Martial Signing: Using American Sign Language for Self-Defense

Coordination needed for performing traditional martial arts movements is the same as is needed for communicating in ASL. Observing that the human body can only move in so many ways, it is not surprising to note that many martial movements are similar to or the same as words or phrases used in the manual language of the Deaf. Martial Signing™ uses this relationship as a tool for learning and applying effective self-defense techniques. This deep-rooted connection between manual communication and martial movement is likely to offer a new perspective of understanding for the martial artist that studies it. Likewise, for the Deaf community, this connection offers a new perspective for understanding and appreciating the power and inner beauty of ASL.

As an example, suppose an attacker grabs a wrist with both hands. Insulting the attacker by truthfully signing “You monster” is an effective self-defense maneuver that defends against the attack and takes control of the situation. The physical movement of saying “You monster” is simple to perform and easy to apply with meaningful intent. In addition, this is a movement that is easy to remember. The threat or reality of danger by an individual is irrational and monstrous. This means that even with the onset of a fight or flight response during a violent encounter, it is still realistic to think, feel, and believe that the attacker is a “monster.” Associating this self-defense movement with the ASL phrase allows for the physical action to become internalized and accessible under stress.

The connection between ASL and traditional martial arts movements has led to this unique method of self-defense. Martial Signing™ can best be studied through close examination of six underlying principles that make it effective. Six principles of Martial Signing™ include i) pressure points, ii) welcome attacks, iii) completion of thought, iv) cosign, v) vary tone, and vi) redundancy. Martial Signing™ seminars offer participants the opportunity to study these principles.

Note : A special thanks goes to Master Chris Thomas, 7th Dan Black Belt Senior Instructor and Author of Dillman Karate International, for permission to incorporate his curriculum of instruction into Martial Signing™. Master Thomas has openly shared his martial arts knowledge and research findings, a culmination of years of hard work and brilliant thought. His sharing of the small handful of principles with which he teaches has helped in setting the foundation for using American Sign Language as an effective self-defense tool.

"To me, ultimately, martial art means honestly expressing yourself."
Bruce Lee, "The Lost Interview"

To express is literally translated to mean an act of conveying or representing oneself in words, art, or movement. Traditional martial arts use body movement as a means of expression. These movements share a commonality with the vocabulary of American Sign Language (ASL). This discovery has led to Martial Signing™, a unique method of self-defense, which integrates the vocabulary of ASL with concepts of Pressure Point Fighting (kyusho-jitsu). The result is a remarkably effective and easy-to-learn method of self-protection.

ASL is a visual and gestural language used for communication by Deaf people in America and parts of Canada. Spatial in nature, it uses movements of the upper extremities along with facial expressions as a means of communication. ASL is the official language of the Deaf community and the fourth most used in the United States. The language is a blend of signs brought from France early in the 19th century and signs already in existence within this country. ASL is considered to be one of the most refined and complete sign systems in the world.

ASL is a stand-alone language and different from English. English sentences cannot be translated one for one into ASL. Spoken English uses verbal cues, whereas ASL uses visual cues. Names or words unknown to the signer can be finger spelled using the ASL manual alphabet. With ASL, different movements, along with facial expressions, correspond to phrases, words, or concepts. The origin of signs can be seen in the action of performing them, for such words as "love" (giving a hug) and "welcome/invite" (an inward motion to one's center as if to invite). Other signs are iconic in nature, using a visual depiction of the idea being conveyed, for example "monster" (both hands up in a claw-like position with a scary facial expression) and "night" (sun going down over the horizon).

For specific signs and more detailed information, visit these ASL dictionary websites:

http://dww.deafworldweb.org/asl

http://www.handspeak.com

http://www.bconnex.net/~randys

and study ASL with this landmark text and video series:

(Note: Please see the textbooks cited below and www.dillman.com for a complete reference on this topic. A brief description is provided here. The serious martial artist is referred to the textbook series for excellent coverage of Pressure Point Fighting.)

Modern day self-defense carries with it responsibility for the defender to only use as much force as is needed to ward off an attack. For this reason, breaking a nose, sticking fingers in an attacker’s eye, or breaking a neck can leave a martial arts practitioner legally liable for using excessive force, even if responding in self-defense. An ideal compromise for the martial arts practitioner is to self-protect in a humane manner. Pressure Point Fighting (Kyusho-jitsu) offers an ideal solution for practical and realistic humane self-defense.

