With an assailant you can also use the fingers mentioned above. If they are trying to hug or hold you against your will or have you on the ground, you will use the fingers but with a sharp, jabbing motion. It won't cause lasting injury or break bones but it will often cause the assailant enough pain to if not release you, at least lighten his hold.
Under the jaw- Directly under and behind the point of the jaw is a "V" shaped area. It also has a cluster of nerves that can cause pain to an assailant. To find it on yourself, use your thumb to the inside area and you fingers on the outside surface of the jaw. Squeeze and push up against the bone. During an assault, this can have the same results as the nerve cluster above,
Front Of Torso:
Larynx (Adam's apple)- This is a very vulnerable area in anyone's throat. It is at the front of the throat and many of the possible strikes can cause serious injury. Movies like to show people reaching up and "ripping the throat" out of the bad guys but that is strictly Hollywood's wishful thinking. Strong blows can cause difficulty breathing, rupture of the trachea (windpipe), bleeding and even death.
Almost any solid strike will be affective in the area but a few suggestions are ridge hands, punches, four finger punches, chop, elbow and most any kick.
Base of throat- Like the larynx, this area is very delicate. One good thing about it though is you can practice carefully against yourself or a sparring partner. To locate this spot, find the hollow at the base of the throat. There is a sort of "V" notch where the collarbones come together. It is into this soft spot you want to apply pressure. GENTLY push into it with your fingers or thumb.
If some fool that really isn't trying to do you bodily harm is pestering you, simply pressing into the spot will get them away. For the others sharp finger jabs, one finger fists and spear hands can all be used.
Zyphoid process and solar plexus- The zyphoid process is the small tip that extends beyond the bottom of the breastbone into what is commonly called the breadbasket (solar plexus). It is also the bone that CPR instructors warn you about. If struck with any real pressure or force it can break off and cause injury to a person. Besides the pain, there is also the possibility of puncturing a lung. At the same time, straight in, powerful strikes can cause the assailant to have the wind knocked out of him, pain and even be stunned.
Possible strikes are most kicks, knees, palm heel strikes, forward punches and elbows.
Inguinal area- This is the highly sensitive area of the upper, inside thigh and halfway to the knee. There are a large number of nerves that make it an ideal area for strikes. Pinches, certain punches and several kicks can be used to cause pain and even numbing of the leg.
Want to see a man jump? Have him come up behind you and grab you in a bear hug. After he thinks he has you well in hand, move your hips slightly to one side and reach back with a hand and pinch an inch. Most will jump back and start rubbing the area. Even fairly light pinches can cause bruising.
For an assailant you can use forward punches, one finger punches, elbows, sidekicks, blade kicks and lunge kicks.
In all there are over fifty vital striking points and nerve centers that are taught in the martial arts. The ones listed above are some of those most commonly taught to beginning students. An excellent resource book for those interested in learning all the points is:
Karate-Do Kyohan - The Master Text by Gichin Funakosi. It is an older book but the effort of finding it is well worth it.