Pressure Points - mystical or basic biomechanics?

[Jiffy]

Recently, I've been thinking about this a lot. I'm the first to admit that while I've done some reading and had some sideline instruction on pressure point, my knowledge on the subject is limited.

So here is the conclusion I've come to so far, for myself, but I'd like to hear the opinions of others, particularly those with significant experience in the topic.

I guess the conclusion I've come to so far in regards to pressure points is that they work, but not as well as they are made out to by some practitioners.

My belief is that rather than some magical key to the inner depths of a person, pressure points are the study of science, not magic. I believe that pressure points are weak spots in the body that are vulnerable to pain. These are generally those on tendons or in joints. I also do believe that there are some that may trigger some neurological activity in some cases. I believe that these can be useful in combat in that it is an easier place to inflict pain.

What I do not believe is that pressure points are some magical thing that has been passed from generation to generation and can be used to totally overcome an enemy, regardless of their size or prowess. I've seen many movies and various footage that try to portray this ability, but I am yet to see any credible sources. The link below is a good example. In this example, he could get his students to react, but no-one else. His defence is that natural athletes are able to handle the type of energy, and yet, his students are athletes too, so that blow that theory out of the water. In this scenario, I think it is nothing more than power of suggestion. His students believe so strongly in what he is saying, their mind makes it happen. I do not believe that it is magical at all, what I think is that in the time period where these were discovered, anything we could not explain was considered magical. (including a spherical earth). Stories have been passed down as such, but in reality, we know now that it was nothing more than biomechanics. Unfortunately, there are those that do believe strongly, just like those in the video, and therefore, they pass on the information without consideration of time or context.

Video: http://www.infectiousvideos.com/index.php?p=showvid&sid=0355&o=0&idx=7&sb=id&a=playvid

Sorry, I'm rambling here, so I'll finish up. I believe that pressure points work in that they are a vulnerable place to attack the body. Nothing more, nothing less. What do you think??

[Shui Tora]

I agree! You attack someone and hit a pressure point (say Lung5) then that'll imediately give then a dead arm, and so you can then deal with them...

Pressure Points are exceelent to keep in mind with dealing with an attack, they aren't "mystical" or anything, just how the body works (and is formed) that you get pressure points, and its ironic that somebody found them, and persued their findings...

Personally, I love them! They're great to understand, and really handy for self-defence...

[RichardHangHong]

Have to agree with you there. I went to a pressure point seminar with Professor Rick Clark last month and he really diffused any beliefs that people had that the points were to do with chi and energy. It's all about joint manipulation and knowing where to strike for the greatest effect for creating the most pain in your opponent.

[RichardHangHong]

The video looks very cheesy. If you ever get to do a seminar with Rick Clark, go for it!

[cross]

My view on pressure points is that it definetly helps to know where they are and how to manipulate them, but they shouldnt be your first line of defence(or attack).

Your aim should be to hit hard, and aim at vulnerable areas. The key to this is the "hitting hard" part, not the "vulnerable areas" part. If you strike with power and hit your opponent in a place that isnt considered a vulnerable area, it will still hurt them, and if you happen to strike the pressure point in the process then its just going to hurt them more.

And i agree that pressure points are nothing magical, just some parts of the body are more sensitive to pain than others.

[UseoForce]

I consider pressure points more of a novelty than anything.

[bushido_man96]

I know that George Dillman is the foremost expert on pressure point attacks. You are correct in the fact that pressure points are biomechanics. The reason you don't see many experts is because these types of attacks have to be very precise, and they take many, many years to become proficient at it.

Now, the touchless knockout, I am not so sure I buy. It looked kind of goofy to me, and the fact that he could not affect any of the ju-jitsu students seems a little odd.

[Sohan]

If you watch the video closely, you will see Ultimate Fighter runner-up Stefan Bonner when they go to the FitPlex gym. He appeared somewhat bemused by his participation.

I certainly wasn't surprised that they couldn't get quite the same results when they tried their "techniques" on other martial artists and the reporter:

"Gosh, you're scared. Relax, I'm not going to hurt you." Then he smacks her in the head. Hahahahaha!

"You just hit me in the head!"

Certainly seems like a bit of a martial arts cult to me. I noticed a similarity between what the sensei was doing and what TV preachers do when they "heal" their flocks. And I loved how they ended the program by inviting skeptics to come try a "free week of classes." as well as the skinny little guy who says "come on down and we'll be more than happy to knock you out"---wow, you're REALLY intimidating, kiddo.

He might want to hope that none of the FitPlex guys take him up on that.

With respect,

Sohan

[UseoForce]

Yeah, I saw that video with Bonnar too. Had a good laugh.

[TigerDude]

Do I get to hit him in the head during the free week of classes?

I think their "40%" is confusing correlation with causation. I have a few theories of what causes the reaction in his students only.

"You hit me in the head!" That's funny right there. I don't care who you are.