Master Hei Long Dragons Touch Weaknesses of The Human Anatomy Paladin Press 1983
Master Hei Long Dragons Touch Weaknesses of The Human Anatomy Paladin Press 1983
Master Hei Long Dragons Touch Weaknesses of The Human Anatomy Paladin Press 1983
HUMAN ANATOMY
DRAGONS
PALADIN PRESS
BOULDER,COLORADO
Dragons Touch
Weaknesses of the Human Anatomy
by Master Hei Long
Copyright © 1983 by Master Hei Long
ISBN 0-87364-271-6
Printed in the United States of America
5
6 Dragons Touch
9
10 Dragons Touch
Coronal Suture
The coronal suture is the joint of the two frontal
and parietal bones of the cranium (figure 1). The joint
extends from temple to temple across the frontal
portion of the skull (figure 2). At the centermost point
of the coronal suture and extending slightly to the front
is the area known as the anterolateral fontanel (figure
3 ). The space between the bones exists as membrane at
birth and closes up within eighteen months. Although
fusion is generally complete after two years, the coronal
suture remains weaker than the rest of the skull.
CORONAL SUTURE
ANTEROLATERAL
FONTANELLE
FRONTAL
,,,-.......,><7BONES
FIGURE
PARIETAL
BONES
FIGURE 3
FRONTAL
BONE
FIGURE 2
Dragons Strike to the Head 11
OPTIC CHIASMA
/
/
DIRECT{ON OF FORCE
/
/
""
FIGURE 4
FACIAL NERVE
FIGURE 6
14 Dragons Touch
TEMPORAL BRANCH
OPHTHALMIC DIVISION
FIGURE 7
CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES
FIGURE 8
~--, I
I
DIRECTION OF
FORCE
FIGURE 10
Dragons Strike to the Head 15
TEMPORAL BONE
FIGURE 11
SPHENOID
FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13
Dragons Strike to the Head 17
FIGURE 14
MIDDLE MENINGEAL
!{j()L,
fr\"(I~
FIGURE 15
18 Dragons Touch
DIRECTION -
OF -
FORCE
FIGURE 16
Dragons Strike to the 1/ead 19
Eyes
The eyes are beyond a doubt extremely sensitive to
even the slightest touch and could easily be poked or
pushed from their sockets. The eyes are set deeply into
the orbital fissures in the skull (figure 17) and are
held in place by the fascia bulbi, a thin membrane be-
tween the fatty pads inside the orbital fissure, and by
the controlling muscles (figure 18). Approximately five-
sixths of the eyeball lies recessed in the orbit~ leaving
only the small anterior surface exposed. The elasticity
of the intrinsic muscles, ho}Vever, milke it easy to poke
the eyeball out of the orbital fissure without actually
severing the muscles. In striking the eyes, a watering, or
secretion of the lacrimal gland, would begin immedi-
ately, even with the slightest touch. A blow passing
through the anterior chamber into the pupil or lens (fig-
ORBITAL FISSURES
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 18
Dragons Strike to the Head 21
ure 19) would cause the vitreous body to leak into the
posterior and anterior chambers. Needless to say, tem-
porary blindness could occur from any minor penetra-
tion of the eye. If a strike did penetrate the posterior
cavity into the vitreous body, the eyeball would col-
lapse, almost certainly causing permanent loss of sight
to that eye.
The results of striking the eyes could range from
minor pain and eye watering to shock, unconsciousness,
permanent blindness and/or loss of the afflicted eye.
Striking the eye could also be a death blow because,
with deep penetration of a finger strike, the brain would
be penetrated. Figure 20 shows the preferred direction
in which force should be applied for this class 11-B tar-
get.
