By Gavin King, 2nd Dan Go So Kempo

I have recently begun writing a "Point of the Week" feature for the Martial Arts forums at Fighting Arts. We're prompting quite a lot of discussion on applications in which the various points could be used in combat. I'm going to begin posting the "Point of Week" here as well for those who don't read Fighting Arts. Before I do that I'd just like to cover a few basics of pressure point striking.

Angle and Direction

One of most important principles that needs to be understood is the importance of using the correct angle and direction. Pressure points are extremely advanced and precise targets of attack and need to be attacked in the correct manner in order to yield success.

Most points are either attacked at 15, 45 or 90 degree angles. This is used to describe the angle that the attack is delivered into the target point. Imagine that the target surface of the point you are attacking is being laid horizontally. Now imagine the trajectory of the strike impacting into the surface, this will give you the correct angle of attack:

15 Degree Angle Attack

45 Degree Angle Attack

90 Degree Angle Attack

The other part to consider is the direction of the attack. When most points are described, in addition to the angle, you will also be given a direction to go in. This will ensure maximum bang for your buck.

So when combined, the "Angle" is the angle that the attack will make contact with the surface, and the "Direction" is the path which the attack will take once contact has been made.

Types of Attacks

Another important principle to understand when attacking the Pressure Points is that some points respond better to certain stimulus than others. Some points will respond well to hitting, while others fire up better to pressing. Generally the methods of attack can be broken down into three basic methods; pressing, rubbing and striking. We'll just take a moment to examine each of these methods briefly:

• Pressing: Pressing describes the method of attacking a point by squeezing or pressing into it using the thumb or fingers. Many people make the mistake of trying to push the point as they would as if they were pressing a doorbell. The points are not actually located on the surface of the skin, so they require you to "dig in" when attacking them. In Shiatsu they call this "making contact", it requires you to put your thumb or finger over the point first (making contact) and then spearing into the point.
• Rubbing: Rubbing describes the method of attacking a point by vigorously rubbing the hard boney surfaces of the body against the point. As with pressing, you must make contact first and then rub violently into the points. When rubbing you don't simply rub left and right or up and down, but rub and dig into the point. Penetration is key. Many people believe that you can only rub using the boney parts of the hand, but in reality any hard boney surface of the body can be used; the radial bone, elbows, knees, shoulders, head and even the chin. Regardless of the body part, your intention is to burrow into the point.
• Striking: Striking describes the method of attacking the point by physically striking it. There are endless methods of striking the body within the Martial Arts, and it would be impossible to cover them all in one go. A general rule of thumb is that you use a hard surface to attack a soft surface, and a soft surface to attack a hard surface. For example using a punch (hard) to attack the top of the skull (also hard) will probably injure the punching hand more than the target, a palm heel (soft) would be a far wiser choice. Attacking the stomach (soft) with a palm heel would not be as effective as a punch. Points will also respond better to certain types of trauma better than others, we will discuss the different forces in the next section.

Understanding the different methods of attack is essential to mastering pressure point attacks.

Types of Forces

To further complicate things within the striking method of attacking the points, there are different types of force that can be used. Some points will respond better to certain traumas than others. Obviously the are many methods of transferring energy, we will concentrate on three commonly used ones; Short and Sharp, Short and Blunt, and Blunt and Deep:

• Short and Sharp: The best way of describing this force is to think of a hammer trying to hit a nail in. It is a short sharp focused strike that is extremely focused and the energy is sent deeply into the target.
• Short and Blunt: This force is like using a small club to hit a target. The force is sent very shallowly into the the target, but causes severe surface damage.
• Blunt and Deep: This force is like swinging a wrecking ball, the impact is a dull blunt penetration that ruptures deep into the target. It is usually delivered using large swinging techniques such as a hammer fist, and delivered into clusters of pressure points.

It is extremely difficult to describe the sensation of a given force without feeling it first hand. The above is meant to be a brief illustration roughly describing the force. True understanding requires tuition under an experienced instructor and experimentation.

Intention

The last topic we'll cover will be that of intention. When attacking a point you must mentally put the intent behind the attack, this is true of all attacks not just pressure points. If you are pressing into a point, mentally picture the flow of energy from body into the target. If you a using your thumb, think of your thumb pushing into and through the target. When punching, in your minds eye see your fist puncturing the target.

Visualization is key when attempting anything, it may sound like a new age tree hugging concept, but it is essential to effective pressure point attacks. When impacting on a target aim to hit through it, this will ensure your full committal behind the attack.

Safety

As with any Martial Arts practice, Pressure Point striking can be dangerous. The following points are tips for ensuring your partners safety:

• If you are applying a point and not getting an effect, DO NOT hit it harder. The chances are that your not attacking it correctly.
• Don't switch sides when trying applications. So if your striking the right side of your opponent, stick to the right side, don't switch and try it on their left side.
• Limit your practice of actual striking to a maximum of 2 hours a week. You can drill the applications without actually striking the specific points.
• Never use more the 3-5% power.
• NEVER EVER hit the points full speed and power.
• Use extreme caution when attacking the points near the heart.
• Always respect your training partner. Go softly and work harder only with their permission. They will tell you if they are able to take any more.
• Always have an experienced instructor with you who knows First Aid and recovery procedures!

That covers some basic principles behind Pressure Point attacks and is only the tip of the iceberg. The above is designed as an introduction to some of the concepts behind pressure point strikes, not as a substitute for actual instruction.