthia and love and encouragement from our daughter Jessica, this work could never be completed.

-Sang H. Kim

CHAPTER 1: 19

CHAPTER 2: 33

Chapter 59

CHAPTER 3: 61

CHAPTER 4: 91

CHAPTER 5: 135

CHAPTER 6: 145

CHAPTER 7: 169

CHAPTER 8: 197

CHAPTER 9: 223

CHAPTER 10: 261

CHAPTER 11: 275

CHAPTER 12: 321

CHAPTER 13: 339

CHAPTER 14: 371

In translating the original Chinese characters for acupoint names, the author uses Pinyin (also known as lianyu Pinyin). Pinyin is similar to the English alphabet despite certain limitations. For those who have further interest in studying meridians, the Pinyin system can he of help in learning the terms correctly.

For the translation of words into English and Korean, the author has borne in mind the following principles:

1. Each Chinese character was translated literally.

2. Ifthe literal translation failed, interpretation as closely as possible to the meaning of the context was applied.