Index

Forward by Alfredo Tucci

Get to the Point by Evan Pantazi

The best 10 points

Top Ten #1 – Wrist Target

Top Ten # 2 – Biceps Target

Top Ten # 3 – Eyebrow Target

Top Ten # 4 – Back of Jaw Target

Top Ten # 5 – Front Neck

Top Ten # 6 – Back Neck

Top Ten # 7 – Side Neck

Top Ten # 8 – Outside Thigh

Top Ten # 9 – Inside Thigh

Top Ten # 10 - Chin

Concluding Notes
Forward
The study of Kyusho Jitsu vital points is an ancient and secret art, which
was part of the secret protocols of different martial systems. Evan Pantazi
is one of the world's leading experts in the field. He has written many books
and made a complete catalog of DVDs on different aspects of the issue. I
personally asked him to select the most efficient 10 points of his researches
in order to make, so to speak, a practical manual that would allow
beginners, on one hand, to approach the application in self-defense
scenarios, and experts, on the other hand, who will undoubtedly ask
themselves why he has
chosen those points among all the others.

The book is complemented by a DVD which explains in detail the

techniques and sample situations to apply pressures, hitting or rubbing on
specific points, where there are Gordian knots and areas concentrated of the
nervous, tendon, muscle, skeletal, or myofascial systems, which can be
manipulated and result in a collapse of normal body functions, even in the
loss of motor function and consciousness.

The points work amazingly and you don’t need to be an expert to learn their
use, that is why they can be very useful for self-defense in the case of
people with little physical strength or no knowledge about martial arts or
self-defense. However, for a correct application and good results, it is
advisable to understand their effects, in order to get more advantage from
their use. All this is perfectly explained in this manual I have the pleasure to
introduce today.
Alfredo Tucci
Director/Editor of Budo International
Madrid, Spain

Get to the point!

Modern life is hectic and time seems to be the least available commodity
these days and finding any extra time to properly train an effective Self
Protection method is increasingly difficult. But the need for a means of
self-protection is still there and growing more necessary everyday. Add to
that the need to not inflict personal damage (to get sued or arrested for later)
is increasing at an even faster rate.

Fewer and fewer people have 4 - 8 hours of time to train each week, some
find even 1 - 2 hours out of reach with their lifestyles. Which brings up the
most frequently asked question… “is there a point that I can learn right
away to incapacitate an attack or attacker”?
The answer is yes, however this is a difficult idea to pin down, as there are
so many variables like position, distance, situation etc., for only one point.
It would be more feasible to have just a few points, but located in various
parts of the body so that at least one is always available or accessible.
Simplicity is the key as well as a necessity in any and all situations,
especially when stress and adrenaline affects the individual, keeping
training time to a minimum but also give the individual quick and easy
solutions to their needs.

Another question that comes up constantly is “how can a smaller person

deal with a larger stronger opponent”?

For women and children these targets, will give you an equalizer to larger
and stronger opponents, as the lesser amount of force you generate will still
be adequate to affect the opponent when used properly. You must just
realize that it is not how hard you apply them, but rather how well. They
will be another way to guard against personal assault or abduction.

So over the next 10 months this article will be devoted to the 10 most
frequently used points in Kyusho. It will be dedicated to the easiest and
fastest targets to access and obtain exponential affect, as well as the most
versatile for the largest variety of situation or application. Bear in mind that
once learned these simple top 10 targets can also be used in conjunction
with each other as well to increase potential and affect to an even higher
degree or to adapt if the situation warrants it.
Evan Pantazi
Founder/CEO
Kyusho International Inc.

Top Ten #1
The point in the wrist designated as L-8 (Lung 8), in acupuncture
terminology. This point was selected due to the versatility in grappling as
well as striking OR even kicking applications in both sport and reality with
opponents (be it assailant or competitor). Since most attacks are initiated
with the hands be it in a strike, grab, push or use of a weapon. The
versatility continues with incapacitating, disarming or controlling
applicability.

Other benefits are instant reaction and overall effectiveness. Typically

when you attack a part of the opponent’s body, it is that area alone that is
affected. This causes different reactions from the outside due to pain and
damage, whereas the use of this point will affect the entire body, from the
inside, out. This will in turn weaken the entire body and cause not only
physical dysfunction, but also the confusion that it will bring.

Locating this point is easy as it is 3 finger widths from the inside crease of
the wrist, just in the indention of the Radial Bone (thumb side). To use it
properly it must be compressed against the bone and stretched toward the
thumb. The best results will result with quicker pressure, as the nerve
message will be far more rapid and acute. The results will be in
conjunction with the quickness as well as the force and method used on it.

The hand will weaken and open, the arm will weaken and extend, the
shoulder will also open and relax, body will fold forward and the legs will
buckle (even to the point of contracting up into the fetal position). Impaired
sight and hearing can also be initiated as well as dizziness or altered levels
of consciousness.

Pressing can be accomplished with fingers for standing application or

fingers, knuckles, forearms, elbows, knees and shins, for ground fighting
applications. A special note however is that the smaller and sharper the
attacking surface is, the more acute the pain and dysfunction will be.

Striking it can be attained with many weapons depending on your personal

skills or aptitude, the knuckles, forearm, even the edge of the foot for those
capable of high accurate kicking skills.

Rubbing this point will cause weakening and instability in the opponent…
as you rub faster more dramatic results will be seen.

Scenarios:

If you are pushed:

You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
You can grab it from the outside using your fingers to apply
quick sharp pressure to weaken the hand and legs quickly. This can
be done with either hand in a catching or grabbing action.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the shirt:

You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
You can rub it quickly just to release the hand if grabbed
straight on.
You can grab it from the outside using your fingers to apply
quick sharp pressure to weaken the hand and legs quickly, for more
control. (But only if they grab across your body).
If grabbed you are grabbed by the wrist or arm:
You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
You can rub it quickly just to release the hand if grabbed
straight on.
You can grab it from the outside using your fingers to apply
quick sharp pressure to weaken the hand and legs quickly, for more
control. (But only if they grab across your body).

If grabbed by the shoulder:

You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
You can rub it quickly just to release the hand if grabbed
straight on.
You can grab it from the outside using your fingers to apply
quick sharp pressure to weaken the hand and legs quickly, for more
control. (But only if they grab across your body).

If grabbed in a rear choke (provided it is just beginning and not fully

applied):
You can grab it from the outside using your fingers to apply
quick sharp pressure to weaken the hand and legs quickly, for more
control.

If grabbed in a bear hug from behind:

You can grab it from the outside using your thumb to press the
point reaching across to weaken the hand and legs quickly, to
release the grip.

If struck with a hooking action:

 You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
Striking with the forearm will be easier to accomplish as
accuracy is not as exacting.

If struck with a straight action:

You can strike it from the inside, this is the recommended way
in this type of attack as it will be the most effective and instant.
Using the knuckles as if knocking on a door will give the sharpest
and most definitive dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.

If on the ground:
The above-mentioned tactics will still be affective for those or
similar actions.
You can also place pressure on the target with shin or knee to
gain control or incapacitate the arm as it weakens the entire body.
Stepping on it with the foot is also an option if you slide
toward the hand.

For more seasoned Martial Artists:

Starting with the training or skill enhancement should always start with
simple stationary location and manipulation to see the reactions as well as
the location and methods. Then it is advised to begin training in motion, as
that is the only way to assure possible use in real situations. Starting slowly
and simply adding more speed and urgency as you develop the accuracy
and timing will yield the greatest skill. As the confide3nce is secured with
one method of attack and response, work in others, but only one at a time
until you are accomplished and confident. Building this way will increase
your abilities far more than working with several methods of attack and
weapons.

Working in upright methods first is critical as this is where the largest range
of motion and possibility is prevalent. It will also allow you to use a more
varied response because as you proceed into ground applications both
parties range of motion and weapon possibilities are far more limited and
slow. The accuracy built earlier will also increase your effectiveness in this
area of endeavor.

For more intense and demanding application use weapon attacks, knife,
bottle, stick or handgun. This will add new dimension and dynamic to
reach around the weapon itself and get to the point. And as you go to the
ground you will have many advantages for this target as well, but again
placed in a different dynamic and demand.
Top Ten #2

When you bump your arm on a table or other object, you may feel a bit of
pain but not to a severe level. But if you strike the point on the arm
commonly called the “Funny Bone”, intense pain, dysfunction of the arm,
weakening of the legs and a temporary loss of coherent thought occurs.
These reactions are what we seek to inflict on an attacking opponent with
Kyusho, to gain control, physically, mentally and also to denigrate their
spirit.

