Happy Michaelmas, everyone. I can't send you three french hens, so consider this my gift to you for the 3rd day of Christmas (or celebration of the Nativity).
by Keith Pascal
Beginners in the martial arts are always looking for instant answers. Being able to press one spot on the body and completely control your attacker is very attractive to the novice martial-arts practitioner. To become a real martial arts master, you have to "learn" the art. There really isn't an instant answer.
However, there are some tricks here and there, that definitely help in practical self defense. For example, there is a fairly effective pressure point, that is super easy to find.
Pressure Point Goals
There are different pressure points for different goals. Some pressure points are great for moving the person. The attacker feels the discomfort of your finger pressing into his body, so ... he moves.
Other pressure points cause pain. You press; your assailant cries out in agony and immediately stops the attack.
Some pressure points prohibit movement by your opponent. Trying to move would cause pain, so the attacker is forced to remain stationary.
And still other pressure points are used to effect a release. Your opponent has you in a hold. You press and voila', the hold is released.
Thinks about how you could use the following information on finding a quick and easy pressure point. (And no, we are not talking about Dim Mak, The Death Touch.)
Finding the Pressure Point
If you are in search of easy-to-apply pressure points, first look to the areas on the body that are, well, sensitive to pressure. Makes sense, right?
So, where are there nerve centers on the body?
The answer is ... almost everywhere. (Of course, there is an entire chapter in Wrist Locks (Revised) on pressure points, and it goes into more detail.)
Of course there are clusters of nerves and areas that are much more sensitive than others. But if you think about it, pressing almost any spot hard enough on a person's body will cause pain. Examples:
- Under the cheekbone
- Above the elbow on the fleshy part of the inside of the arm
- The inner thigh
- Between the shoulder and the neck
- The neck
Pressure Point Disappointment
Do you feel cheated by the information just provided? Were you looking for some fancy spot, that would instantly drop your opponent?
Knowing that almost any spot on the body can be turned into an impromptu pressure point is very useful. Whenever I apply a wrist lock, I try to control with just the lock itself. Still, if someone resists the lock, I use my forefinger of my free hand to press, and then I reapply the lock.
It's also a wonderful distraction. You press; your enemy focuses on the pressure point, and completely misses your other counterattack with your feet or other hand.
Can you think of other uses?
If you can predict how someone will try to avoid your pressure, then you can manipulate their movements. This is more important tha[n] many can imagine.
To get on a great list all about effective self defense (free) sign now: Practical Application. (You get a great free ebooklet on elbow strikes, checks and blocks, when you join.) Keith Pascal has taught martial arts for over 25 years. He left his job as a high school teacher in 2000, to become a full-time writer. Keith is the author of several books, including Wrist Locks (Revised). Read more: Wrist Locks Book Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Pascal |  |
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