FIGURE 19
~ ,c,-----
DIRECTION OF
FORCE
FIGURE 20
22 Dragons Touch
Ears
When properly struck, the ears yield a variety of
immobilizing effects, some resulting in permanent dam-
age. Air is easily trapped in the external acoustic
meatus and forced down the tube into the tympanic
membrane, or eardrum (figure 21). Most commonly,
the eardrum will burst, rupturing the malleus, or ham-
mer, the portion known as the middle ear. Damages
would cause extreme pain, loss of hearing, bleeding
from the mouth and ear, and bleeding into the throat
via the internal auditory tube. Figure 22 shows a view of
the middle ear from the external acoustic meatus. Note
that the first obstruction in the tube is the tympanic
membrane, or eardrum. The strategic value of this pres-
FIGURE 21
24 Dragons Touch
FIGURE 22
UTRICLE
FIGURE 23
FIGURE 24
DIRECTION OF
~---FORCE
FIGURE 25
26 Dragons Touch
FIGURE 27
FIGURE 28
Mastoid
The mastoid is the protuberance just behind the ear
and is filled with many air pockets communicating
directly with the middle ear (figure 26). The mastoid
would not be considered a preferred target if it were not
for the great pain involved when pressure is applied to
the area. Because of its recessed position behind the ear
(figure 27), the mastoid should not be attacked with a
thrust. In close contact, such as a front bear hug under
the arms, applying foreknuckle or thumbnail pressure to
the mastoid would make it an effective target. If pres-
sure to the area is prolonged, damage to the auditory
system could occur.
Figure 27 shows the location of the mastoid. Note
that the mastoid is almost completely hidden by the ear-
lobe. The mastoid is a II-A class target area. Figure 28
shows the preferred direction in which force should be
applied.
Dragons Strike to the Head 29
Septal Cartilage
The septal cartilage is more commonly referred to as
the nose. It is the external portion of the respiratory
system which partially protrudes from the face (figure
29). The internal portions of the nose are much greater
in size and functional necessity than the external
portions. The septal cartilage rests in the nasal cavity,
located in the central portion of the face (figure 30).
Referring back to figure 29, note that the only solid
formation behind the nasal bone and septal cartilage is
the crista galli, a small, multipocketed bone formation.
The internal nasal process and the crista galli are all that
stand between the septal cartilage and the brain. A
direct horizontal strike to the nose could break the
septal cartilage and the nasal bone, rupturing the nasal
portion of the angular vein. Profuse bleeding would
result, and sinus reactions would occur in the frontals,
FRONTAL SINUS
NASAL CAVITY
NASAL
BONE
FIGURE 29
FIGURE 30
Dragons Strike to the Head 31
•...
"-"-------
HORIZONTAL
It STRIKE
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
45-DEGREE
UPWARD STRIKE
FIGURE 31
I
I
I
DIRECTION
OF FORCE
FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33
Dragons Strike to the Head 35
Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular JOmt, more commonly
known as the jaw hinge, is located directly beneath the
temporal bone (zygoma) in front of the ear (figure 34).
Angles of attack and use of the mandible are important
factors for maximum effectiveness in attacking this area.
To begin, the temporomandibular joint can only dis-
locate in a forward direction. This would most easily
occur as the result of a downward 45-degree blow to the
chin. When the jaw is fully in the open position, pres-
sure can be felt in the lower extremity of the joint.
Since the temporomandibular joint actually consists of
two joints, dislocation can be unilateral or bilateral,
depending whether one or both joints are displaced (see
looped articulation in figure 34). Since the temporo-
mandibular joint moves freely, it is best to first trap the
neck movement to one side or the other. There are two
points of absorption in the attack. One is of course the
temporomandibular joint itself, and the other is the
horizontal rotation of the neck. To break the joint with
the least amount of force, it is best to strike when the
head is completely rotated to one side or the other
(figure 35), because the absorption from the neck is
FIGURE 35
FIGURE 34
Dragons Strike to the Head 37
FIGURE 37
FIGURE 36
FIGURE 38 FIGURE 39
Dragons Strike to the Head 41
FIGURE 40
SHOCK
,,
/
,, /
DIRECTION OF FORCE
FIGURE 41
MUCUS
MUCUS OF MOUTH
LARYNX
FIGURE 42
44 Dragons Touch
Sternocleidomastoid Region
FIGURE 45
FIGURE 43
Dragons Strike to the Head 47
COMMON CAROTID
ARTERY
FIGURE 44
'!
