This is a myth that has been around a long time and I have absolutely no idea why. To develop our Martial Science, the founders of DSI and its instructors have invested countless hours studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western Anatomy and Physiology (A&P), and much more. Unfortunately, we cannot find a single source that references this touted phenomenon. Of course, this makes it instantly suspicious.

I challenge anyone adhering to this to provide substantial evidence of accepted and documented resources to corroborate these claims. Why does it matter you ask? First of all, critics scoff at the misinformation which gives them fuel to ridicule the traditional arts. It is difficult enough to get Westerners to accept an Eastern paradigm without adding such outrageous claims.

From a practical perspective, whether the strike a meridian with or against the flow of energy does indeed matter. It can have either a tonifying or sedating effect. Tonifying a meridian which you are trying to sedate, for example, could nullify the intended result. In other words, you don’t want to increase the energy in a meridian that you are attempting to drain. You may strengthen an opponent you intend to weaken.

From a basic perspective, energy flows in a meridian in the same direction in which the point numbers increase. This is well documented in all TCM books and resources. So, it will flow from the first point in a meridian toward its last point.

Of course, there can be times when this generality is not entirely accurate, such as when counter-flow of energy has been encountered in the meridian. There are even points prescribed in Acupuncture to “control the counter-flow.” This can occur due to either medical issues or Martial Arts manipulations. We have developed techniques to create this condition to enhance the results of our techniques. Moreover, energy does not always enter at the first point of energy and can enter at an Entry Point; likewise, it can exit before the last point of a meridian known as an Exit Point. In all cases, however, the direction of flow of energy is not dependent upon gender nor is it different between the sexes.

Of all of the research we have conducted, we have never come across an academic journal with this “information.” If it exists, we would like to know so we are able to correct our information and ensure we are not spreading misinformation. In the meantime, we are going to consider this one a myth.

This myth has been around a long time and it is not my intention to attack the one who originated it, but rather to educate Martial Artists. Otherwise, these myths will continue to be perpetuated to future generations of practitioners. If anyone can prove me wrong, please do so as my intention is to elevate understanding and continue to grow in knowledge of the human body from both an Eastern and Western perspective.

My best guess is that this myth is in reference to Pressure Points which lie on or near a nerve plexus. By definition, a nerve plexus is a branching network of intersecting nerves. With the close location of multiple nerves and their corresponding connections with critical body systems, it is true that many of these locations are quite sensitive to attack and can do damage to the body. It is not true, however, that this is the case for all Pressure Points.

There are a number of nerve plexuses in the body.

Spinal Plexuses:

• Cervical Plexus – The Cervical plexus is formed by the ventral rami of the upper four cervical nerves and the upper part of fifth cervical ventral ramus. The network of rami is located deep to the sternocleidomastoid within the neck. The cervical plexus innervates muscles of the neck and areas of skin on the head, neck and chest. The deep branches innervate muscles, while the superficial branches supply areas of skin. A long branch (C4; nervus phrenicus) innervates muscles of the diaphragm. The cervical plexus also communicates with the cranial nerves vagus nerve and hypoglossal nerve.
• Brachial Plexus – The Brachial plexus is formed by the ventral rami of C5-C8-T1 spinal nerves, and lower and upper halves of C4 and T2 spinal nerves. The plexus extends toward the armpit. The roots of C5 and C6 form upper trunk, the ramus C7 forms the middle trunk, and the rami C8 and T1 join to form the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. Under the clavicle, the trunks reorganize to form cords (fasciculi) around the axillary artery (arteria axillaris). The lateral cord (fasciculus lateralis) is formed by the upper and middle trunk, all three trunks join to form the posterior cord (fasciculus posterior), the lower trunk continues to the medial trunk (fasciculus medialis). The nerves (containing motor and sensory fibers) to the shoulder and to the upper limb emerge from the brachial plexus.
• Lumbar Plexus – Since the Lumbar plexus and Sacral plexus are interconnected, they are sometimes referred to as the Lumbosacral plexus. The intercostal nerves that give rami to the chest and to the upper parts of the abdominal wall efferent motor innervation and to the pleura and peritoneum afferent sensory innervation are the only ones that do not originate from a plexus. The ventral rami of L1-L5 spinal nerves with a contribution of T12 form Lumbar plexus. This plexus lies within the psoas major muscle. Nervi of the plexus serve the skin and the muscles of the lower abdominal wall, the thigh and external genitals. The largest nerve of the plexus is the femoral nerve. It supplies anterior muscles of the thigh and a part of skin distal to the inguinal ligament.
• Sacral Plexus – Ventral rami of L4-S3 with parts of L4 and S4 spinal nerves form the Sacral plexus. It is located on the posterior wall of pelvic cavity (pelvis minor). Nervi of the plexus innervate the perineal region, buttocks and the lower limb. The largest nerve of the human body, the sciatic nerve is the main branch, that give rami to the motor innervation of the muscles of the foot, the leg and the thigh. Common peroneal nerve and its branches innervate some part of the skin of the foot, the peroneal muscles of the leg and the dorsal muscles of the foot.
• Coccygeal Plexus – Coccygeal plexus originate from S4, S5, Co1 spinal nerves. It is interconnected with the lower part of Sacral plexus. The only nerve of the plexus is the coccygeal nerve, that serves sensory innervation of the skin in the coccygeal region.