One of the surest targets in all of Kyusho is located in the upper biceps
labeled P-2 and affects two nerves as well as the brachial artery. The
superficial nerve is a branch of the Medial Brachial Cutaneous Nerve.
Under that in deeper is the Musculocutaneous Nerve, so you are sending a
double neuro message with one application. The terms are not the
important part or necessary to remember, except as a means of conveying
the internal structures involved and give a valid explanation as to why it is
so powerful.

When struck toward the bone with a hard penetrating object such as a
knuckle, elbow or other type object, there is an immediate surge of pain,
followed by incapacitation of the arm and various other physical effects.
Nausea, a drop in blood pressure, cold sweats, uncontrollable shaking,
dysfunction of leg muscles as well as dizziness or even unconsciousness, is
all possible with just the correct attack on this one point.

At times, individuals will experience vasovagal fainting, where the blood

pressure is so low that it causes, dizziness and more fainting. More
accurately called a Vasovagal syncope, it is the most common cause of
fainting. It occurs when your body reacts in an exaggerated way to such
triggers as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress or concussion to
certain parts of the body. The trigger results in a sudden drop in your heart
rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain and causes
you to briefly lose consciousness. This shock and fainting occur when
only a small amount of blood circulates to the brain. This means that the
brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which leads to a feeling of faintness,
disorientation and dizziness. A vasovagal syncope such as this is usually
harmless and requires no treatment... they will regain conscioussness and
control after an undetermined period of time on their own.

When the flow of blood in the body is too slow, the blood pressure drops
and too little oxygen is circulated through the body. When this occurs a
person will:

Go pale (White skin coloration)

Become sweaty, clammy and cold
Become dizzy
Have a weak, fast pulse
Have low blood pressure
Have slow, weak breathing
Lose consciousness
Become anxious or restless.

This explanation is a lot to read or even think about, but it was done to
convey a message of just how powerful this point really is. You do not
need to understand any of it, nor do you even need to know it, all you need
to know is that when struck well this will drop your opponent and get you
out of whatever situation deemed it necessary. That they will experience
some or all of these affects with no permanent or lasting damage is good to
know. And that maybe they will think twice before attacking another
individual due to the consequence they may incur. And what is even more
impressive is the utter simplicity and that anyone even without Martial Arts
training can accomplish it.

Now most personal attacks begin with a strike, push or attempt to grab the
victim in short the attacker reaches toward the victim. This actually
exposes the target for easier targeting, but more importantly it stretches the
muscle and underlying nerve making it that much weaker. Having one
single response for a multitude of possible attacks will reap the same
predictable results and can be taught in a single session is not only efficient,
but also imperative in the stress of a real attack. The human body goes
through many changes under real and eminent danger due to a couple of
reflexive actions. First adrenalin is released into the body for the extra
energy to power the legs for escape or the arms for fighting. This is
commonly referred to as fight or flight response, and difficult to control. If
your reflex is to run then your arms and body are weakened so that more
blood is pumped to the legs for that action. Luckily if you need to still
employ this method it does not require much strength. Under the Fight
response, the legs are weakened as the arms fill with blood and extra neuro
messaging for that action. So kicking, even if well trained in it can become
weak and even dangerous for you to use.

Next the body can begin to shake from the adrenaline surge and it makes
the fine motor skills for involve methods to be accomplished. As these fine
motor skills diminish, we get to the final primal stage of motion of
swinging the arms one to the other with clenched fist positions. This simple
motion is all that is needed with this target as well, so even under the
heaviest of stress it is still possible.

Next to go is the hearing called auditory occlusion, followed by the

shutdown of site starting at with the peripheral vision, where you can only
see what is directly in front of you (and aptly called tunnel vision). Even
under this level just before the sight shuts completely and fainting occurs,
you can see this small single target to focus on.

Now that we know the target, the affects, why we can use it under most
attacks and the limitations of stress, lets look at possible uses:
Scenarios:

If you are pushed:

You can use a fist to strike it from the inside, with the
knuckles, as it will yield the sharpest and most definitive
dysfunctional reaction from the opponent.
You can hit it with a Hammering action (more normal for
Women).
You can even hit it with and object like an umbrella or key.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the shirt:

You can again strike it with a fist from the inside.
Again you can hammer it with either hand or use an elbow.
As long as you attack it before they pull you in as the
contracting biceps muscle will protect it as well as make the angle
of attack more difficult.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the wrist or arm:

You can again strike it with a fist from the inside.
You can hammer it with either hand or use an elbow.
Or again you can strike it with and object like an umbrella or
key.

If grabbed by the shoulder:

You can again strike it with a fist from the inside.
Again you can hammer it with either hand or use an elbow.
As long as you attack it before they pull you in as the
contracting biceps muscle will protect it as well as make the angle
of attack more difficult.

If struck with a hooking action:

You can again strike straight into it with a fist from the inside.
Again you can hammer it with either hand or use an elbow.
Striking with the forearm may be easier and even possible, but
the dysfunction will be substantially less.
If struck with a straight action:
You can use a short hooking punch or straight punch into it.
You can hammer it as well with the small knuckle.

If on the ground:
The above-mentioned tactics will still be affective for those or
similar actions.
You can kneel on it, or drop a knee on it.
Stepping on it with the foot is also an option.

Now in all honesty there are situations where you will not be abet the target:
If grabbed in a rear choke.
If grabbed in a bear hug from behind.
If grabbed in a bear hug from the front
Or if the assailant is too close.
Trying to grab or squeeze it (unless on a much smaller
individual than yourself).

This works best as a first opportunity as the assailant’s arm is coming

toward you in any manner, stopping the attack before it finds you. Begin
looking at this point when someone extends his or her arm, developing the
mental targeting. When needed it will be more sure and when it hits afford
you the safety of getting out of that situation.

As with anything, if you do practice with it, you will get even more
exacting and sure in your delivery. But it is a target we are after more than
trying to deploy a set technique, this too will make it easier and far more
possible. We never know how a person may attack or attempt to control us;
so learning a technique for a situation cannot possibly prepare us for all the
possibilities that could confront us. By learning a target-based defence we
will not be placing our thoughts on our actions, but rather a laser focus on
the main problem.
Top Ten #3

One of the least known yet most effective targets is located at the side of the
head at the end of the eyebrow on each side. It is actually two points side
by side that can have great affect on an opponent called TW-23 and GB-1.

TW-23, just at the outside corners of the eyebrow and like the GB-1 just
behind the ridge of the temple is a portion of the temporal branch of the
Facial Nerve. Struck from back to front down and in toward the eye can
cause loss of body control, nausea, altered vision and unconsciousness.

GB-1, located just at the outside corner of the eye and behind the ridge that
starts the temple region is a branching of the Zygomatic nerve. This can be
quickly rubbed toward the eye for a rapid withdrawal reflex and to loosen
the neck muscles. But being struck in the same direction can cause loss of
body control, altered vision and unconsciousness.

These two points are best activated with a pulling slapping action down
toward the nose. This target is so effective for numerous reasons not the
least being it is easily accessible and relatively immobile in an attack. And
this ease of use is especially beneficial for those less experienced in Martial
Arts and even under the adrenalized stress limitations. When under attack
the face or head of the assailant is what the victim will focus on, tunnel
vision is not as detrimental and targeting is still possible as this is what they
are naturally focusing on. The open hand swinging action that the victim of
high stress adrenaline affects is in the exact action that a highly stressed and
panicked individual will resort to. So training this skill, it will be
maintained even under the worst-case scenarios.

It is especially geared to Women as well because they naturally hit in this

manner to begin with. Making a fist is typically not a natural tendency and
training where to attack with this natural weapon is far easier than trying to
completely reprogram their subconscious. Two other factors that make this
the perfect technique for a Women to also ingrain are that one if they do
make a fist, being weaker arm structure and possibly longer fingernails that
will not permit a tight fist position. Mainly the fact that their hand, wrist
and arm structure being more fragile may prove injurious for them if
striking with a fist.

The most substantial aspect is in the realm of strategy as well. When you
strike this target area correctly, the hand will naturally brush the eye.
Although it will not damage the eye, it temporarily blinds the eye individual
in both eyes. We can easily understand the eye that is struck closing, but
this strike being on the nerves will cause a sympathetic reflex action in the
opposite eye as well. To further add to the distress the eyes will water and
remain unfocusable for a period of time even after the initial loss of sight.

The strike also activates another reflex action named a withdrawal reflex in
which the head and neck release in an attempt to distance from the impact.
This breaks the balance of the attacker, turns their head so no strong
forward motion is possible and as the head is turned, they will not see or be
able to stop a following strike or other action by the victim. And yet one
more reflexive action that is achieved is called the extensor reflex. This
means that the arms and legs stretch out and the back arches so the escape
from clenched positions or further aggressive actions by the assailant is
temporarily possible.

