Kyusho Knockouts

For real Kyusho knockouts and incapacitations take a look at our Video Gallery.

What is a Kyusho Knockout or Incapacition?

With the proper application of pressure point and aiki techniques various altered states of conciousness or level of incapacitation can be brought about. The term "knockout" is often very loosely interpreted so this will be explained in more depth. Generally Kyusho or pressure point knock-outs / incapacitations are broadly broken down into three levels:

(i) Level 1 Incapacitation or Knockout - This is what would be termed a Technical Knockout (TKO) in boxing terms. This level of incapacitation is where the opponent/attacker is still standing and the eyes are open but are unable to defend him or herself. In self defence this is often the preferred route as this gives you the opportunity to either escalate the attack or get out of harms way. This gives adequate incapacitation without the total loss of body and motor control of the muscles as explained in Level 2 or 3, and in legal terms is difficult to be defined as excessive force in a self defence situation.

(ii) Level 2 Incapaciation or Knockout - A Level 2 knockout can generally be identified with the opponent/attackers legs kick out involuntary as well as temporary loss of certain motor controls of the body. However the eyes are still open and the opponent/attacker appears to be concious. The incapacition is in many instances similar to that of the Level 1 knockouts but with greater level of loss of muscle motor control.

(iii) Level 3 Incapacitation or Knock-out - A Level 3 Incapacitation is what would in general terms be defined as a 'knock-out". This is identified by total loss of conciousness, complete loss of muscle motor control and the eyes are closed. While this is mostly the effect which one would like to inflict in a self defense situation, the complete loss of motor control could result in the opponent/attacker seriously or even fatally injuring themselves when falling whilst in full motion onto a hard surface or object.

How do Kyusho Jitsu Pressure Point Knock-outs work?

Kyusho Jitsu pressure point knockouts or incapacitations are brought about by striking nerve or pressure points on the human body. This creates a reaction in the central nervous system of the body which then leads to various altered states of conciousness as explained above. It needs to be understood that there are diffent ways to inflict unconciousness or knockouts. Hitting somebody with brute force or with a baton for example will possibly result in a knockout and loss of conciousness. The effect of a violent blow or broken bone, extreme pain etc. will obviously cause a reaction in the nervous system which leads to unconciousness. This is not what we try to achieve through the study of pressure points and the weaker anatomical structures of the human body. By understanding the anatomy of the body, how the nerves work and how and at what angles to activate these, enable us to have the same amazing reaction without the physical destruction of our opponent/attackers physical and skeletal structure. Kyusho Jitsu is a more intelligent way of fighting which requires less force with no or little damage to your opponent/attacker (limiting your legal liability exposure).

The reason as to why the human body responds to the attacking of pressure points and what causes the unconciousness is something which fascinates martial artists and medical doctors alike. Various studies are being undertaken to understand the phenomena in more depth. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach and understanding of how these points work are far easier to understand, but it is crucial that this bridge between East and West is crossed meaning that all effects should scientifically be explainable and proven.

From a TCM perspective all pressure points lie on nerve meridians, which are imaginary lines which connect the points together. Each of these points are associated with being either Yin or Yang, one of the 5 elements, and is associated with one of the organs of the body. Striking a pressure point on a specific meridian will bring about a disruption of energy flow within the related meridian and organ, causing a weakness within the body. The more points which are struck, the greater the energy disruption. These signals are also transmitted to the brain which will then bring about the levels of unconciousness or incapacitation within the body.

Intention

The same pressure points are used for both martial (hurting) or healing purposes. The only difference is the intention of the mind when manipulating these pressure points. This is one of the aspects which makes this Art so difficult as only aproximately sixty percent of technique is dependant on the physical attack, and forty percent being reliant on the intention of the mind etc. The level of intent and ability to project such intent in a Kyusho pressure point technique will significantly influence the level of incapacitation or knock out.

Revivals

Revivals are healing techniques incorporated to rebalance the energy within the human body after energy in certain meridians have resulted in an altered state of conciousness in your opponent. The human body is the best healer and without rebalancing would in time correct this imbalance. Without proper revival symptoms are usually feelings of nausea and dizziness accompanied by varied intensities of head aches. A number of revivals exist depending on the level of incapacitation and internal organs affected. Also with the healing techniques intention is key to successful revival and rebalancing of energy within the human body.