Autonomic Plexuses:

• Cardiac Plexus – Located near the aortic arch and the carina of the trachea.
• Pulmonary Plexus – Supplies innervation to the bronchial tree.
• Celiac / Solar Plexus – Located around the celiac trunk and contains the celiac ganglia. The solar plexus is the largest autonomic plexus and provides innervation to multiple abdominal and pelvic organs.
• Superior Mesenteric Plexus – Includes the superior mesenteric ganglia. Located around the superior mesenteric artery. Innervates the intestines.
• Inferior Mesenteric Plexus – Includes the inferior mesenteric ganglia. Located around the inferior mesenteric artery. Innervates the intestines.
• Superior Hypogastric Plexus – Situated on the vertebral bodies anterior to the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta.
• Inferior Hypogastric Plexus – Supplies the viscera of the pelvic cavity.
• Renal Plexus – Formed by filaments from the celiac ganglia and plexus, aorticorenal ganglia, lower thoracic splanchnic nerves and first lumbar splanchnic nerve and aortic plexus.
• Hepatic Plexus – The largest offset from the celiac plexus, receives filaments from the left vagus and right phrenic nerves.
• Splenic Plexus – Formed by branches from the celiac plexus, the left celiac ganglion, and from the right vagus nerve.
• Gastric Plexus – Accompanies the left gastric artery along the lesser curvature of the stomach, and joins with branches from the left vagus nerve.
• Pancreatic Plexus – A division of the celiac plexus (coeliac plexus) in the abdomen.
• Testicular Plexus – Derived from the renal plexus, receiving branches from the aortic plexus. It accompanies the internal spermatic artery to the testis.
• Ovarian Plexus – Arises from the renal plexus, and is distributed to the ovary, and fundus of the uterus. It is carried in the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

Some common Pressure Points with innervations at nerve plexuses are as follow:

Point	Plexus Innervation
TB-17	Greater auricular nerve, from the cervical nerve plexus (branches from C2 – C4)
TB-18	Greater auricular nerve, from the cervical nerve plexus (branches from C2 – C3)
TB-19	Greater auricular nerve, from the cervical nerve plexus (branches from C2 – C3)
TB-20	Greater auricular nerve, from the cervical nerve plexus (branches from C2 – C3)
SI-10	Suprascapular nerve, from posterior division of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus (C5 – C6)
SI-11	Suprascapular nerve, from posterior division of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus (C5 – C6)
LU-2	C5 – C6 via brachial plexus and axillary nerve
LI-17	C4 – C8 via cervical plexus
ST-12	Supraclavicular nerve from C3 – C4
CV-14	The anterior cutaneous branch of the seventh intercostal nerve.

Of course, there are more than this and there are certainly more Pressure Points on the human body. Also, many points near a plexus are quite sensitive and can elicit great effects. The above table lists only a few points located at the innervation of local nerves with a large nerve plexus.

So, what exactly is a Pressure Point? Most points are taken from Acupuncture. Acupuncture Points lie along a meridian which is a vessel that transports energy within the body. These points are named after the meridian upon which they lie. These points were identified because the meridian came close enough to the surface of the body to be needled. For our purposes as Martial Artists, they are close enough to the surface to manipulate via strikes and pressure.

Because these points lie on meridians, they do not always correspond to a nerve, although they often do so. When the two overlap, there is an easy opportunity to manipulate both the energetic and nervous systems of the body at the same time. In other cases, the meridian lies upon a dermatome (a portion of skin which connects with a spinal nerve) or myotome (muscles connected with spinal nerves) and a connection to the nervous system can be made in that manner.

Of course, older sources such as the Bubishi lists targets such as the eyes, ears, nose, throat, groin, etc., which are not specifically Acupuncture Points, but are sensitive regions of the body. Some Martial Artists refer to these as Pressure Points as well although I would argue this is not really appropriate nomenclature.