But the true power even above and beyond the excellent possibilities
already listed is again the possibility, with a good enough intent, to render
the assailant unconscious. This can be a very deep level of unconscious as
it not only overloads the sensory nerve system, but the rapid neck turn will
also activate the brain stem. In particular the Reticular Activating System
(that is responsible for sleep), will receive such a rapid transition that loss
of consciousness overwhelms the opponent. And all without permanent
observable damage. In this day and age even the victim needs this level of
secondary protection.

The open hand slapping action will not cause physical damage.

Now that we know the target, the affects, why we can use it under most
attacks and the limitations of stress, lets look at possible uses:

Scenarios:

If you are pushed:

Striking this target correctly will turn the assailant away and
limit forward motion.
It will unbalance the assailant as well as cause their arms, legs
and body to arch out and back.
Will knock the opponent into unconsciousness with good
intent.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the shirt:

You can again strike it with causing the assailants head to turn
rapidly.
They will extend their arms pushing you away rather than
pulling you in.
Can cause unconsciousness of the opponent.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the wrist or arm:

The assailants grip will be released
They will be temporarily blinded and substantially weakened.
Escape or escalation in counter attack is far easier.

If grabbed by the shoulder:

 You can again strike it with a back palm slap if grabbed from
behind.
You can forehand backwards to still accomplish all of the
above affects.

If struck with a hooking action:

Stepping off to the side, you can also attack with the same
hooking slap action with greater reach.
You can slap it as you also slip the opponents hook punch.

If struck with a straight action:

Stepping off to the inside, you can also attack with a hooking
slap action with greater affect.
Stepping off to the outside, you can also slap as you
simultaneously guard yourself with the slapping arm.

If on the ground:
From the top position you can turn their head for following
control or further striking.
From the bottom position slapping this will turn their head as
the sit up and extend the arms making unbalancing and escape
easier.
From a side position a forward slap will again extend the arms
and body back making escape possible.

An open hand slap is a fast, instinctive action that affects this target well,
making it surer in stressful attack. It will not damage the defenders hand in
the stress and confusion of a real attack and no matter how inexperienced or
experienced the individual in self-defence, this target is will cause very
strong affect on the recipient. These targets of Kyusho are not only very
potent, but also very accessible in all ranges of combat or self-defense.
They can be quickly learned by anyone and applied immediately if the need
arises, which allows a person to pick up a target quickly and focus on
getting to it from various attacks and in spontaneous situations, devoid of
“set or memorized technique”. Because of this adaptability, they will reach
a higher level of proficiency faster and be able to employ any time they see
it.
This brings up a very discreet practice that you can use all day long without
anyone even noticing… being that anytime someone passes you or even
talks with you, you can immediately glance at this area, ingraining it in your
mind as a defensive target that you begin to see instinctively. The more you
do this, the more likely you will not only recognize it clearly in all types of
body motions and circumstances. You will begin to also understand your
personal range in where people move from a safe unreachable position into
your defensive circle where you could or should respond in time of need, as
well as target without thought or hesitation.

If you already practice a Martial Art it will fit or translate into any style you
currently study, you can fit them in your forms, basics exercises, drills or
sparring without anyone except you knowing you are even doing it… unless
you actually use it on them. This point is also valuable in accurately and
effectively targeting the next Kyusho Point we will cover.
Top Ten #4

One of the most versatile (even among these top ten targets), is a point
called the TW-17 (Triple warmer 17. It’s versatility stems from the several
angles of access as well as methods of manipulation for predictable and
duplicatable results. This along with the added benefit is that it does not
take much power to affect, making this target excellent for smaller or
weaker individuals or even those with much less physical prowess
(Children, Elderly and other physically demure individuals).

TW-17, is a branch of the Facial nerve and will cause severe pain with any
of the stated methods of attack. When pressed or rubbed from the back
toward the rear of the Jaw Hinge and downward, you will cause a
weakening of the muscles causing the body to drop as the muscles totally
relax as they also fail to support the bodies’ weight. By pressing up and
toward the rear of the eyes, the body will stiffen and rise, causing the
muscles in ability to contract. Pressed or rubbed directly from the back to
the front toward the nose the same you will cause the same muscle
Paralyzing effects on the attacked side and a withdrawal reflex on the
opposite side. Striking this point in any of the directions will affect the
consciousness of the opponent and will also dysfunction the body as
described with the pressure or rubbing, only to a greater degree.
Additional target effects:
Hands weaken and open
o If pressed, rubbed or struck this nerve will weaken and or
dysfunction the arm on that side applied on. It can weaken or
dysfunction both arms if enough pressure or power in a strike is
applied. Although it should be noted that a strike with enough
effort is landed the recipient is probably going to be knocked
unconscious and completely dysfunctional.
Arms move in accordance to pressure applied
o If we press or rub the nerve down at this target, that side arm
will loose strength as the muscles relax. This will cause the arm
to drop on that side as well. If pressed or rubbed upward it will
make the outer arm muscles contract and affectively lift the arm
up and away.
Neck Muscles weaken to turn head effortlessly
o When a persons head is turned it will severely diminish their
strength as well as their ability to move forward toward you. To
turn a persons head by simply grabbing it is virtually impossible,
unless you are substantially stronger and or larger than they are.
But by simply applying pressure in any direction, the
compressed nerves will weaken the neck muscles and allow you
to turn it with ease. That is if they do not turn their own head
from the pain and discomfort inflicted by its use.
Torso folds forward or arches back in accordance to pressure
applied
o If you press or rub down on this nerve target, the body will
weaken primarily on that side of the body causing it to fold
forward and toward that side. If both are done in the same
manner the entire body will fold forward as it weakens. This in
turn will weaken the legs and make additional attack or forward
motion not possible. Struck in a downward motion will make all
reactions faster as it also diminishes consciousness and
perceptions of the recipient.
Legs extend or collapse in accordance to pressure applied
o In the opposite direction (Upward pressure), it has a
completely opposite affect. What happens is that the exterior leg
and back muscles will constrict causing the head to lift, body
 arch back and legs become stiff as it lifts the opponent to their
toes. Again struck in this direction will do the same thing only
far more dramatically along with altered states of consciousness
and sensory / motor functions.
Physical strength diminishes
o As already mentioned the body and its strength are
weakened in proportion to the pressure or direction used.
Causes severe pain and temporary loss of thought and motor
control
o The reason it is so effective is due to the proximity to the
brain. As the central nervous system is overloaded with sensory
nerve input (Pain in this case), it severely limits motor
functionality (the ability or use of the voluntary muscle action).
This in turn makes it difficult to think due to the overload in pain
and the rapid loss of motor function, which adds to confusion
and fear.

It is also important due to its location, which is accessible from the side and
rear and will add dimension to possible uses. Whether standing, in grabbed
positions or even if in a grounded survival or fighting position, as long as
you can physically reach and manipulate this point, escape and or victory
are easier. And percentage wise, this target can be used by a wider range of
people with a greater success rate than conventional techniques or natural
struggle.

Scenarios:
Now that we know the target, the manner of application and the results, lets
look at possible uses:

If you are pushed (provided you can reach the target in this scenario):
Pressing this target correctly will turn the assailant away and
limit forward motion.
It will unbalance the assailant as well as cause their arms, legs
and body to arch out and back.
Will knock the opponent into unconsciousness with good
intent.
If grabbed you are grabbed by the shirt:
You can again push it or strike it with causing the assailants
head to turn rapidly.
Struck upward they will extend their arms pushing you away
rather than pulling you in.
If you strike down you will cause them to fold or fall forward.
Can cause unconsciousness of the opponent.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the wrist or arm:

The assailants grip will be released
They will be substantially weakened.
Escape or escalation in counter attack is far easier.

If placed in a head lock:

By reaching over and simply pushing the point, it will weaken
the grip and push the opponent away allowing your head to slip out
of the hold

If struck with any type action (Straight, Hooked or cross punch):

By stepping off to the side, you can also attack with the same
actions as mentioned above provided again that clear targeting is
possible.
You can use elbows, hands, knees and even head buts against
this target adding to the versatility of the point.

If on the ground:
From the top position you can turn their head for following
control or further striking.
From the bottom position pressing or striking this will turn
their head as they sit up and extend the arms making unbalancing
and escape easier. Or dropped for additional control and
unbalancing to submission, escape or reversal.

