The use of vital point striking to incapacitate an opponent is one of the attractions of the martial fighting arts. The idea that a single blow to a secret point will drop an opponent instantly is appealing. While the rise of mixed-martial arts has largely disproven the idea of this, there is still value in learning the use of vital point striking.
Kempo Karate
Kempo karate, an Okinawan and Japanese striking martial art, uses vital point striking as one of its root teachings. Originally developed as a way to strike through the weak points of Samurai armor, the focus has changed to targeting soft and vulnerable points on the human body. While all kempo karate teaches the targeting of vital points, a subset, called kyusho-jitsu, teaches the use of pressure points.
Jiu-Jitsu
Like kempo, jiu-jitsu is Japanese in origin. Although a grappling focused style, jiu-jitsu incorporates striking methods as well, typically targeted at vital points such as the temples, eyes, throat, solar plexus and groin. As an example, an edge-of-hand blow (called the “shuto” in Japanese) to the throat is a surefire fight stopper. A kick with the outside edge of the foot to the side of the knee will drop the biggest, strongest attacker.
Hapkido
Hapkido is the Korean equivalent of Japanese jiu-jitsu. Like jiu-jitsu, hapkido teaches the use of grappling and striking methods. All of hapkido’s strikes, when executed properly, should be targeted at vital points. A reverse punch to the jaw can be effective, but a reverse punch to the solar plexus can drop a large, experienced fighter, taking his breathing ability away. A heel stomp to the instep robs an attacker of his ability to stand on the attacked foot, leading to a loss of mobility. This can create other openings to do damage to an opponent.
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