One of the strategies or tactics that attracts many people to ninja martial arts and the study of self-defense is the use of pressure point attacks. But most students are not aware that there are different types of these, the so-called “pressure points”. In this article, I will discuss not only the different types of “points”, but also the best way to attack each point. If you are serious about developing advanced skill in the art of self-defense, whether or not you are interested in Ninja training, then you must be able to see beyond the obvious and use your techniques in more ways than one.
I think the appeal of pressure point training lies in the belief that you can touch someone and you will gain instant control over the situation. But, except in rare cases, the use of techniques that target pressure points are just that: techniques. There are tools in your arsenal that can help make your defense easier, just like any other technique, tactic, or strategy.
Nothing else.
The point here is the same one I make to students about weapons training. A weapon or trick like a pressure point attack…
…cannot, and will not, make up for lack of skill!
That said, there are different types of points. These “points” are known as kyusho (pronounced “cue-show”) in the Japanese art of ninjutsu – the art of the Ninja. However, the word kyusho itself, it does not mean “pressure point”. It means, “sensitive area”.
Each type of point causes a different type of pain and, as such, produces a different type of reaction from your assailant when applied. The main categories of pressure points include:
1) Nerve centers.
2) Sensitive areas in the bones.
3) Weak parts of the human body structure.
4) Soft tissue areas
Each type of kyusho is different, both in composition and size. So each has a “best practice” or suggested way to attack it.
For example, the nerve centers, the parts of the body most commonly known as “pressure points,” can be accessed in two main ways, depending on the point and the results you are seeking. Most can be damaged by using pressure and concentrated force at the tips of the fingers. Most of the point can also be hit.
Changing both the pressure and the direction in which the force is applied to the point also changes the reaction you’ll get from your opponent. That is why it is vitally important that you know what you are going to achieve when you make the point you are attacking. Otherwise, you might find that “what you get” is more than you wanted.
As an overview of the other types of kyusho, here is a guide to each:
Sensitive areas in the bones. This includes areas such as the top of the breastbone in the throat, the ridges around the orbit of the eye sockets, and the bones of the hands and feet, to name a few. While many of these areas can be pressed, they are best accessed by tapping. And the best thing is the use of fists that have the fingers formed creating smaller profiles. This way you are concentrating the energy of your punch into the smallest area possible.
Weak parts of the body structure. This includes many targets that you probably already know about but based on the common perception and definition of “pressure points” you wouldn’t have thought of them this way. These “weak spots” include the groin, along the inside of the legs (from mid-thigh to the angles), the nose, the eardrums, etc. These targets can be hit, grabbed, and stabbed, depending on the strategy and results you’re looking for.
And finally…
soft tissue areas. The body is covered with fur to protect it, not only from the elements, but also from the rest of the world. As a result, there are many areas of the skin’s surface that are designed to be very sensitive to touch so that they can act as early warning mechanisms that cause our muscles to react and cover the threatened area.
I know it may sound a bit confusing, but this is a good example of why my students should have a “Grey’s Anatomy” or another good anatomy book. The more you can know about the composition of the human body, the better you will be able to do 2 things:
1) Protect your own weak areas, and…
2) Use his against him!
Some good examples of these weak areas include:
The smooth skin on the inside of the upper arms and legs. This can be grabbed and pinched to create a burning pain.
The eyes themselves – they can be stabbed, touched or even pierced.
the external ears can be grabbed, stabilized and thrown (watch out, they DO pop out!)
the side of the face behind the eyes but just in front of the ears. This can be raked with the nails.
Etc
The location of many of these weak spots and body parts could be discussed. But, it doesn’t matter what category you put them in, as long as you recognize them as targets, know how to attack them, and are clear about the kind of response you’re most likely to get.