Pressure alone on this target and done in a rapid pulsing action, can also
cause severe dizziness, altered conscious and or fainting from a rapid drop
in blood pressure. This is what is known as a compression knockout. It can
also trigger nausea and completely weaken the entire body as it causes
confusion and fear. These targets are all very powerful and their study not
only valuable, but also incredibly interesting as to their affects on the
human body. But Kyusho’s real versatility and possibility also lies not only
in this power or control it has over the opponent, but also in that it is not
technique based. Training techniques will allow an individual to build a
repertoire of possible methods to use against appropriate attack scenarios.
But by learning simple targeting and their affects, true and complete
spontaneity with greater affect, and full adaptability is possible. In addition,
since they are simple one-motion actions, as stress and the limiting
capabilities of an attacked individual due to adrenaline surge and or fear,
they are more likely to succeed. This is in comparison to attempting to use
several motions in conjunction with each other, will assure a greater success
rate no matter what the experience level.

Long training periods are not as necessary as combinations of maneuvers

either aiding in the more efficient use of training time in these hectic times.
For novices, smaller, weaker or more fragile individuals looking for simple
ideas for self-protection, theses Kyusho targets are ideal. Quick to learn,
easy to apply and capable of amazing possibility for all that employ them…
that is the “Vital Point”.
Top Ten #5

Another very versatile point that is the most powerful in affect is the target
called ST-9 (Stomach point 9).

ST-9, Located on the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the same level of the

Adams Apple on the frontal aspect of the muscle group and in between the
bands of muscle is the most versatile point of the group. This is on an
easily accessible and very sensitive nerve (as it is protecting one of the most
vulnerable areas of the human body). This target can be accessed by
pressing and striking, but with more dramatic affect with rubbing, stretching
or plucking.

We must first understand that part of a nerves function is to trigger

protective reflexes, which are instantaneous reactions to protect the body
from damage or dysfunctions in the body. For example the withdrawal
reflex being when you instinctively pulling your hand back from a hot
object. Another example would be the blink reflex when something
approaches the eye too fast for the brain to assimilate threat level. The
crossed extensor reflex is just a withdrawal reflex on one side with the
addition of inhibitory pathways needed to maintain balance and
coordination. An example of this would be when you step on a sharp object
with your right foot as you are walking along, this will initiate a withdrawal
of your right leg. Now in order for you to maintain your balance and not
fall down, your left leg, which was flexing, will now be extended to plant
your left foot.
Brining this idea back to our target, by pressing straight in on this point it
will cause such severe discomfort that the individual will be influenced by
the withdrawal reflex to get away from the pain and or danger to vital
structures. This will weaken the grip pull the hand or arm away on that
targeted side allowing escape or further escalation in personal defence.
This will be a quick reaction that can also quickly diminish and the assault
reapplied, so you must be aware of this and follow up accordingly.

But this method will not reach a level of incapacitation with pressure alone
(unless massive energetic pressure is applied there such as in a strike). But
by pressing in a rubbing in specific directions you will cause more severe
pain, reflexive actions, motor skill disruption (arms, legs, torso loosing
muscle control), even incapacitation (full dysfunction) up to
unconsciousness. And to add yet another level of pain and dysfunction, the
quicker (not necessarily more force), the action of stretching the more
dramatic and dysfunctional it will be on the recipient. This is the idea of
plucking, as you would on a guitar string which excites the affected nerve
faster and therefore more profoundly.

To more fully understand the affects of certain directional pressure, we need

to start our applications in a static position and experience the results, with
varying pressure methods:

Pressing up and in will tense the body (Especially the back

muscles) as it lifts the recipient due to the cross extensor reflex
guarding against the rapid rearward loss of balance. This will pull the
arm up and away loosing functional control of it. The opposite action
of pressing down enacts the withdrawal reflex causing a weakening of
the front body as it pulls the organs back away from the attacking
direction. This weakening and withdrawal will also cause the body to
drop as the muscles totally relax.
Now to escalate the reactions we work the same directional
pressure with rubbing the nerve after initial pressure is applied. When
quickly stretched upward, the recipient will spring up and back fast
enough (depending on the pressure and speed of the rub), to lift the
body involuntarily off the ground. This will also cause both arms to
 have similar reflexive actions as they also both pull back and
dysfunction. This is also a temporary reaction, but will last longer
than merely pushing the point’s will.
Quickly rubbing this nerve downward rapidly will cause a faster
buckling of the torso and also of the legs. It can cause a complete
collapse of the recipient depending on the speed and force used. This
too is temporary, but the recovery will take much longer as the
weakened muscles will take more stimuli to regain functionality. This
will leave enough time for escape or escalation in retaliation if the
circumstances warrant or need it.
It is in striking that we see even more possibility and very intense
reactions. By striking up and in at a 45 degree angle you will again
lift and tense the body on that side, but also send a shock of pain into
the recipient to dysfunction completely or cause the body to loose
balance and fall backwards. This will take a substantially longer time
to recover and gain functionality of the body.
By contrast striking down and in will cause the body to drop
uncontrollably and cause a loss of consciousness, vision and physical
control. This recovery can take several minutes to recover from, in
which time the assailant will be weak, confused and impaired vision
as well as motor function. Unconsciousness will take even longer to
recover from as this direction also causes a loss of blood pressure.
This can leave the recipient nauseous, dizzy, have cold sweats and
reoccurrence of unconsciousness. In short they are going to feel
severely ill and incapable of clear though or reaction.

Scenarios:
Now that we know the target, the manner of application and the results,
there is little use to work on any specific technique or set of specific
techniques. The attacks should be drilled so that the target becomes an
automatic response no matter which type/s are used. Grabs, pushes, kicks,
hand strikes, weapon attacks or some holds should be spontaneous and
varied in location or what is grabbed with one hand or two. By having only
one simple response to a variety of attacks will lead to more exacting and
probable use.
In contrast to practicing set techniques, this will require less thought,
complex and coordinated motions, making each response more intensive
and instinctive. By reducing the complexity and consistently training the
single target there is the possibility to make them more reflexive
(automatic) as well. With more spontaneity and random attack, the
practitioner can still become more adept under real duress, uncertainty and
intensity. When you need less brain or thought processing accomplish your
objective, or to get through the stress levels as well and the limiting affects
of released adrenaline, the more reliable your defense will be.

The use of many techniques or even targets although fun to investigate,

become limiting both mentally and physically. If we view our brain being
just like a computer, the more information that is input, processed or
waiting for processing, will slow the speed and function of the computer.
Our brain is no different as it is already responsible for so many tasked to
just maintain the human being, adding more than you need will just bog
down the mind and limit the possible responses.

So the main idea is to train this target slowly at first to experience first hand
the affects and proper applications to obtain then. Then apply them in slow
mock attack scenarios that are spontaneous and random so that you become
accustomed to and adept at it’s use. Then increase the speed and variety of
attack, the intensity, and complexity to induce stress like; with weapon, in a
stairway, or in dim light), the number of people, clothing, environments
etc. When you can accomplish this, there is no need for memorized
technique, there will only be a sure focus that will help you attain the
objective faster and more efficiently.

This brings up another Vital Point, when working to protect ourselves; we

must work to respond as we cause the opponent to react. The difference
although seemingly slight is actually a completely different dynamic.
When we respond, it is an automatic process or action in calm measured
manner. As an example when asked a question we fully know the answer
for, we can respond without thought or stress as well as continue on to the
limits of our knowledge or abilities. In this mode we are flexible and
effortless in our delivery as well as confident.
However a reaction is a rushed process or action due to a sudden need or
urgency… this is due to an unknown input that is not fully understood.
This causes temporary paralysis in our ability to process and formulate a
reaction. Again using the example of conversation, when someone asks us
something we do not fully know, we stop and think, then attempt to form an
answer to it. The hesitation and the unsurity add to discomfort or stress,
which in turn releases adrenaline and causes more labored action or thought
as well as diminishing physical action. We become less flexible and
capable of properly dealing with the situation.

Just knowing the difference of these two definitions in relation to our

personal protection is Vital. But when we train all possibilities with a
single response, it is learned faster, more completely and more sure to be
used as well as successful.
Top Ten #6

GB-20, is in the hollow space on the back of the neck between the
sternocleidomastoid muscle and the Trapezius. Two finger widths down
from the edge of the skull and in this space runs the Lesser Occipital Nerve
that can be struck in two directional angles for different results. This will
cause a loss of motor function and varying levels of consciousness,
depending on the severity of the blow.

One of the effectual angles is striking up and in toward the center of the
Skull at a 45 degree angle. This will cause a loss of motor function and
varying levels of consciousness, depending on the severity of the blow. But
there are more important details we should be aware of and use to our
advantage; this being the way the body reflexively reacts to the angled
strike. When struck up and in as described, the body will tense the body
(Especially the leg muscles) as it lifts the recipient due to the withdrawal
reflex. This will pull the arms up and away as loosing functional muscle
control also occurs.

