KUGB		KUGB

Kyushojutsu

The Art of Striking Anatomically Vulnerable Locations

It is perfectly obvious that some parts of the body are more vulnerable than others in combative terms consider the difference it would make were you to strike an aggressor in the eye with middle-knuckle fist (nakadaka-ken) one of the moves from within the kata Chinte rather than with full fist (seiken).

Obviously the protruding knuckle would penetrate the eye socket, and effectively end the fight Seiken might cause bruising and peripheral damage, but it would not be so immediately effective in bringing the encounter to a close. Consider too , that to have such an effect, the blow need not be particularly powerful, therefore it is an excellent use of the body's vulnerable points.

In order to execute effective karate blow, It is necessary to learn basics of human anatomy, physiology and first aid. This knowledge is called - kyusho . Kyusho knowledge was kept as secret for centuries. It includes: positions of vulnerable points, use of proper impact tool and situation which is the best for applying technique to some point. 

If we compare karate technique with arrow, then kyusho is poison on that arrow. Master Funakoshi tells that "quick and extremely accurate blows, that never miss the vital point, are the essence of real karate".

There are 3 ways to traumatize vital points: (1) strike or punch, (2) poke or press and (3) grab or pinch. As result, several conditions may occur: pain, shock, respiratory disturbances, temporally paralyze, hyper torsion, joint dislocation, bone fracture and internal bleeding.

For more detailed look, click on pictures .

	Jodan - Most important vital points of human body are located on neck and head. I will mention  few techniques: eye poke, nose smash, throat grab, ear slap, hair grab, knife hand to neck, finger thrust to jugular notch. You can also manipulate opponents head in order to take him down or to break the neck.
	Chudan - punch to solar plexus, one knuckle fist (shoken) to sternum, ribs or armpit, knuckle fist (hiraken) to loose ribs, testicle grab, smash or kick, "love-handles pinch".
	Arm - strike to biceps can temporally paralyze opponents arm. Joint locking techniques are very effective for controlling (elbow and fingers). Pinching skin above triceps muscle is extremely painful.
	Gedan - Kicks are very often aimed in opponents legs (shin, knee smash- sokuto , inner thigh and foot). Most throwing techniques are done with leg sweep or by grabbing opponents leg. Inner thigh can be pinched when performing escaping technique against head-lock.

This is not systematized knowledge, but rather empirical, usually transmitted orally to top students only. The only ancient written source on this topic is Okinawan manuscript called Bubishi.

website by GHBDesigns 2007