:JUGULAR VEIN
ORTA
FIGURE 46
DIRECTION OF
FORCE
FIGURE 47 t FIGURE 48
blood to the brain from the heart. Interrupting the
blood flow to or from the brain could easily have fatal
consequences. In cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a high
emphasis is placed on pumping the heart more times per
cycle than breathing air into victims of shock, cardiac
arrest, and drowning because without blood, the brain
will immediately begin to deteriorate. Any interruption
of the blood flow will immediately cause dizziness, un-
consciousness, and possible death.
Striking the stemocleidomastoid region should be
done on an upsloping plane at 45 degrees as illustrated
in figures 4 7 and 48. Pressure point 11 is a class III-D
target area.
Dragons Strike to the Head 49
I
SOPHAGUS
I
I
.j.
FIGURE 50
1
FIGURE 49
Dragons Strike to the Head 51
FIGURE 51
-- ---- ....
DIRECTION
OF FORCE
FIGURE 52
f
FIGURE 53 FIGURE 54
54 Dragons Touch
FIGURE 55
I DIRECTION OF
I FORCE
45 DEGREES
DOWN
1 FIGURE 56 FIGURE 57
r
Dragons Strike to the Head 55
Suprasternal Notch
The suprasternal notch is a regional description of
the area sometimes referred to as the chicken breast
(figure 58). Note that both collarbones meet and join
here. A surface blow could dislodge both collarbones
from the sternum, collapsing the shoulders. Although
this would be devastating, more crucial targets lie
behind the area (figure 59). The aorta and the superior
vena cava supply blood to and from the major tracts to
the brain (figure 48). The trachea passes behind the
aorta and the superior vena cava at the area marked by
three X's in figure 58 (see also figures 46 and 48).
Because of the cartilaginous framework of the trachea
(figures 49 and 50), a blow here could puncture one or
more of the major blood tracts. Even without cartila-
ginous puncture, a forceful strike could still burst,
puncture, or otherwise damage these vital blood lines.
Without extensive detail on physiological responses,
FIGURE 58
FIGURE 59
Dragons Strike to the Head 57
DIRECTION
OF FORCE\
' \
\
\
\
DOWNWARD AT \
45 DEGREES \
FIGURE 60
Clavicle
The clavicle, more commonly known as the collar-
bone, is a long bone with a double curvature (figure 61),
placed horizontally at the upper anterior portion of the
thorax above the first rib (figure 62). The inner end
articulates with the sternum and is called the sternal
extremity. The outer or aromial end articulates with
the scapula.
Figure 63 shows a close-up view of the articulation
of the clavicle and the acromion process portion of the
scapula. The skeletal function of the clavicles is to give
OVERHEAD VIEW OF
RIGHT CLAVICLE
~~
ACR~~
EXTREMITY STERNAL
EXTREMITY
FIGURE 61
FIGURE 62
ACROMION
PROCESS
FIGURE 63
60 Dragons Touch
DIRECTION OF FORCE:
45 DEGREES INWARD
AND DOWN
FIGURE 64
Dragons Strike to the Head 61
23 19
23
20 20
21
24 24
22 22
63
64 Dragons Touch
n-CRANIUM
) ~ R A N I A L BASE
FIGURE 65
FIGURE 66
FIGURE 67
Dragons Strike to the Back 65
FIGURE 68
11
I
I '
LANGLE OF FORCE .i.
FIGURE 69
66 Dragons Touch
TARGET
AREA
,---~
I
I FIGURE 70
I
I
ANGLE OF
ATTACK
FIGURE 71
ANGLE OF
ATTACK',
.... '.al
I
I
ANGLE OF ATTACK
FIGURE 72 FIGURE 73
Dragons Strike to the Back 67
DIRECTION OF
FORCE
€
FIGURE 74 FIGURE 75
Dragons Strike to the Back 69
Cervical Vertebrae
The cervical vertebrae, as discussed in pressure point
16, are the first top seven vertebrae of the spinal column
(figure 76). They are most readily struck at the center-
most point of the neck from behind. Structurally, the
cervical vertebrae support the neck and head; they also
provide a path at their core for the transfer of nerve im-
pulses from the brain throughout the body. The major-
ity of the spinal column pushes against the skin and
would thus be an effective target area. The cervicals
begin at the base of the cranium and travel the entire
length of the neck. It is in this area that the brachial
plexus is formed (pressure point 13, figure 55 ), begin-
ning at the fifth cervical and ending at the first thoracic
(figure 76). In pressure point 16 it was stressed that the
precise location of the break in the spinal column will
determine the result of the attack. Figure 77 is a sche-
matic of the vertebrae showing their location by num-
bers and how they are anatomically situated. Figure 78
is basically the same illustration, but the vertebrae are
exaggerated to display the A and B groups. Numbers
one through four make up group A; five through seven
FIGURE 76 l==~!f?