Struck well enough the body will completely lift from the ground as it falls
toward the opposite side of the strike. The individual should experience a
white flash as they loose conscious control as well as physical function.
Unconsciousness will be rapid in this type of application, however the
possibility exists where the falling action (actually hitting the ground), can
trigger a nerve impulse that will awaken them. At this point they may not
have physical motor control or it will be severely inhibited. And without
proper revival application, they will most likely suffer from a severe
headache that can last for varied lengths of time depending on the severity
of the blow.

Striking down and in toward the opposite foot will again cause varying
degrees of consciousness, body collapse and a feeling of electrical shock
running through the body. With this angle of strike the entire body will
loose muscular control and will cause the whole body to collapse. The
collapse will be more prominent and rapid on the struck side, but only by a
spilt second. This will cause the individual to fall toward that struck side.
Unconsciousness will come on slower but be to a deeper level that will not
self revive on hitting the floor.

The recipient will not get a white flash as mentioned for the up and in
strike, but rather everything will go dark as temporary blindness occurs,
(this can be remedied immediately or left alone it will return on it’s own in
time). Also Nausea can be the residual affect as this angle of attack seems
to agitate the autonomic nervous system (Automatic life functions such as
digestion, circulation, respiration, etc). Again all depends on the force used
and the focus on the nerve point.

To affect this target in either direction the arm on the targeted side also must
be down to open the area. If the arm is up on that side the
Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius muscles will bunch up and the nerve
will be recessed beyond reach. If lifted high enough the shoulder itself can
also block the target affectively. By having the arm down it will also stretch
the nerve to make it far more vulnerable as well.

Since the nerve is laying between these two muscle groups the strike must
either penetrate the density of these muscles or be focused between them.
This is possible with many weapons such as a forearm, elbow or with heavy
hand strikes.

A forearm strike either with the radial bone (thumb side), or the Ulna bone
(Small finger side), accuracy is not as demanding, however the angle is
more a sensitive issue. Striking the up and in angle will be hampered by the
shoulder even if in the down position. This will be especially difficult with
an opponent that is taller than you, even if a slight difference. However
striking downward will be far easier and affective with either side of this
weapon, especially if you hit with a heavy stretching type action that will
collapse the entire body and cause altered consciousness.

Finer focusing between the both muscle groups will yield a maximum result
and affect, as the nerve itself is more directly accessed. This can be
accomplished using the index finger edge of the hand at the first knuckle, or
the heel of the palm on the small finger side of the hand. The ridge of the
hand can be deployed from a frontal or side position whereas the heel of the
palm would be from a side to rearward position.

Even with these more refined strikes the upward angle can many times be
hard to land properly whereas the downward angle far easier and actually
far more incapacitating. Even a smaller (provide the attack is landed
properly), weaker individual can attain great affects, as it is not based on
strength. This target will be accessible from a push, grab, strike and if
position is used even a kick from the attacker.

Now the elbow was also mentioned so we need to cover the possibilities as
well as the constraints of this weapon. The shoulder and or arm must again
be down, whether they have it already there or somehow you have pulled or
pushed it down. You could even pull down the head to stretched the neck,
muscles and the nerve to be targeted so that a dropping elbow can be used.
Provided you can correctly target the nerve with the bony prominence of the
elbow as opposed to the back of the upper arm, this is the most devastating
of all the possible weapons. To get this position the opponents arm can be
pulled down, their shoulder even if by the shirt or coat, and even with the
hair (if they have enough to grab). The newer styles of hooded sweatshirts
and baseball caps are excellent to quickly pull and expose this “Vital Point”.

Just remember the downward angle will cause the body to drop
uncontrollably and cause a loss of consciousness, vision and physical
control. The recovery can take several minutes, in which time the assailant
will be weak, blinded, confused and incapable of motor function.
Unconsciousness will take even longer to recover from as this direction also
causes a loss of blood pressure. This can leave the recipient nauseous,
dizzy; have cold sweats and reoccurrence of unconsciousness. In short they
are going to feel severely ill and incapable of clear though or reaction. This
will act as a deterrent to further attack from the recipient of this Kyusho
target.

Working with the targets rather than a specific technique will allow so much
more flexibility and possibility. The only concern is hitting it in an
advantages way as opposed to hoping the attacker does indeed attack in a
specific way you have practiced. Another benefit is in the placement and
affects they have that will allow the practitioner to correctly control or
position the opponent for a proper application. As an example since an
individual will either have their chin tucked (exposing the GB-20 as in this
chapter), or if they attempt to pull the head back to protect the GB-20, we
can use the ST-9 in the prior chapter to pull the chin down to now expose
this target.

Even if they tilt their head to one side the other is now exposed. And even
if they pull up both shoulders or bring up their hands as a boxer or trained
fighter, you can simply kick them in the leg to make them drop their hands
temporarily to now gain access. By the conclusion of these top 10 targets
there is no way you cannot expose or position the opposition to escape a
finishing Kyusho application. It is this flexibility, this amount of efficiency
and affect over the opponent that is not only empowering, but also easy to
use… especially under the stress of a real attack.
Top Ten #7

LI-18, Laying on the same level as the Adams Apple, between a space in
the muscle strands is this very accessible and versatile point. Just lateral to
the ST-9 point mentioned earlier is this branch of the Great Auricular
Nerve.

Not only does it respond to pressing and striking, but it also can be attacked
in three directions all with different results. By applying pressure or a strike
straight into the target, we activate the withdrawal reflex as the entire body
attempts to pull away from the pain and eminent dysfunction. Manipulating
it in an upward and inward 45-degree angle, will initiate the cross body
reflex as the body arches up and backward. And angling down and in at a
45 degree angle will cause a physical collapse due to motor dysfunction.

But just knowing this information is not all there is to know however. It
can also be worked in two manners as well, striking and pressing. When
pressing we can utilize these three directions as well as in striking.
Pressing upward as mentioned will cause what is called a cross body
extensor reflex action where the body extends in an attempt to get away
from the perceived danger, the pain and the possibility of damage.
This method can be use to release a grip as when activated and the cross
body reflex activates, the hand will open and the arm will extend and cause
it to release. It does not matter what the grip is on, nor the hand used or any
such detail. What matters is if you can reach it and apply this pressure.
That is why Kyusho is so versatile, it is not dependent on circumstance, it is
simply a matter of reach and application.

Pressing this straight into the center of the neck will cause intense pain and
force the withdrawal reflex. What is so valuable about enacting the reflexes
is that they cannot consciously be ignored, or fought off, they automatically
kick in. As the opponent pulls away the body is temporarily weakened, the
mind not in control and escape or escalation for the practitioner possible.

Now pressing downward and in at a 45-degree angle does not actuate a

reflex action as much as it simply inhibits motor function. Motor function
is the neurological stimulation from the brain to the muscles to perform any
and all their actions. Whether it is standing, stepping, turning or any other
action, it is severely decreased in conjunction on the pressure used. It could
be as simple as weakening the arm, more intense as the legs cannot function
and collapse or even more so as it can dysfunction the entire body
(Although not probable with just pressing).

This flexibility enables the user to utilize it as long as they can reach it,
again not based on the opponent’s actions, motion or position. So if close
or grappled, held or crowded a simple press can get you the distance and or
release to remove the immediate threat.
Now we can also strike this target with more dramatic results but also
differing results depending on the angle of attack. Striking up and in at a 45
degree angle as example, will cause the opponent to rise and withdraw on
the struck side. It will also cause that side arm to rise, as it tenses all the
muscles, the opposite will drop and the opposite leg will weaken or buckle,
depending on the force of the blow. It is also possible to cause altered state
of consciousness, however you may have difficulty in correctly targeting it
in this manner, as the shoulder is many times blocking this trajectory.

Striking straight in (this is the classic Karate or Judo Chop) has a more
debilitating affect as the limbs extend and the body then looses much
functionality. This will cause the legs to buckle and drop the opponent
rather quickly as well. This angle will also cause more severe effect on the
conscious level of the recipient and far easier to target, as the shoulder will
have less position restriction. The caution that needs mentioning here is
that with higher levels of force it is also possible to seriously damage the
vertebrae of the neck. For women against a male assailant it is not
typically a problem, but male-to-male, the legal ramifications of this
defensive action, could be more of an issue.

The best and most dysfunctional manner of striking this great target is down
and in at a 45 degree angle. Striking it down toward the center of the chest
will cause the body to collapse from lack of muscle control, much like the
LI-17 (Transverse cervical Nerve). This angle also affects the level of
consciousness the most, but without the restrictions or problems of the other
two angles mentioned above. This will instantly drop the opponent and
weaken the entire body and easy to target accurately.

