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Kyusho-jutsu translates to mean pressure point fighting science or art. In general terms, a pressure point is a place where energy can be transmitted most effectively into a nerve or cluster of nerves. It is usually a place where there is a small branch of nerve connecting two or more major nerve pathways, or a place where major nerves join together (a nerve cluster or plexus). This means that when such an area is struck, the pain signal resisters on more than one nerve pathway. Pain entered into a pressure point on the arm for example, might be carried to the brain on all three major nerves of the arm – the radial nerve, medial and ulnar nerves. This is why Kyusho-jutsu requires less power to be affective; the brain receives the signal, which is amplified by the multiple nerve routes.
The pressure points used in Kyusho-jutsu are the same points used
in acupuncture. Acupuncture regards a pressure point as a gate where the
flow of vital energy (chi or ki) can be manipulated. The acupuncturist
uses these gates to increase or decrease the flow of energy in order to
restore a healthful balance within the body. The Kyusho-jutsu fighter
uses these same points to disrupt the flow of energy in order to defeat
an opponent.
Since the original intent of the founders of Kyusho-jutsu were
forced to use these methods against armed assailants, their techniques
were intended to kill. In modern Kyusho-jutsu our goal is to defend
ourselves and not to kill; therefore our techniques are used to quickly
incapacitate our opponents with a knock out blow or a joint attack. We
also take the wisdom of acupuncture seriously in our training, and we
use the utmost restraint in practicing our pressure point techniques. We
do not indiscriminately strike points, lest we inadvertently affect the
function of a training partner’s organs. In practice we only tap very
lightly on the pressure points. This method is best because it insures
that no one is injured, and it helps us train for the accuracy of the
technique (the lighter the blow, the more precise it must be to
register). We also administer an “energy restoration” technique or
Kuatsu, anytime we tap a point.
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