Kellman's Okinawan Karate

There are five rules of kyusho-jitsu which are based on the principles of acupuncture: 1) Attack along the meridian; 2) Attack yin and yang; 3) Attack in accordance with the diurnal cycle; 4) Attack in the cycle of destruction; 5) The special points.

ATTACK ALONG THE MERIDIAN

One of the basic methods of kyusho-jitsu is to successively attack points along any particular meridian. Typically, this will begin with points on the extremities, then move along the channel to finish at points on the body or the head. Often, the last point attacked is the first or last point on the meridian.

ATTACK YIN AND YANG

As already explained, each meridian is either yin or yang, depending on the direction of the energy flow. Since yin and yang are intended to coexist in balance and harmony, it is clear that each yin must have a balancing yang. In acupuncture this balance of yin and yang is quite specific. Of the twelve bi-lateral visceral (organ-related) channels, six are yin and six are yang. And these channels are arranged into six circuits (on each side of the body). The characteristic of these circuits is that one meridian is yin, the other yang, and both meridians are the same element. The circuits might be compared to electrical wiring. There is a positive and a negative wire and both are needed for the electric current to flow. For example energy flows down the inside of the arm to the tip of the little finger in the heart channel, then it flows up from the little finger on the outside of the arm along the small intestine meridian. These circuits are known in healing as the feng-shu relationship.

The meridian relations are shown in a chart to the right. In kyusho-jitsu, this circuit can be used in ways similar to the rule of the meridians. Rather than striking along one meridian, it is possible to use two meridians in a circuit. Striking along the lung channel effects the large intestine line, and vice-versa. For example, a joint lock against the index finger affects the large intestine (yang) meridian. The lung is the corresponding yin organ. Therefore, while locking the index finger attack with a punch to L-1, the first point on the lung channel.

Attacking yin and yang can also be understood in a more general manner. The front of the body can be designated as yin, the back as yang. The left side is yin, the right yang. The top half is yin, the bottom half is yang. This means that pressure point techniques which cross the body-front to back, side to side, top to bottom, or diagonally, as in right upper back to left lower front- are applying the yin/yang principle.

ATTACK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIURNAL CYCLE

As ki flows through the body it follows a twenty four hour (diurnal) cycle through all twelve of the visceral meridians. The succession of ki flow is as follows. (see pic)

This has two implications for kyusho-jitsu: point sequence and time of day attacking. The lung and the large intestine form a yin/yang circuit. The daily flow of ki, moves from lung, to large intestine, then to stomach. This means that it is possible to move from large intestine to either lung (yin/yang) or stomach (diurnal cycle) when performing techniques. For example, when an opponent grabs your lapels, a strike against LI-10 will bring his head forward in such a manner that the point S-5 along the jaw becomes vulnerable. This occurs in accord with the twenty four hour cycle.

In very advanced kyusho-jitsu, this principle is used exactly. Each meridian is particularly vulnerable for two hours in twenty four. By attacking a meridian during its active time, techniques have a magnified effect.

But by attacking a particular meridian during its weakest stage of activity it is possible to create a result which won't be felt until the meridian enters its strong period twelve hours later. This is a form of delayed pressure point fighting.

ATTACK IN THE CYCLE OF DESTRUCTION

The twelve bi-lateral meridians are each assigned one of five elements. In the Chinese cosmology, each element is responsible for generating another element to form a complete cycle. Likewise, each element destroys another element in cycle. This principle has been used by acupuncturists for centuries. If, for example, the problem exists along the lung meridian, the acupuncturist might stimulate the stomach or spleen meridian, because "earth" stimulates and benefits "metal." Likewise, if a problem manifests itself on the lung meridian, the acupuncturist may diagnose a problem on the heart meridian, since heart is "fire", which destroys "metal".

A method for remembering the cycle of creation is to state in these terms: FIRE generates EARTH (think of the dirty ashes of a camp fire); EARTH generates METAL (visualize iron "clinkers" found in the cold ashes of a fire); METAL generates WATER (think of condensation on a metal container); WATER generates WOOD (visualize rain in a forest, or sap dripping from a tree); WOOD generates FIRE (think of burning logs in a camp fire).

A good device for remembering the cycle of destruction is to remember it in this fasion: FIRE melts METAL; METAL cuts WOOD; WOOD (as in a tree's roots) penetrates the EARTH; EARTH (as in the bank of a river, or an earthen dam) obstructs WATER; and WATER quenches FIRE.

For purposes of combat, follow the cycle of destruction. For example, a strike to the inguinal crease point cluster strikes two points, Sp-12 and Li-12. Spleen has the elemental value earth and liver has the elemental value wood. Wood penetrates earth, this is one step in the cycle of destruction. As a result of striking this target, the opponent will double over, but his face will remain upright. Exactly at the bend of his neck is the point B-10. Bladder has the elemental value water, and earth obstructs water. By striking B-10, a second step in the cycle of destruction is achieved, and the opponent is knocked unconscious. (CAUTION; this is a serious technique which should not actually be performed but only indicated in practice.) There are certain places in kata which sequentially attack points through one complete cycle of destruction. These techniques are considered lethal.

THE SPECIAL POINTS

In addition to these rules for pressure point fighting, the serious practitioner also needs to understand the special points. There are two main sets of special points these are called mu, or "alarm" points and shu, or "associated" points. Alarm points lie (mostly) on the front of the torso. There is an alarm point for each of the twelve organs. They are used diagnostically because they become tender when there is a problem with the corresponding organ.

The associated points are all found on the back, along the Bladder meridian. Like the alarm points, there is an associated point for each organ. In kyusho-jitsu, the alarm and associated points function in conjunction with the related meridians.

There are other special purpose points. In particular are the intersection points (places where meridians "communicate" with each other) which are useful in yin and yang strikes.

The task in kata interpretation is determining what combination of points to use to create an effective application for each technique. The four acupuncture based rules of kyusho-jitsu are important keys to unlocking kata's hidden secrets. In analyzing kata, the initial action of the movement will often suggest a particular point as a starting place. The subsequent action can than be interpreted using the four rules. Kata movements seem to attack again on the same meridian? Does it indicate an attack to the corresponding yin or yang meridian? Does it seem to follow the 24 hour cycle? Does it fit the cycle of destruction?" Additionally, one should watch for the use of any special points.

Also bear in mind that a technique may touch several principles at once. Attacking lung then large intestine combines yin and yang with the diurnal cycle, since the ki flows from lung [yin] to large intestine [yang].

Experience shows that,not only are kata organized in a manner consistent with these principles, but, in application, the reactions of the opponent's body actually fit the kata movements. Time and time again we find that striking one point will automatically expose one or more follow-up points in accordance with one or more of these concepts.

Taken from "Advanced Pressure Point Fighting of Ryukyu Kempo" by George Dillman with Chris Thomas. Pages 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58-59 and Dillman Karate International "Advanced Pressure Point Grappling" by George Dillman with Chris Thomas. Page 40 and Dillman Karate International