In all of the above workings of this target, if the attacked side arm is down,
you will have greater affect. That is due to the stretch on the underlying
nerve, the more exposed target and less skin and muscle protecting it. If the
arm on that side (or more accurately the shoulder) is raised, the muscle
becomes denser as it contracts in the action. It will also cause the skin to
bunch up over the area as it offers even more insulation from the blow.

Another major benefit to this target is that it can easily be reached from
front, rear and side. So if you are attacked straight on, or get to the side, or
better yet get behind the opponent, you can still utilize this point. From a
frontal position the ridge of the hand, outer edge of the hand, the forearm or
elbow can all be used effectively. From the side a knuckle punch, forearm,
heel bone of the palm or elbow can access this target well. And from the
rear all of the weapons mentioned are possible.

If the occasion calls for a double striking action on both sides of the neck
there is also a very important aspect to utilize. That is striking in staggered
timing, as the affect will be dramatically better than striking at the same
time. This is because the nervous system can better handle the
simultaneous sensory input as opposed to a staggered timing. When struck
at the same time it is one sensory impulse and then a motor response, but
when struck in staggered timing, there is a sensory impulse, followed by an
instant motor response, which is blocked, or overwhelmed, by the
secondary sensory impulse. The following secondary motor response will
also be heightened in degree, as the body was already weakened and not
able to handle the loss of motor skills.

Add now the possibility of double striking in differing directions, or by

applying pressure followed by a strike or vice versa, you again will magnify
the affect and cause far more dysfunction in the recipient.

Scenarios:

If you are pushed:

You can press the hand down and strike with either side hand
or weapon.
You can grab the push and pull down to cause further stretch
and weakening for either side weapon.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the shirt:

Lightly touch or rub the grabbing arm or in case of a double
grab, lightly touch or rub just one arm as the opposite hand attacks
the point.

If grabbed you are grabbed by the wrist or arm:

Use the opposite arm to attack either side of the opponent’s
neck on this target.

If grabbed by the shoulder:

Step in and around to apply an attack to the opposite side.

If struck with a hooking action:

Attack or stop the incoming attack and strike the opposite side
of their neck.

If struck with a straight action:

 Attack, parry or brush the attack out of the ay as you attack
with the opposite hand, inside or outside the attack.

If in a tight grab:
You will have a more difficult time striking so applying
pressure is the best method.

If on the ground:
Again you will have a more difficult time striking so applying
pressure is the best method.

This target has infinite uses and possibilities which will reveal themselves
the more you work with them. But for instant self-protection, striking well
will end the situation very quickly.
Top Ten #8

GB-31, located just behind the lateral aspect of the Quadriceps and
Hamstring (mid-thigh), this is on a branch of the Lateral Femoral
Cutaneous nerve. This must be struck into the thighbone at a 45-degree
angle from back to front of the thigh. This will cause extreme pain,
paralysis of the leg, weakening of the lower limbs and dizziness.

This is a well-known target, yet it is very rarely targeted correctly. Many

times we see people shin kicking the leg at this target, which of course
hurts, but has little affect especially on a well conditioned or strongly
muscled leg.

The shin is most often performed in front of the opponent or very rarely at a
45-degree angle. This angle is not the best angle to access the underlying
nerve as the muscles protect it, especially when in a strong stance. The
Quadriceps group of muscles is very large and extends outward and as a
protective barrier against these angled kicks.

This is best targeted from the rear and in at a 45 degree angle toward the
thigh bone as it gets in between the Quadriceps muscle and the Hamstring
group which can protect it from back to front angled attacks. By coming in
at a 45 degree there is a separation between these muscle groups that will
allow you to strike the nerve into and against the bone causing severely
neurological shock to that nerve and the rest of the body, as we will
describe more later in this writing.
Another key element is that the shin is less likely to be able to penetrate as
compared to a knee or fisted strike. The shin will be buffered as it contacts
the two surrounding muscle groups and mutes the full impact on the nerve.
By using the smaller contact surfaces of fist, elbow or knee, it is a very
direct attack that causes severe pain and physical dysfunction.

What actually occurs is that the acute force on the nerve alone transfers a
rapid sensory overload to the brain, which is read as pain must be in
monitored and reacted upon. In this process Motor function (or muscle
control and strength), will be stopped. This will cause the leg to collapse as
the released tension of the muscle no longer supports the body weight and
the individual no longer has function in that leg. This pain is so acute and
the rush of sensory overload can be (with more force), enough to cause
dizziness and altered states of conscious from the shock to the system.

The value of this point beyond the mentioned attributes is that it is a target
that is difficult for the opponent to block. Several reasons for this are first
many people do not expect the attack as it is out of sight range and they will
not see it coming. Another is that the legs are the last limb to react so as the
individual sees the attack coming in, by the time the brain monitors the
danger and tries to move the leg in protection the time lag is too long
compared to the strike. It is also an angle that the human mind does not
react to quickly. When something is thrown or coming directly to the front
of the body, it reacts very quickly, but to the side it is slower as the right
brain controls the left side and vice versa. This means there is a time lag
from when the right brain (in this example), sees the attack coming in,
transfers the information to the left-brain and then to the leg… again way
too long. And from a rear 45-degree angle, it is the same issue as just
mentioned, but also the range of sight is severely restricted.

Now this angle is difficult to get from a frontal attack, however not as
difficult once known and practiced. By learning to slip under the opponents
arm with a stepping and ducking action, then pivoting to face the new angle
toward the opponent you have a clear path to the Target. Your knee will be
readily available as will a punch with more training. However the punch
will lack the power and ease of motion that the knee will have.

One thing to guard against when using a knee is using the top as the striking
surface. This is layered in soft muscle tissue and will buffer the attack.
Using the hard and smaller bone structure of the knee cap or other
surrounding bone structure will have deeper penetration and affect as the
nerve is compressed between the hard surfaces of the knee and thighbone.
This will send a more acute and painful sensory message and in turn inhibit
far more motor skill and consciousness from neurological shock.

Using the elbow from a straight angle of attack by the opponent will take
the same slipping and stepping action, but now as opposed to pivoting in
toward the individual using a rear outward elbow strike the trajectory will
be easy and effective. Again as cautioned on the knee, make sure that the
harder bone structure of the elbow is used as opposed to the softer muscle
tissue around it.

Do not rule out front kicks for this point, however note that your balance
will be harder to adjust and maintain with such a forward attack and slip
scenario. You must also work harder to target, as the foot will be far less
accurate than the Knee, Elbow or Fisted attack. You will also need to target
the ball of the big toe as opposed to the full foot as the same difficulty of
muscle protection seen with a shin will be a barrier here as well.

For approaching another individual to separate them from an innocent

victim during an assault, this target is extremely viable and efficient. By
approaching from the rear 45-degree angle you will be mostly out of sight
range and the knee will work as a natural extension of your stride. This will
collapse that attacked leg as it also causes the arms to open and rise,
effectively releasing any grip they may have had on the victim. In all the
above scenarios, this will render the opponent incapable of further effective
attack.

A severe strike here will also cause the hand to spring open, so as to release
the grip on any weapon or item they may have been using in the attack.
Now if the attacker is straddled over the victim this point can be accessible,
but sometimes not. For example if the Attacker is on their knees in straddle
and the thigh is perpendicular with the ground, it will be accessible.
However if they are on the knees, but sitting back on the haunches, the
nerve will not be as viable as the muscles will contort in a way so that they
overlap and protect the point.

So if a rapist as example is in position and between the legs of their victim

and if his thighs are upright (to loosen and remove the garment), this target
can be attacked with the back of the heal. But the power of this will be less
dysfunctional and a quick secondary move or repositioning to escape
needed.

After working with this target to assure proper angle and attack method to
gain the most results, we can add even more debilitating affects by
stretching the nerve and enabling us to control the motion of the opponent.
When we strike from back to front and stretch the nerve down toward the
knee, the opponent will collapse immediately. This will take the opponents
hands as well out of play as it brings the now unprotected head into clear
range and reach, even on a larger opponent. By striking back to front with
an upward stretch, the opponent will lift off the ground as arms and legs
splay out and away from the torso. This will make the opponent drop
backwards after the initial lift as it also releases the grip on a victim or
weapon.

This point may take some practice to become comfortable with, but it and
the weapons you are using with it will enable far better protection overall
for you… and ones that will be surprising and difficult to oppose.
Top Ten # 9
SP-11, in between the Adductor and Sartorius Muscles is a branch of the
Anterior Cutaneous Femoral Nerve. Pressing or striking this point straight
in toward the Femur (Thigh Bone), will cause dysfunction of leg muscles,
nausea, cold sweating of the body and altered level of consciousness.