4 NECK BEGINS TO BLEND
5 INTO SHOULDERS ,
6
7
FIGURE 77
Dragons Strike to the Back 71
BRACHIAL
PLEXUS BEGINS
FIGURE 78
72 Dragons Touch
,_,. (I)
TARGETB~(
FIGURE 79
,--..,,
I
I
1_ _hNGLE OF
ATTACK
FIGURE 80 ,,
I ',
I '
I '
ANGLE OF '
ATTACK
FIGURE 81
Dragons Strike to the Back 73
Thoracic Vertebrae
The thoracic vertebrae, as depicted in figure 82,
are the eighth through the nineteenth vertebrae, a total
of twelve vertebrae. They are located at the centermost
portion of the back, forming the base of the rib cage.
There are twelve pairs of ribs, each pair joined by a
thoracic vertebra. The vertebral column is often referred
to as the backbone, and the term well describes its func-
tion. The vertebrae do, in fact, hold the body erect. In
addition to its thoracic and supportive functions, the
vertebral column also furnishes a path for nerves to and
from the brain, innervating the entire body. The first
five thoracics play a major part in the formation of the
cardiac plexus (figure 83 ), a nerve system that assists the
FIGURE 82
FIGURE 83
Dragons Strike to the Back 75
FIGURE 84
76 Dragons Touch
2
I
J L----
~ ')
FIGURE 85 FIGURE 86
Dragons Strike to the Back 77
Ribs
There are a total of twenty-four ribs in the body,
twelve pairs joined by the vertebral column at the rear,
and by the costal cartilages and sternum in front. There
are twelve ribs on each side of the thorax, connected
with a thoracic vertebra by the head and tubercle of the
posterior extremity. The head fits into a facet formed
by the adjacent bodies of two vertebrae. The tubercle
articulates with the transverse process ( figure 8 7 ).
Strong ligaments surround and bind these articulations,
but permit slight gliding movements.
FIGURE 87
FIGURE 88
Dragons Strike to the Back 79
45-DEGREE
DOWNWARD PLANE
....
', ....
' .... ....
DIRECT HORIZONTAL'~
PLANE- - - -
_,, ~
45- DEGREE - -
UPWARD PLANE
FIGURE 89 FIGURE 90
80 Dragons Touch
Spleen
The spleen is located directly below the diaphragm
above the left kidney and behind the fundus of the
stomach. An illustration of the spleen ( figure 91) dis-
plays its oval shape and venous and arterial tracts. When
viewed transparently from the front, the spleen can be
seen at the left side through the ribs. Figure 92 illus-
trates the location. As a target area, the spleen is most
accessible from the left rear side of the torso, as shown
in figure 93.
The spleen serves as a blood reservoir because of its
many venous spaces, but its basic function is the
destruction of red blood cells and platelets. Even though
it is considered a major tract organ, it can be bypassed
and removed by surgery without serious consequences.
While in the body, however, the spleen may be effec-
tively attacked with resultant blood-flow interference
trauma and hemorrhage. The spleen would be consider-
ably increased in size while the body was fighting an
FIGURE 91 FIGURE 92
82 Dragons Touch
FIGURE 93
FIGURE 94
FIGURE 95
Dragons Strike to the Back 83
Kidneys
Nutrients added to the bloodstream by the digestive
organs and oxygen from the lungs are utilized by cells
of the body for growth and repair, for synthesis of hor-
mones or other secretions, and as a source of energy for
these and other cell activities. As a result of the complex
chemical reactions taking place within the cell, certain
products are formed that tend to alter the normal in-
ternal and external environment of the cell. Unless these
conditions are kept in their normal range, cell function-
ing will begin to deteriorate, resulting in death of the
cell, and possibly of the person. The kidneys are the
organs most responsible for maintaining homeostasis of
the body fluids. The kidneys are the heart of the urinary
system ( figure 96) and are termed excretory glands.
