One of the strategies or tactics that attract many people to ninja martial arts and the study of self defense is the use of pressure point attacks. But most students are not aware that there are different types of these, the so-called “pressure points.” In this article, I will discuss not only the different types of “points”, but also the best way to attack each point. If you are serious about developing advanced skill in the art of self defense, whether or not you are interested in Ninja training, then you must be able to see beyond the obvious and use your techniques in more ways than one.

I think the appeal of pressure point training lies in the belief that you can touch someone and you will gain instant control over the situation. But, except in rare cases, using techniques that attack pressure points is just that: techniques. They are tools in your arsenal that can help facilitate your defense, just like any other technique, tactic, or strategy.

Nothing else.

The point here is the same that I give the students about weapons training. A weapon or trick like a pressure point attack …

… cannot, and will not, make up for lack of skill!

That said, there are different types of points. These “points” are known as Kyusho (pronounced “cue-show”) in the Japanese art of Ninjutsu – the art of the Ninja. However, the word Kyusho In itself, it does not mean “pressure point”. It means “sensitive area”.

Each type of point causes a different type of pain and as such produces a different type of reaction from its attacker when applied. The main categories of pressure points include:

1) Nervous centers.

2) Sensitive areas of the bones.

3) Weak parts of the structure of the human body.

4) soft tissue areas

Each type of kyusho is different, both in makeup and in size. Therefore, each has a “best practice” or suggested way to attack it.

For example, nerve centers, the parts of the body more commonly referred to as “pressure points,” can be accessed in two main ways, depending on the point and the results you are looking for. Most can be damaged by using pressure and concentrated force on the fingertips. Most of the point can also be hit.

Changing both the pressure and the direction in which the force is applied to the point also changes the reaction you will get from your opponent. That is why it is vitally important that you know what you will get when it hits the point you are attacking. Otherwise, you may find that “what you get” is more than you wanted!

As an overview of the other types of kyusho, here is a guide for each:

Sensitive areas in the bones. This includes areas like the top of the sternum in the throat, the ridges around the orbit of the eye sockets, and the bones of the hands and feet, to name a few. While many of these areas can be pressed, they are best accessed by tapping. And the best thing is the use of cuffs that have the fingers formed creating smaller profiles. In this way, you are concentrating the energy of your strike in the smallest area possible.

Weak parts of the body structure. This includes many objectives that you probably already know, but according to common perception and the definition of “pressure points”, you would not have thought this way. These “weak spots” include the groin, along the inside of the legs (from mid-thigh to the angles), the nose, the eardrums, and so on. These targets can be hit, grabbed, and stabbed, depending on the strategy and results you are looking for.

And finally …

Soft tissue areas. The body is covered in fur to protect itself, not only from the elements, but also from the rest of the world. As a result, there are many areas on the skin’s surface that are designed to be very sensitive to touch so that they can act as early warning mechanisms that make our muscles react and cover the threatened area.

I know it may sound a bit confusing, but this is a good example of why my students are required to have a “Grey’s Anatomy” or another good anatomy book. The more you know about the composition of the human body, the better you can do 2 things:

1) Protect your own weak areas and …

2) Use his against him!

Some good examples of these weak areas include:

The smooth skin on the inside of the upper arms and legs. This can be grasped and pinched to create a burning pain.

The eyes themselves – can be stabbed, touched, or even pierced.

Outer ears they can be grabbed, stabbed and thrown (watch out, they DO come off!)

The side of the face behind the eyes but just in front of the ears. This can be raked with your fingernails.

Etc.

One could argue the location of many of these weak spots and parts of the body. But no matter what category you put them into, as long as you recognize them as targets, know how to attack them, and are clear about the type of response you are most likely to get.