Kyusho, pressure point
Welcome to the ancient and intricate world of kyūsho (急所) — the art of pressure points, a cornerstone of Ninjutsu and martial arts. From this page, you can embark on a journey that just starts with the information. Precise anatomy should meet technique, and knowledge should serve not just as a tool for aggression, but as a bridge to understand micro-conflict management.
In the realm of Ninjutsu, kyūsho represents more than just physical vulnerabilities; it embodies a profound respect for the human body's complexity and the mind's potential. AKBAN's exploration into pressure points is real, science based and transcends the mere application of force. Guiding the practitioner through the skill set of influencing an opponent's center of gravity, neutralizing threats, and, most importantly, utilizing lower Level of violence whenever possible.
Here, we can start connecting the precision of anatomy (complete with detailed Latin descriptions and anatomical charts) with the creed of the ethical warrior that underpins our practice. Our approach to kyūsho is a testament to the depth of martial arts, a discipline that extends far beyond physical conquest to encompass self-discipline, emotional intelligence, and community.
As you navigate through this huge pro bono website, I invite you to discover not just the mechanics of pressure points, but the heart of our Ninjutsu that focuses on Gains, not glory. Use this knowledge in a quest for mastery that respects life, cherishes integrity, and fosters an unending curiosity for the martial path.
List of Kyusho
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Tento - Bregma or sometimes anterior of bregmatic fontanelle. A Rhomboid space anterior to the sagittal suture between parietal and frontal bones of the skull.
Uses and potential harms. - Menbu - Middle of Forehead, on the line of septum of the frontal sinus.
Uses and potential harms. - Rangiku - Frontal foramen or notch, on the superciliary arch.
Uses and potential harms. - Kasumi - Temporal fossa, located between temporal line and zygomatic arch.
Uses and potential harms. -
Tenmon- two adjacent but different points are called tenmon. One is Nasion, between the sutures of the frontal and nasal bones and the other is tip of the nose.
Uses and potential harms. - Hiryuran - Eye.
Uses and potential harms. - Koryu- Supra orbital margin.
Uses and potential harms. - Jinchu - On the Maxila, below anterior nazal spine.
Uses and potential harms. - Kirigasumi - two adjacent but different points are called Kirigasumi, the Mastoid process and also the Auris Externa.
Uses and potential harms. -
Yugasumi - Regio nuchalis.
Uses and potential harms. -
Hadome - The infraorbital foramen, just below the infraorbital margin of the orbit.
Uses and potential harms. -
Asagasumi - Mentum (of mandible)
Uses and potential harms. -
Ryufu - Prominentia laryngea, AKA, adam's apple.
Uses and potential harms. -
Amado- Trigonum caroticum
Uses and potential harms. -
Ryumon - Fossa supraclavicularis major.
Uses and potential harms. -
Daimon - Quadrilateral space or quadrangular space.
Uses and potential harms. - Matsukaze - Suprasternal notch
Uses and potential harms. - Murasame - Manubrium sterni
Uses and potential harms. - Jujiro is the name of two different but adjacent points. One is the nipple and the other is the deltopectoral groove.
Uses and potential harms. - Shinchu - Xiphoid process.
Uses and potential harms. - Ura Kimon - Nipple.
Uses and potential harms. - Hoshizawa - Cubital fossa
- Radial nerve: Travels along the lateral border of the cubital fossa and divides into superficial and deep branches. It has both motor and sensory functions in the posterior forearm and hand.
- Biceps tendon: Passes centrally through the cubital fossa and attaches to the radial tuberosity (just distal to the radial neck). The bicipital aponeurosis, which contributes to the roof of the cubital fossa, arises from the biceps tendon.
- Brachial artery: Bifurcates into the radial and ulnar arteries at the apex of the cubital fossa. You can feel the brachial pulse in this area by palpating just medial to the biceps tendon.
- Median nerve: Travels medially through the cubital fossa, exiting by passing between the two heads of the pronator teres. It has motor and sensory functions in the anterior forearm and hand.
- Superficial veins: Notably, the median cubital vein, which connects the basilic and cephalic veins, is easily accessible here and is commonly used for venepuncture.
- Clinical Relevance: Supracondylar Fracture - A fracture of the distal humerus, often caused by falling on an outstretched hand, Waki Gatame, Kakae Hiji dori Te makura and seoe. Damage to the contents of the cubital fossa can occur directly or due to soft tissue swelling following trauma. If the brachial artery is affected and not repaired promptly, it can lead to Volkmann’s ischaemic contracture (uncontrolled flexion of the hand) as the forearm flexor muscles become fibrotic and shortened.
- In (Kage) - Xiphisternum
Uses and potential harms. - Jakkotsu - intermuscular groove or bicipital groove
Anatomy (from lateral to medial) and potential harms:- The bicipital groove is a shallow groove that runs along the anterior aspect of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm). It separates the biceps brachii muscle (which has two heads: long head and short head) from the triceps brachii muscle.
- Within this groove, several important structures are located: Brachial artery: The brachial artery courses through the medial bicipital groove. It supplies blood to the muscles of the arm. Ulnar nerve: The ulnar nerve and the median nerve also travel alongside the brachial artery in this area. They “catch a ride” on the artery as they continue down the arm. Radial nerve: The radial nerve runs in the lateral bicipital groove.
- These nerves and vessels play crucial roles in innervating and supplying blood to the muscles and skin of the forearm and hand.
- Clinical Relevance: Brachial Artery Pulse: The brachial artery can be palpated in the bicipital groove, just medial to the biceps tendon. This is where healthcare professionals often check the brachial pulse during physical examinations.
- Nerve and Vascular Injuries: Trauma or compression in this area can lead to nerve or vascular injuries. Proper understanding of the anatomy helps prevent complications during medical procedures or surgeries.
Image of Kyusho chart of pressure points (abbreviated)
Video of pressure points in arm, Jakkin (Jakotsu) and Hoshi