The kidneys function to eliminate metabolic end prod-
ucts of protein, urea, uric acid, creatine, and water. To
summarize their primary function, which is important
to understand, the kidneys create, collect, and excrete
FIGURE 96
Dragons Strike to the Back 85
FIGURE 97
86 Dragons Touch
DIRECT HORIZONTAL
PLANE------~
FIGURE 99
TARGET AREAS
"-,, ./ 45-DEGREE , ,
RISING,,PLANE
FIGURE 100
FIGURE 98
Dragons Strike to the Back 87
Shoulder Joint
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint allow-
ing free movement between the scapula and the
humerus (figures 101 and 102). Figure 101 is the front
view of the joint (A), and figure 102 is the rear view of
the joint (B). Note that in the A view, the clavicle holds
the scapulae in their spanned position across the shoul-
ders. In the B view, note that the scapula rests outside
the rib cage in the back. The shoulder girdle has func-
tions that do not include the use of the humerus, such
as shrugging or the rear flexing of the shoulders. These
and other movements of the shoulder are of no value
with reference to pressure point targets. The movement
of concern is that between the scapula and the humerus.
The shoulder joint can be positioned for dislocation
with a strike, or the radius and humerus can be locked
and used as a leverage point to dislocate the shoulder.
LAVI CLE
SCAPULA
HUMERUS
FIGURE 102
Dragons Strik e to the Back 91
(ORIGIN)
PECTORALIS
MINOR
(ORIGIN)
FIGURE 107
FIGURE 104
PECTORALIS
MAJOR
HUMERUS
+I
I
I
I
I
I
I
PIRECT VERTICAL PRESSURE,
ARM HELD FIRMLY IN PLACE
FIGURE 109
Dragons Strike to the Back 93
Elbow Joints
The elbow joint, like the shoulder joint, is not a
pressure point per se. It is a sensitive area when proper
technique is applied, but is also an extremely powerful
weapon when flexed. To utilize the elbow joint as a
target area, proper positioning is required. Figures 110
through 113 show the elbow joints in different postures,
viewed in the opened or locked position. When in a
locked position, the elbow can readily be used as a pres-
sure point, with serious consequence to the victim. As
the illustrations clearly depict, the elbow joint binds
two bones to one. A break in the articulations, depend-
ing on where the break is made, could result in the surgi-
cal removal of the joint and replacement with a mech-
anical hinge. A blow to the elbow with properly applied
force and angle is extremely painful, even if the joint is
not severed.
HUMERUS
ULNA
ELBOW ULNA
JOINTS
RADIUS RADIUS
·., ,,
I •
BRACHIAL PLEXUS
t---..:.;CE:..:R:.:..VI:..:CAL;:=..VERTEBRAE
i-----TH_O_RA_c_rc_,, VERTEBRAE
FIGURE 112
DOWNWARD PRESSURE
I I
I I
I I
_____,..
I
I
!UPWARD PRESSURE
''
'
FIGURE 113
,I '
OPPOSING PRESSURES
FOR TAKEDOWNS
FIGURE 114
Dragons Strike to the Back 97
29
30
99
100 Dragons Touch
Sternum
As a target area, the sternum (figure 115) is one of
the most overlooked pressure points in the body; more-
so on a large, strong man's chest, because it is believed
that a larger man's chest would be impervious to pain
or injury. The fact is that the larger the target, the easier
it is to hit. Again, let your own body prove the sensi-
tivity. Form a fist with your hand, but protrude the
thumb knuckle by pressing the tip of the thumb against
the index finger. Lightly strike your sternum at the cen-
ter and slowly increase the striking force until you feel
the pain. It will not take much pressure to convince you
that a full-power strike could be extremely painful.