Combining knowledge of both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is wise and much can be gained from understanding both. Doing so, can only increase the effectiveness of your art.

Note: Some information taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_plexus

In this article, we discuss whether or not practitioners need to study the science (both Eastern and Western) behind the how and why of techniques.

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One argument we hear often against our training videos is that no one will stand there and let you do that. I agree wholeheartedly but that wasn’t the intent of the training. Then why do we teach this way? Read the article and find out…

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I have heard this one so many times I have lost count. Well, that is indeed a shocker because I have personally used them in…real fights! I guess someone forgot to tell the other guy! There are countless videos on YouTube of strikes to ST-5, LI-18, GB-20, etc., producing real knockouts from combative opponents which is clearly not a placebo effect. So, where does this statement come from?

I think the argument comes from looking at some of the most ridiculous techniques you can imagine that is being taught by some instructors. Some of the nonsense is so obvious that it is evident the instructor “can’t even fight sleep” much less a real and combative opponent!

Techniques must be simple and direct. In short, they must “fail safe.” If a sequence is so convoluted that it takes a series of more than 2 strikes, the odds of reproducing that in combat is seriously diminished! I mean, the other party does get to participate as well after all. Techniques should be fast and decisive! The longer the fight goes on, the more likely you are to lose. Surprise and violence of action are critical.

Precision is also a key element and will be covered elsewhere in this series. In reality, you will not be ulra-precise at speed. Done properly, this is not an issue as proper techniques should fail safely. More on that in a future article.

Targets should be chosen which work on multiple systems of the body. If all you have is a Pressure Point attack on the energetic system of the body and you miss, then you are in deep trouble; or, perhaps they are non-responsive on a particular point. Properly done, strikes will affect the neurological, muscular, skeletal, vascular, respiratory, etc., systems in parallel. The way DSI teaches techniques, multiple systems are activated in a technique such that a failure in any one system can occur and yet the technique “fails safe” due to the activation of other systems.

As an example, let’s say you strike to the LI-18 point on the neck. Many Pressure Point “experts” do the strike as a quick superficial strike to the acupuncture point only. If the person is non-responsive or their pinpoint strike misses its target, the technique fails and now it’s the opponent’s turn to strike back. The proper way to make the strike is to strike with the hand angled at a slight angle such that the whole of the knife-hand strike activates the region along the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This does a number of things. The deeper engagement of the region elicits a vasovagal response from the baroreceptor which manages blood pressure. When the baroreceptor is stimulated, it tricks the brain into dropping blood pressure suddenly, leading to an involuntary faint. This effect is further enforced by a prolonged impact time time of a couple hundred milliseconds. Done properly, the prolonged impact triggers the response via the neurological and vascular systems. This region is also known to connect with the Brachial Plexus and thus in Defensive Tactics, it is known as a Brachial Stun.

Over the years, I have posted many videos and articles on our art. I was surprised one day to learn that a friend of mine, who is not even a Martial Artist, had applied one of the techniques in a real encounter. He came upon someone being aggressive with a female and he stepped in to intervene to defend the victim. Imagine my surprise when he told me he used one of the techniques I had posted to social media! I asked him “And? What happened?” He said it dropped the guy like a ton of bricks! He followed that even he was shocked how immediate was the result. This just proves that the concepts we teach are reproducible and immediate in results. You don’t have to be a Black Belt, or even a Martial Artist, to apply what we teach!

Below is an example of once such knockout in a real fight:

Notice how quickly the aggressor dropped in the video? And did you see how his legs were like jelly well after the strike? The guy needed help to get back across the street. This is a great example of what I am talking about and there are hundreds more videos out there on YouTube to prove that point.

Of course, there is much more that can be done to enhance the effect and we cover this in our training. It is beyond the scope to cover it all in these articles, where we merely have the opportunity to begin the conversation. If you have had the opportunity to use the principles in a real fight, we would love to hear your experiences. Drop us a comment and share your experience.

This new series is sure to stir things up a bit. It is time, however, that the record be set straight. “But, Dragon Society International is a Pressure Point group?” you may ask. The answer is not so simple. While we teach Pressure Point techniques, we teach far more than just that. It is only one component of our system, Torite Jutsu. If you think that is all we do, you have seriously missed the point of our training! And, certainly, we do not teach the same run-of-the-mill Pressure Points most everyone else teaches. Why? Because 99% of that stuff just plainly doesn’t work!!!

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