Thanks to the efforts of the members of the Dillman Karate International (DKI) organization, the once hidden art of Pressure Point Fighting has now become accessible to Westerners. Masters’ George Dillman and Chris Thomas have teamed to author a series of textbooks that serve to educate the martial arts community on the knowledge of pressure points and their purpose as applied in the arts of kyusho-jitsu (striking pressure points) and tuite (using pressure points for joint manipulation).

Pressure points are places where energy can be transmitted most effectively into a nerve. Usually at a place where two or more nerves join together, a signal sent to a pressure point may register as pain on more than one nerve pathway. Entering pain into a pressure point on the arm, for example, might be carried to the brain on all three major nerves of the arm – the radial, median, and ulnar nerves. Therefore, kyusho-jitsu requires less power to be effective. The brain receives an overwhelming signal through different nerve routes from just one point of contact at one pressure point. Activating more than one has a magnified effect. For this reason, activating more than one pressure point can quickly incapacitate an opponent by inducing unconsciousness or submission from intense pain.

Different pressure points are activated in different ways. Some are activated by striking, some by rubbing, and others by pushing or pressing. In addition, angle and direction of attack is important. Full results of Kyusho-jitsu are best obtained by activating a point with the correct mechanism that stimulates it, and with the correct angle and direction. Pressure points are usually the size of the tip of the forefinger. A simple way to remember to direct attacks at pressure points is to always have a “goal” in mind with every movement. The sign “goal” takes a thought in our head and places it out in front of us (the future) onto the tip of the forefinger.

Martial Signing™ uses the theory of kyusho-jitsu and tuite. This enables the practitioner the best chance of success in defense from an attack by a larger and stronger assailant. However, should a practitioner fail at properly activating a pressure point in the execution of a technique, it may still work if the other principles are successfully utilized.

There is a distinction between using pressure points and pressure point theory. While some practitioners may have knowledge of some pressure points, it is pressure point theory that makes Martial Signing™ techniques effective.

For a complete description of pressure point theory and how it is implemented in Martial Signing™, check out these unprecedented landmark books:

I. Expression

II. American Sign Language (ASL)

III. Pressure Point Fighting (Kyusho-Jitsu)

IV. The Connection

II. American Sign Language (ASL)

III. Pressure Point Fighting (Kyusho-Jitsu)

Kyusho-Jitsu: The Dillman Method of Pressure Point Fighting is a high interest subject for a wide range of readers including martial artists of all systems, policemen, firemen, medical professionals, and acupuncturists. Reveals the secrets of karate suppressed for generations! Includes: history, striking techniques, pressure point attacks, and self-defense.

By George A. Dillman with Chris Thomas, 9 x 10.5 in., 272 pages -- $34.95 (soft cover).

Advanced Pressure Point Fighting: Ryukyu Kempo. Highly visual, easy-to-read ! A great companion to Kyusho-Jitsu. Precise anatomical location of pressure points coupled with diagrams, and striking methods. Includes energy flow charts, how to use the meridians to your advantage for pressure point self-defense. Application of pressure point striking within kata or form, and how to find pressure point techniques within movements in your system.

By George A. Dillman with Chris Thomas, 9 x 10.5 in., 500+ photos and illustrations, 272 pages -- $34.95 (soft cover).

Advanced Pressure Point Grappling: Tuite. The most advanced book on pressure points and grappling in the world. Relates to acupuncture, acupressure and Western medicine. Includes self-defense utilizing the pressure points and shows the interrelationship of pressure point striking and the grappling arts.

By George A. Dillman with Chris Thomas,
A large 9 x 10.5 in. book, 360 pages -- $39.95 (soft cover)

Humane Pressure Point Self-Defense. paperback book. Principles of pressure point self defense -- creating advantage. Perfect for business persons, law enforcement personnel, men, and women. Contains 600 photos and diagrams, and 264 pages of step by step instruction.

By George A. Dillman with Chris Thomas,
7x10 inches, high quality, 264 pages -- $24.95 (soft cover).

Click on an image to order directly from Dillman Karate International!

Click on the image to order directly from the Chicago Hearing Society!

Signing Naturally Book and Video
Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos, Cheri Smith

This series is based on the functional-notional approach to teaching sign language, developed at Vista Community College at Berkeley. Signing Naturally organizes language lessons around everyday interactions.
$60.00

Pressure Point Karate Made Easy: A Guide to the Dillman Pressure Point Method for Beginners and Younger Martial Artists. Practical self-defense, explained in words and photos. Includes illustrations showing the pressure points used in the self-defense techniques. Material suitable for the whole family ! What a book!

By George A. Dillman with Chris Thomas,
144 pages, 204 photos, 94 illustrations, 7 X 10 inches layflat binding -- $14.95 (soft cover).