The sternum is a flat narrow bone about six inches
long situated in the centermost line between the pec-
toralis muscles in the front of the thorax. It develops as
three separate parts: the upper manubrium; the middle
and largest segment, the gladiolus; and the lower tip,
the xiphoid (see figure 116). There are notches on the
manubrium and gladiolus for the upper seven ribs. The
xiphoid has no ribs attached to it but is attached to
some of the abdominal muscles. The structural function
of the sternum is to provide reception for the first seven
ribs from the thoracic vertebrae, thus helping to form
FIGURE 115
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 101
ARTICULATIONS
FIGURE 116
THORACIC
VERTEBRAE
FIGURE 118
FIGURE 117
,,
..~, '
- -01RECTION
'
OF FORCE
FIGURE 120
FIGURE 119
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 103
Substernal Notch
It seems ironic, and almost unbelievable, that one of
the most devastating targets in the human anatomy is
left relatively unprotected in every form of unarmed
combat. On the other hand, knowledge of the angle and
the proper penetration are necessary to make the sub-
sternal notch the death target it can be.
Several factors are involved in the attack. To begin,
figure 121 is a frontal view of the thorax, illustrating
the precise location of the heart in relation to the ribs
and sternum; take special note of the xiphoid. In figure
116, a more realistic view of the xiphoid is presented.
The cartilaginous projection is an attachment to the
sternum. Taking in a deep breath, press lightly with
your fingers into the area. Then, pressing lightly onto
the xiphoid, note the pliability and location with re-
spect to the rib cage. You are touching one of the most
deadly targets in the human anatomy. When properly
struck, the xiphoid becomes a puncturing instrument
HEART
RIBS
XI PHO ID
FIGURE 121
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 105
FIGURE 122
\':~:r
DIRECTION
OF FORCE
I
I
I
,: I
-=TAR=G=E"--T-"ARE=A
' I
'"
FIGURE 123 FIGURE 124
Solar Plexus
To properly understand this pressure point and the
effects of striking it, two basic contact centers must be
analyzed. To begin, the solar plexus is described as the
epigastric and also the celiac plexus. The term solar
plexus refers to the nerve network supplying all the
viscera in the abdominal cavity. In this network exists a
multitude of nerves and ganglia, as well as nine other
nerve plexuses. The nerve mass surrounds the celiac
trunk and mesenteric artery (figure 125 ). This area
FIGURE 125
FIGURE 126
108 Dragons Touch
FIGURE 127
FIGURE 128
DIRECTION DIRECTION
OF FORCE OF FORCE
I I
I I
I
·---' ~
I
I
', ,,I
~
Heart
It is not necessary to detail the function of the heart
with respect to life. The heart maintains the circulation
of blood throughout the body. When it stops, life stops.
To directly contact the heart would be difficult, since it
is well protected within the thorax by the ribs and
sternum, as illustrated in figure 131. However, because
the heart lies close to these protective shields (see figure
122), they can be used as shock-transfer mechanisms or
cutting and puncturing devices. (See pressure point 26.)
Figure 131 shows the approximate location of the heart
in relation to the thorax. Note that the majority of its
mass lies to the left of the center line of the chest; there-
fore, attacks to the heart should be directed to this area.
In the martial arts, different strikes have different
effects. Some are used for deep penetration, while
others are used for a shallow and cutting effect. Some
are used to produce a vibrative or concussion effect to
STERNUM XIPHOID
FIGURE 131
112 Dragons Touch
DIRECTION OF FORCE
E---------_J
FIGURE 132
TARGET AREA
FIGURE 133
Ribs
In pressure point 20, the ribs were discussed with
reference to the posterior view of the torso. Reference
here is to the anterior portion of the torso, figure 135.
There are a total of twenty-four ribs in the body, twelve
pairs joined by the vertebral column at the rear, and by
the sternum and costal cartilages in front. There are
twelve ribs on each side of the thorax, connected by
a thoracic vertebra by the head and tubercle of the
FIGURE 135
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 115
FIGURE 136
__;__
I
I
I . ;"'" I"-,,~------
.... ~
'
, ,
'
',
I
I
I
I ', ' '
,,, ,,
I / I
HORIZONTAL
HORIZONTAL ANGLES
ANGLES
FIGURE 137
HORI~ONTAL
I
~-----I
'45-DEGREE
RISING
FIGURE 138
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 117
Abdominal Area
It would be best to review pressure point 27, the
solar plexus, before continuing the abdominal study. As
figure 139 illustrates, the abdominal muscles meet and
join at the lower ribs and xiphoid at the solar plexus
area, and above the groin in the lower extremity. Ab-
dominal muscles function to protect the abdominal
organs, ventrally flex the spinal column, and contract
the diaphragm.
