George Dillman Seminar 3 Pressure point knockout

Martial artists on the east coast from many different schools gathered to watch George Dillman's pressure point seminar in 2008

George A. Dillman, born on June 6, 1942, in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a controversial figure in the world of martial arts, particularly known for his involvement in the study and teaching of pressure point techniques and the concept of "kyusho jitsu." While Dillman has garnered a significant following throughout his career, his teachings have also sparked intense debate and skepticism within the martial arts community.

Dillman's journey in martial arts began in the 1950s when he started training in judo. Over the years, he explored various martial arts disciplines, including karate, earning black belts in multiple styles. It was during his extensive study of Okinawan karate that Dillman became fascinated with the concept of pressure points and their purported effectiveness in combat.

In the 1970s, Dillman rose to prominence as a proponent of "kyusho jitsu," a system that focuses on the manipulation of pressure points on the human body for self-defense purposes. He founded the Dillman Karate International organization and began traveling extensively, conducting seminars and demonstrations to spread his teachings.

One of the key aspects of Dillman's approach is his claim that by targeting specific pressure points, practitioners can incapacitate or control an opponent with minimal physical effort, sometimes even rendering them unconscious. He has authored several books and produced instructional videos outlining his theories and techniques.

However, Dillman's assertions have been met with skepticism and criticism from many within the martial arts community. Despite the controversy surrounding his teachings, Dillman maintains a dedicated following of students and instructors who continue to practice and promote his methods. He has also appeared in various media outlets and television programs, further contributing to his notoriety within the martial arts world.

Nevertheless, he remains a polarizing figure whose impact on the martial arts community continues to be debated and scrutinized.