001-1000: Vital Points - Background & Common Points

What are the vital points?

One of the key sources of knowledge we use while analyzing the techniques that make up martial arts is an ancient book called The Bubishi. This is often called the "martial arts bible", and was the basis that goju-ryu karate was built upon.

The Bubishi speaks about vital points in a similar vein as an acupuncturist would - these are sections of the body that contain pockets of qi energy, a theorised vital force holding together each living entity - however, in our context, our goal is to disrupt this force to damage our opponent.

Historically, vital point strikes were theorised to be so effective due to their disruption of this qi energy. From a more practical standpoint, each point has their effectiveness for a variety of reasons - most commonly either a nerve cluster (e.g: under the armpit), a point where an internal organ is close to the skin (e.g: kidneys), or somewhere easy to disrupt the flow of blood through an artery (e.g: outer larynx.)

Additionally, this section is written with a martial arts lens rather than one from any occupational therapy background. Additional research into bodily anatomy is suggested to those interested, however goes beyond the scope of this document.

Examples

The simplest option is, in most cases, the best. While I could discuss for pages strikes to the more complicated portions of the body, that is unlikely to work while under duress.

From analysis, my personal favorites are:

a. Either side of the temple

When struck precisely, this point can rattle the skull and disrupt your opponent in a non-lethal manner. Strikes with power to this point should be done with extreme caution, as we will discuss in “Restricted Points.”

b. Either ear

With a cupped haito-like strike, forcing air into the ear will disrupt your opponent’s vestibular system - the organ used for balance. Additionally, it can cause quite a loud noise for them which (in itself) is disorientating.

c. Larynx

The larynx is a key part of our breathing system, and strikes here disrupt the airways for a period of time and can cause a choking-like effect.

d. Axillary area (under armpit)

Given it is usually protected when your arms are down, the body evolved with a very large nerve cluster quite close to the skin and a collection of tendons. Strikes here are unlikely to do much damage, unless performed with extreme force and the intention to dislocate the arm, however will cause your opponent pain.

e. Xiphoid process & diaphragm

In a similar fashion to the larynx, the diaphragm is vital to our airways. If timed right, a strike here can wind your opponent. If done with force, a strike here can dislodge the xiphoid process and cause it to damage the internal organs/ribs.

f. Antecubital fossa (inner elbow)

In a similar fashion to the axillary area, this area is usually protected when relaxed. The tendons & nerves here are exposed frequently, and a strike here causes pain and disruption.

g. Kidneys

The kidney often rests quite close to the skin, and (given they’re an internal organ) are not designed to sustain force. A strike here will cause some damage.

h. Groin

Not much more to be said here. In any anatomical configuration, nerves are quite dense here and a forceful rising strike here will pass that energy through the hips to disrupt the center of balance.

i. Popliteal fossa (rear of knee)

While this area is usually exposed when resting, strikes transfer energy through the hinged portion of the knee which will disrupt balance.

j. Outer shin

Striking perpendicularly here can cause the muscle to separate from the shin, causing lasting damage.

k. Heel (rear)

When directed here, if the opponent's balance is incorrectly positioned a sweep will be very effective in getting your opponent to the floor.