Kyūshojutsu

Kyūshojutsu
Japanese name
Kanji	急所術
Hiragana	きゅうしょじゅつ
Transcriptions Revised Hepburn kyūshojutsu Kunrei-shiki kyûsyozyutu

Kyūshojutsu (急所術), meaning "vital point art," is a term used in Japanese martial arts which may refer to any of various systems for attacking vulnerable areas, weak points, pressure points, or the vital points of the body identified in Traditional Chinese Medicine. George Dillman is the best-known exponent of the style in the USA, He claims Kyūshojutsu is an aspect of all classical karate systems, ultimately rooted in Chinese acupuncture and Dim Mak, that has been lost in most modern systems. The term is often transliterated informally as kyusho-jitsu.

Practice

Kyusho-jitsu practitioners maintain that it is somewhat difficult to master because the pressure point must be hit at the correct angle and direction but it is possible to gain dramatic results with relatively little force.

Kyusho-Jitsu proponents state that it uses the same meridians and pressure points as those used in acupuncture. The first level of kyusho training is devoted to healing and revival by striking pressure points that correlate to nerves and organs throughout the body. They state it has been regarded as one of the highest secrets in martial arts for many centuries, though claims of this sort remain unsubstantiated.

Some instructors are integrating Kyusho-jitsu into their system – karate, Jujutsu, etc. – as a way to supplement their training.

George Dillman and popular skepticism

Dillman also claims to be able to manipulate chi, including the ability to throw down or knock down persons without touching them. In September 2005, National Geographic Channel show Is It Real? (episode 20) asked for a demonstration of this, during which a Kyusho-jitsu instructor was unable to move or knock-out their representative. Dillman's explanation of the failure was as follows:

The skeptic was a totally non-believer. Plus – I don't know if I should say that on film – but if the guy had his tongue in the wrong position in the mouth, that can also nullify it [chi]. You can nullify it – you can nullify a lot of things. In fact, you can nullify it if you raise those two big toes! If I say I'm going to knock you out, and you raise one toe, and push one toe down....I can't knock you out. And then, if I go to try again, you reverse it. If you keep doing this, I won't knock you out.

There is considerable skepticism among some martial artists regarding the facts about kyusho-jitsu. Many regard it as a recent marketing ploy to bring in those who wish to believe such things; others feel the benefits of striking certain points are real but have been grossly exaggerated. Some believe that energy (Chi) can be controlled, others dismiss this idea and offer that Kyushojutsu is simply the practice of targeting pressure points on the body to maximize the impact of strikes or joint manipulation.

Other Organizations

There are other organizations that promote the use of pressure points in martial arts: RyuTe founded by Taika Seiyu Oyata, Jodoryu International, Hogan Karate International, Kyusho European, Taodi, Saisaki Intl., Dim Mak World, Kyusho Do (see below) etc.

See also

• kyusho
  
• Dim Mak
• Tui Na

References

• Kyusho Do
• Oyata`s Official RyuTe Website
• Dillman Karate International
• kiaikyusho España