This target is an extremely powerful point as it is not just over the nerve,
but also the Femoral Artery and Femoral vein. So it affects not only the
nerve system with instantaneous reactions and reflex, but it also can also
affect the circulation, possibly inducing a vasovagal syncope. The
vasovagal syncope is a sudden drop in a person’s blood pressure, which
brings about fainting.

By compressing this nerve (and Artery) against the thighbone, you are
affecting both the somatic nervous system, which controls the voluntary
muscle control, as well as the autonomic nervous system, which controls
internal functions. This nerve when struck or pressed into the Femur
(Thigh Bone), causes dramatic physical dysfunctions like:

1. The targeted leg will experience intense pain and dysfunction.

2. Hip and leg shifts outward as it collapses.
3. Opposite leg looses functionality.
4. Body folds.
5. Physical strength diminishes as the body is collapses and falls away on
the targeted side.
 6. Arms drop with loss of control.
7. Head comes forward.
8. Causes cognitive thought loss temporarily.

Location
This nerve starts at the spine at the Lumbar Vertebrae number three and first
travels down the leg at the front of the leg at the inguinal crease. The nerve
separates into many branches as the spread down and forward on the inside
of the thigh. The SP-11 point is at the halfway point between the inguinal
crease and the knee at the space between the Quadriceps and the Sartorius
and Adductor muscles of the inner thigh.

These targets must be struck to penetrate the heavy muscle structures of the
thigh to compress the nerve against the bone (Femur). These muscles on
the inside flex very little and are typically in a relaxed state so that they will
not withstand the incoming targeting. The best angle of approach and
compression must be at a 45 degree angle from front to back as if shooting
through the thigh and out to the GB-31 point. The amount of force will not
need to be as heavy the outer thigh, as the muscle density is far less, and the
gap between them far greater.

When struck well the pain is intense and the leg will go into complete
dysfunction, which will drop the recipient to the ground preventing escape
or escalation in resistance. The expected reflexive action will be that the
struck limb will buckle that side Hip and knee outward as the leg collapses
due to a complete loss of muscle control. The entire side of the body will
also buckle inward causing both arms to drop.

Now there are many ways to attack this target and some may even be
surprising, but all of them are simple and direct motions as are all the
targets we have covered in this publication. This is critical as under stress
we loose fine motor skills as well as peripheral vision and other physical
functionality. Due to this loss in physical control the target must be easy to
utilize with a simple gross motor skill such as a knee action. Another asset
with this target is that many people, even highly trained individuals, do not
train as much in protecting the legs were this target lies. It is a surprising
method that is enhanced under stress they may also be experiencing.
Starting with the simplest method, a knee attack in at a 45-degree angle, this
single action can completely incapacitate the opponent in a single strike.
The power generated by a knee is substantial due to the number, size and
natural actions of the muscles making this move. In close range it is also
virtually undetectable, until it has landed, because it is below the sight line
as well as hidden by the hands actions that will be in motion during a close
range attack. As an attacker is grabbing, pushing, striking or just making
hand gestures to intimidate or initiate the attack, their focus will not be on
the legs for the most part. This is a great opportunity to land this stealthy
type action with complete surprise.

Another benefit is that the opponent in attack will not be able to move their
legs fast enough to see and either withdraw or block such an attack. As
they step to approach they must place weight onto the lead leg to then
transfer from the rear leg. It is in such an instance that the balance, stability
and reaction time for the opponent will be secondary to its intended action.
And whereas it does not place the defender in the same limited position,
this is a very strong and reliable method.

Another simple and even more surprising action is sinking to punch the
point directly. The power generated with a knuckle punch into this area
will be as devastating as the knee attack to the opponent. This is mainly
due to the penetrating ability of the fist over the knee in lieu of the power
generated. Because the fist will also be a smaller striking surface, the nerve
of the opponent’s legs will be less protected by the surrounding muscle
tissue. The strike can still pinch the nerves and vascular tissue against the
thighbone even without the massive power of the knee.

It is more surprising as most people do not see, think or relate to this type of
action and are therefore unprepared for it. Granted it would work better for
a smaller individual to use on a larger attacker for ease of motion, but it can
be done for any size individual. To envision this more clearly, imagine an
attacker grabbing your shirt, pushing at your shoulder, or even swinging at
your head with a fist. As the hand approaches you sink low and punch
directly into the target. The attacker may have expected a block or a lateral
movement, but not dropping straight down and even attacking back. Also
understand that once the attack is in motion, the opponent will not be
readily able to stop the action or change actions. Their body motions,
balance and weight will already be committed and readjustment very
difficult at best. So their blocking or countering your action would be very
difficult to achieve if even possible.

For longer range the target can also be kicked directly into the point with
the toe of a shoe with equally devastating results. Again many Martial
Artists do not even train to protect low kicks like this let alone an untrained
attacker. By attacking across the body with a straight low front kick action,
again there is a great amount of power that can be generated. Now it will
take more training to target this well with a kick as they are less dexterous
that the hands or knee, but for those that have it will be extremely effective.
One word of caution, in some countries and provinces a kick with a shoe
(called a shod foot), are considered illegal weapons. So make sure of the
laws in your area… funny time we live in, but better to be protected with
information than to be pleading non-knowledge, for protection.

The last scenario we will be looking at in this publication, but not limited
to, is using this target from the ground. Whether it is a ground fighting
situation or if you are knocked, pushed or have fallen, this target has many
uses or opportunities. If for example you were on the ground and the
opponent is approaching to forward a further attack, this point can easily be
kicked, or even punched in this position. Or if you are grappling on the
ground with the opponent there may be opportunity to knee, kick, punch or
even drop the weight of an elbow or heel into this vital target.

Again defence with Kyusho is not reliant on technique, just the availability
of specific targets. If it were only one available target it would not be as
beneficial to study, but when there are targets such as this all over the
human body, there will always be one such as this one, to easily access.
And where the simplicity of attack in singular actions as opposed to more
complex transitional actions or fine motor skill actions, even under real
attack, stress and it’s limitations you will be able to use Kyusho far easier
and more effectively!
Top Ten #10

Mental Nerve is a very special target point that responds to all three
stimuli, (hit, rub, press) located just under the corner of the mouth and in-
between the lower edge of teeth and base of the jaw. There is a hole in the
bone called a Foramen, where the Mental Nerve exits. They are on both
sides of the jaw and reachable from either side.

Attacking this point down and in toward the neck with a firm pressure or
rapid rubbing, will weaken and dysfunction the neck as well as the body
muscles. It will cause a withdrawal reflex of the head and can lead to a
nauseous state. As it is attacked with more speed and power especially with
a striking action, the effects will intensify to dizziness, altered vision and
consciousness.

The mental nerve is a somatic, (sensory) nerve that includes the special
fibers that help keep the body assimilated with its surroundings, such as
those involved in touch. Sensory Nerves send messages from the muscles
back to the spinal cord and the brain. These sensors help identify if
something is sharp, rough, or smooth, hot or cold, standing still or in
motion, in short it is all of our senses. Impediment or damage to the
Sensory Nerves results in tingling, numbness, pain, or extreme sensitivity to
touch. The somatic nervous system also consists of peripheral fibers that
send sensory information to the central nervous system and motor nerves.
These fibers project to skeletal muscle, for voluntary muscle control as a
main purpose.

When we overload the sensory nerves with severe, multiple or varied input,
we can affect the Motor Nerves and to varying degrees the Autonomic
Nerves as well. So say we send an acute sensory message to the brain such
as a hard striking action to this target. This in turn will inhibit motor
messages to the most distal limbs first and the reason why the legs will
buckle, body arms and neck will weaken. If it is struck harder the brain
itself is affected with altered levels of consciousness, affecting autonomic
function may also be impaired as well. This could result in difficulty in
breathing, loss of blood pressure or even nausea.

These reactions will be instantaneous and will also leave the recipient in a
state of confusion as the brain is occupied with the more urgent need over
cogniscent thought. This can assist the user in a total control over the
opponent as the body, mind and therefore spirit to continue will also be
severely hampered or stopped completely.

This is a very versatile point that yields fast and predictable reactions that
once the user is aware of, can affect very easily for common self-protective
actions:

Striking would be the easiest and most natural action for anyone to react
with, it also carries the most effective disabling consequences. Using the
natural actions of a hooking arm motion (which is labelled as a gross motor
skill) will be the best result under severe stress. Under severe stress the fine
motor skills like finger control and more complex physical actions are
severely restricted by an adrenaline release. This also restricts hearing and
even peripheral vision so that concentration is just on single point of sight.
It makes the bigger actions such as running and the mentioned arm actions
predominant in urgent life preservation. Since this hooking arm action is
what will become natural even under extreme stress, we will look at this as
our preferred method. These strikes could be with clench fist (more natural
for males) or open handed (more natural for females). The recommended
method is the open hand for many reasons.

