Vital or striking points are those areas that a strike will have the most effect on. As such, it is in the best interest of those who study Karate to know where the vital striking points are in the human body. They are the ones by which a trained Karateka could incapacitate, cause unconsciousness or even the death of an opponent. There are approximately forty of these vital areas that are taught in karate. The following are some of the easiest to locate and hit.
Facial Areas:
Temple- Contrary to popular belief, the skull isn't thinner in this area: it is simply flatter. A strong blow to this area can cause disorientation or unconsciousness but it is due to referral shock to the brain because the strike, not to a weakness in the area. The possible reactions that an assailant may have to a good blow in this area is as stated, disorientation (punch drunk), unconsciousness, severe pain, and seizures and in extreme cases, death.
The best types of strikes for this area are the palm heel, hammer fist, back fist, elbow and knee.
Eyeball- Any strike to the eyes themselves can do lasting injury so be you do not use this target when "playing around" with someone. It should be used only when your life is in danger or when under the threat of serious bodily harm. Blindness, corneal scratching or tearing and other types of injuries are possible.
The best types of strikes for this area are finger jabs, clawing, stabbing and what some styles call the "chicken beak."
Base of nose- This is the area at the top of the nose where it meets the forehead between the eyes. It is also a subject of many ridiculous myths. Striking someone in this area does NOT cause the "bone in the nose" to be shoved up into the brain. As with other strikes and points on the head the results are usually due to the shock to the brain. The advantages to using a strike to this area can be the assailant drawing back, eyes watering and/or swelling, bloody nose (often a psychological...
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