Vulnerable Points (Part 2)

Solar Plexus - is one of the great vulnerable points for self defense. This is the area, centered, at the very top of the stomach area, yet just below the Sternum. All Boxers know that a good punch here can "wind" an opponent. It shocks the nervous system so the person cannot breathe. He will be gasping like a fish out of water, but the effect only lasts for a minute or slightly more.

Floating Ribs - These are the short ribs at the side of the body. They are very sensitive to finger or knuckle pressure, so are great to force an attacker to release you from a bear-hug or whatever. A hard blow can break them, and there's a slight risk of puncturing a lung.

Testicles - These are the best-known vital points on a man's body, so most men protect their groin pretty instinctively, especially if they have been in a fight or two. But a good whack here will still put a guy down on the ground and out of the fight. Just remember there can often be a six second delay before the wave of pain and shock hits him.

On a side note, it is also very painful for a woman to be kicked or hit in the groin.

Knee Caps - These are very vital points, because the patella (kneecap) dislocates very easily. And if it breaks in two, the person you hit will have trouble walking for the rest of their life.

Surgeons just remove a broken kneecap. They don't heal.

The most usual attack is with a low side kick to the outside knee joint (breaks the leg), or a small circular kick to the knee cap (dislocates or breaks the patella). This is a very serious assault and injury.

Shins - These are "safe" vital points where you can inflict pain and get someone to loosen or release their hold on you. Use the side of the sole of your shoes to scrape down the shins, removing skin. Ouch!

It is painful but not dangerous; so this is a safe one to teach children.

Instep - This area of the foot has lots of small bones which can bruise or break quite easily. Stomp with the sole of your foot or your heel.

There are many other vital points and vulnerable spots which can be attacked and damaged, but most are much harder to get to.

One example is the Achilles Tendon. The Osotogari foot sweep throw from modern Judo was once an atemi, rather than the throw we know today. You uses your heel lash back and strike your opponent's Achilles Tendon.

Striking pressure points to cause serious or permanent injury is something which is almost never done in Aikido, because it would go against the Aikido philosophy of controlling an attacker while trying to keep them safe from injury. It's a wonderful aim, and something Aikido's founder, Morihei Uyeshiba, was able to do time and time again. But he was an exceptional martial artist of legendary brilliance.

But a quick hit or slap to loosen your opponent up, or break their grip, is an excellent idea.

Next: Women's Self Defense Against Men