The open hand using the palm to strike down and in on the target will need
less accuracy as the area of contact will be broader and conform to the
skeletal structure of the opponents chin for proper contact. The fist by
comparison would need to be on just a few knuckles so that the harder
broad surface of the whole fist would ride more on the raised edges of the
jaw and possibly the cheekbone. This would limit the actual nerve
compression unless targeted with just a few knuckles (a finer motor skill for
correct angulation). There is also greater possibility of missing with a fist
as opposed to the entire palm with its larger coverage area.

Physical Damage with a fist is also probable, as the hard knuckles will cut
the skin of the recipient or possible break the jawbone leading to observable
or permanent injury. Now at first thought one would conclude that the
attacked deserved the injury and that is what you intended anyway. But
taking the societal restrictions in these modern times, even if you are
attacked, if the assailant takes you to court and they have injury and you do
not, leaves you open to further persecution and unjust punitive judgement.
By using the palm, the affects will not only be more efficient and effective
for targeting, it also will not cause the physical damage or observable injury
to worry about later in court.

Another factor you need to be aware of in this modern time is that of

appearance to the onlooker! A fisted attack is seen by everyone as just
that… an offensive attacking action. It will then be the burden of proof that
you were first attacked and in possible threat of life. A palm strike on the
other hand could be argued as being an attempt to push away or stop the
opponent’s attack or approach. This can be augmented with a shout to stop,
as that will reflect to onlookers you are trying to stop the attacker as
opposed to attacking them. The visual and audible links will form a more
ingrained and recognizable image of self-protection from the onlookers.

Size matters too. To use a fisted hooking action would require a same size
or smaller opponent as reach and angle is more limited with this method.
The elbow would also need to be in an upward and outward position to
obtain the correct angle on the target in a down and in trajectory. This is a
weak and vulnerable position for the swinging arm as well as the exposed
body. This is especially not recommended for untrained individuals. As
the arm is lifted it also weakens the further away from the body it arcs and
the full potential power will not be readily available for the strike either.

By contrast using the palm will keep the defenders elbow down and in for
more security (as less stretched body mass is exposed), as it also puts more
muscles and weight into the action. This in turn will increase the power of
the move so that a greater delivery of force can be utilized by a smaller
practitioner. As a further benefit the palm strike can be deployed from
inside or outside the opponents arms due to the smaller arc of the action,
and exactly where the defender would be with a larger assailant.

One thing to note is that both are worthy of practice as one never knows
what the circumstance or opponents position of attack will be. It is also
worth mentioning that using the arm distal to the attacking action will be
easier as the attacking action itself is not in the way of your defensive
action. So if they grab or push your left side, your right hand will be free
and have an unobstructed path to the target. Also if grabbed by one arm
then the opposite side will be free to forward this application, but if both
arms are grabbed then using a leg point such as SP-11 included in this
compilation would be accessible to break free of the grip prior to using this
target.

For escape it is also a very valuable point, as simple pressure will cause
pain and physical weakening of the opponent. It will turn the attacker away
from you so escape may be possible or also prior points in further defensive
actions could be employed. Pressing it will also cause the recipient to have
a withdrawal reflex possibly giving you the room for escape as well. It is
suggested for pressure though to use a hard bony surface such as a single
knuckle. The pain level will be dramatically increased as will the
withdrawal and weakening of the opponent.

As has been mentioned many times in this compilation, the versatility

comes not from a specific technique or complex actions, but rather just the
ability to access each target. Knowing one target is good, but knowing
many in different parts of the body will only increase the versatility,
adaptability and compound the affects. Using multiple points as they
become accessible will also compound the affects and increase your
efficiency and ability to escape, manoeuvre or incapacitate the opponent or
attacker. So train to see these targets in all situations, train to access them
correctly and train in the most simple applications as it will insure far
greater result, consistency and personal safety, even in stressful times.

Concluding Notes:
It should be noted that working any of these targets correctly
will end a situation or gain you the control to escape or escalate if
need be. But by linking, or transitioning you have even more
possibility and affect.

Kyusho is an efficient, powerful yet simple method of self-

protection that can incapacitate an opponent without physical
damage.

By using 10 vital points located in different areas of the body,

the user only needs to get to the point.

No fancy techniques that take years of training to make work,

this powerful set of vital points are the most versatile points that
can even be used with impaired sight, physical strength and motion
of a real situation.

All are accomplish with simple, natural, gross motor skill

actions that anyone can do.

Even small children can dysfunction a larger adult and all

without damage.
 As a civilian you need to be prepared for any eventuality or
emergency, you can not rely on Law Enforcement officers to be
everywhere or able to get to us on time… it is our personal
responsibility!

Kyusho… Translated as “Vital Points” of the Human Body,

adds powerful incapacitating effect on the adversary or attacker
without strength, speed or power and is so simple anyone can learn
it in minutes!

This means that even a Child can protect themselves against

adult attackers, molesters and those seeking to abduct them.

Women can protect themselves from physical and sexual

predators by using these powerful targets.

Men can handle opponents much larger, stronger and more

athletic than they are… to protect their families and friends (not to
mention themselves from assailants)… even when outnumbered or
in a weapon attack!

Kyusho works by showing you where a nerve is easily

accessible on the human body, everyone has them and they are your
access to the nervous system of the assailant. Unlike other
methods, attacking the outer structure of the body like muscles and
bones (where size is the ultimate determinant of conflict), the
nerves send messages to the brain to dysfunction the muscles and
physical functions. They can even have an effect on the levels of
consciousness of the attacker, so even a Child, Small Woman or
Smaller Male can render the assailant incapable of motion, further
attack or even knock them unconscious. An attacker may be larger,
stronger or have made themselves that way… but they cannot
strengthen their nerves!

The process is not a memorization method, but rather a

dynamic training process that shortens the training time, as well as
increases the skills exponentially. It must be ingrained into the
 reflexive processes rather than the gross motor skills typically
tapped into with conventional training methods.

We must learn how to learn, not simply copy a pattern or series

of methods, we must develop a reflexive ability with our acquired
knowledge and skill. We must become strong and independent
relying on ourselves to forge a skill and ability that you alone
possess for yourself.

When an individual learns Kyusho they are set free, free of

specific technique, free of memorized patterns or information to
pass testing protocols, they are transcended to a whole new
dimension of possibility and potential, according to their own
personal needs, capabilities and limitations. You become your own
instructor and unleash the real potentials we all have as individuals.

Do not fear stepping out on your own, fear remaining under a

controlled paradigm where your personal growth is limited, seek
the unlimited power and possibility that you can personally
achieve… this can be found in Kyusho, when you train free and not
under a controlled or structured system. You must be trained to be
the creator of yourself not the copy of another…

Kyusho Health & Wellness: Kyusho is also a study of the

human condition and its frailties. Based on the ancient acupuncture
and pressure point massage methods, we can easily rid the body of
common ailments. Within seconds we begin to relax and ease the
pain associated with headaches, backaches, muscle and internal
cramps, hiccups, asthma, nausea, sinus congestion and so many
more. Relieve stress and rid yourself of insomnia and many more
stress related difficulties, all without expensive pills or drugs that
can have serious side effects. This holistic approach has been
effective for many thousands of years in cultures throughout the
world.

About the Author:

Evan Pantazi has been a professional self-protection and health instructor
since 1975, instructing and licensing people in over 40 countries
worldwide. Author of 8 books and 25 instructional videos on this unique
and rare body of information, he has been in on-going medical studies
relating Kyusho as well as emergency technicians and nuero-feedback
professionals in the health field. He has designed a program specifically for
law enforcement that has so far become the standard training in three US
states and utilized in several countries. His newest program for educators
and classroom security is now being tested and reviewed by the Bermuda
Union of Teachers and under consideration for professors at several
Universities. Evan has appeared on over 20 television and radio shows as
well as appearing in magazines and newspapers internationally. His
organization Kyusho International has 300 affiliates in 35 countries as of
this writing.

The Kyusho method enables the practitioner to handle the stress, adrenaline
limitations and physiological changes that will arise in a real confrontation.
Under attack you need to spontaneously recognize an available target and
access it instantaneously before it is moved or recessed. This will increase
your skill and ability to use it in a severe or life threatening attack but more
importantly it removes you from technique and into the realm of target
acquisition, which is a far more reliable method. Learning simple targets
allows you to cope more with gross motor skills as opposed to fine motor
skill application or techniques that your body will resort to in increasing
limiting possibility when adrenaline rushes through your body under real
stress. This changes your positioning, movement, angles and so many other
attributes.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

© Evan Pantazi 2009

www.kyusho.com