Baby, You Knock Me Out

  When I find myself involved in discussions about the application of kyusho (types of) strikes, I'm usually confronted with the counter argument of they can't/won't work on whomever or where ever (for whatever reasons).

      

  There are (of course) numerous types of these kyusho strikes, as well as the various manner's of their application. These strikes could be used upon an aggressor's arm's, leg's and/or body. There is no universal manner of application (that would be used for every manner of kyusho type of strike that could be made).

    

  Using the popular neck strike (as an example), I can easily demonstrate 6 (or more) different manner's of striking (either) side of an aggressor's neck (upon the same location). Each of these strikes would elicit a different manner of response.

    

  Depending upon which of these manner's are used, will determine what the recipient's reaction will be (from the applied strike). Too often (IMO), people assume that the “correct” response will be the infamous knock-out. Though it would be nice for that to be true, it's not realistic to (automatically) expect it to happen.

     

  The more common and (frankly) to be expected response will be a dazed reaction. This will usually last anywhere from only a few seconds, to a couple of minute's. Though not nearly as visually dramatic, a physically dazed aggressor is incapable of effecting a serious counter-strike upon the defender.

    

  Despite the expressed desire/wish that someone (meaning Me, LOL) post a full and clear explanation of how to perform a “knock-out” strike, it isn't as easy to do as one would (at first) believe it to be. Many of the subtleties of application are difficult to convey (even when done in person).

     

  The “Other” part of these strikes that I find most entertaining (when watching the various snake-oil /TCM idiot's) is their recovery (?) techniques that are used upon the recipient (in response to having received some manner of kyusho “knock-out” application). These are especially amusing to watch when/if the (supposed) knock-out is a result of a blood-flow interruption (type of) strike.

    

  Even a simplistic knowledge of basic first-aid, would show these moron's performing self-defeating and counter-productive motions upon these (unlucky) recipient's (of those applied neck-strikes).

     

  First off, you don't set one of these (unlucky) recipient's “up” (on their ass), with their leg's folded in front of them. This is (medically) the exact opposite of what you do with someone who has received one of these type's of strikes.

     

  The majority of these strikes, create a blood-flow irregularity (at least as perceived by the recipient's brain). The recovery/first-aid response to this type of situation, is to lay the victim down and elevate the feet (reference any first-aid manual). The recipient's response (to being struck), is essentially one most akin to feinting (a perceived lack of blood-flow to/from the brain, by the brain). There is no need to strike the victim (again) on any opposite-side (or anywhere else, this is being done for dramatic if not theatrical effect).

     

  By making the recipient remain upright (and sitting cross-legged) the effects of the strike are actually being intensified and/or prolonged. The moron's that endorse these “recovery” methods, are nothing but idiots, and should be avoided by any serious practitioner.

    

  The biggest difference between the manner that Taika strikes a subject (for a knock-out and/or dazing result), and how the mimic's perform their strikes, is in finesse. Taika's strikes were always performed in a relaxed manner, and with a nonchalance that made it look easy (which until one understands the manner the strikes are performed, is rarely the case, LOL). If/when one watches the imitator's, they are commonly slamming the recipient (of the technique) with a disturbing amount of force. 

      

  Having been on the receiving end of numerous examples of Taika's strikes, each felt as though his finger's (or toe's) were pieces of re-bar and his arm's or leg's had the force of a speeding truck. The amount of power that Taika was able to generate (without appearing to expend any effort at all) was phenomenal.

    

  What is often (if not additionally) misunderstood, is that not every kyusho point/location is utilized for an impact (type/manner of technique). Some, can be just creepy to utilize (depending on your level of acceptance and/or comfort). The ability to plunge a finger into a body cavity, twist a finger-tip around a vein or tendon, and then pluck it (like a guitar string), is an acquired level of comfort (that not everyone can come to terms with).

    

  When utilized in even a slow, controlled and non-aggressive manner for example/demonstration purposes, observer's often experience an uneasy feeling or sensation during the example. It's during these demonstrations that students will acquire the understanding, that these techniques and applications are not for cheap parlor tricks at parties. These techniques cause serious, debilitating (if not deadly) damage to the recipient. 

    

 It's these types of strikes/attacks, that a student needs to be (more) careful if not hesitant in practicing (as well as applying). People become overly concerned with/about the neck (type/manner of) strikes. Most often their concern is centered around the fact that they (the strikes) are being performed with excessive force. 

     
 There is NO reason for this to be the case. More force (of impact), is not the answer to correcting an improperly applied technique. Blatantly striking one another on the neck, is not how to learn to apply these (types of) strikes (and could easily be equated to being stupid, LOL).

 When first learning to utilize these types of techniques, the student should only focus on (simple) directional body responses (from the strikes). In numerous posts, I've listed the general application rules for performing these (simplistic) manners of striking. 

  

 Once the student is comfortable with creating these directional responses, they can begin to (carefully, LOL) work on the strikes that cause the dazing effect. Although everyone seems to strive for it (as if it's the only acceptable response), achieving a knock-out response, is not always necessary, or required.