Strengthening and hardening the abdominals is prac-
ticed extensively in combat sports and in other com-
petitive sports as well. It is a large area and often very
weak in the average person today. Many times a good
punch in the stomach will send an opponent to the
floor, doubled up in pain and out of breath; but to
assume that such an easily developed area as the abdo-
EXTERNAL OBLIQUE
MUSCLES
FIGURE 139
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 119
LUNGS ILICUS
FIGURE 141
UMBILICAL
ARTERIES
FIGURE 140
, A
',~--
,m=oos m
FORCE /
/
/
,45 DEGREES DIRECTIONS
--OF FORCE
PARALLEL
Biceps
The function of the biceps (figure 144) is to close
the arm laterally; when resistance is used, it controls
the opening of the arm when vertically positioned. Since
its function is to raise or pull toward the body, the
biceps is more commonly used in everyday life than
many other muscles. In figure 145, the biceps muscles
are shown, displaying the origin and insertion points,
FIGURE 144
FIGURE 145
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 123
BRACHIAL PLEXUS
RADIAL
NERVE
ULNER
NERVE
FIGURE 146
FIGURE 147
\
I
__/
ANGLE OF ATTACK
I
I
"'
A
I
FIGURE 148
FIGURE 149
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 125
Radial Nerve
Most of the groundwork for the radial nerve is set
forth in pressure point 31, the biceps. The radial nerve is
a branch of the musculocutaneous nerve, which origi-
nates from the brachial plexus at the cervical colum (see
figure 146). The value of this target does not match that
of the biceps. Although the degree of pain is relatively
similar, there is no loss of mechanical function. A strike
to the radial nerve, however, would be extremely pain-
ful, as you can easily demonstrate to yourself. Stiffen
FIGURE 150
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 127
ULNER NERVE
MUSCULOCUTANEOUS NERVE
ULNER NERVE
MEDIAN NERVE
RADIAL NERVE
ANGLES OF ATTACK
45 DEGREES
'' ,/
'/
FIGURE 151
FIGURE 152
your left index finger and lay your right arm, palm
down, on a flat surface. Travel down the pit of the arm
at the biceps about two inches and across the arm about
one inch. Feel around for the sensitive spot and poke it
lightly (figure 150). As you can see, the radial nerve is
even very sensitive to lightly applied pressure.
Figure 151 illustrates the radial nerve as it surfaces
from beneath the biceps (short head) at the insertion
point in the forearm. The radial nerve is mentioned in
this text for its availability as a target in countering
grabs and in blocking, but it would not be practical to
focus an attack on this area in a standoff situation
unless the arm has been blocked and grabbed.
Figure 150 shows the approximate location of the
focal point; figure 152 illustrates the proper angle of
attack. The radial nerve is a class IV-A target area.
128 Dragons Touch
Carpus
The carpus, or wrist, is composed of eight small
bones joined by ligaments. They are arranged in two
rows and lie close together. The carpus is classified as
a gliding joint; it allows the circular movement of the
hand.
As illustrated in figures 153 and 154, the wrist is
powered by four muscles located in the radial arm. The
radial arm, or forearm, can be made extremely powerful
though proper training, but the many small bones of the
carpus make it nearly impossible to strengthen it totally
against wrist locks and wrist lever throws. Figure 155 is
a close-up skeletal view of the right hand. The eight
bones that join to form the carpus are illustrated and
named. Its restricted motion capacity makes it easy to
lock and apply painful pressure to the joint.
Nearly every martial art incorporates joint-pressure
techniques in one facet of training or another. Most
commonly, wrist and elbow pressure will be found in
the weapon defense techniques and in countering grap-
ORIGIN
POINTS
EXTENSOR CARPI
RADIALIS ---...a1iav
HAMATE BONE"
rA..l _ _ _ PISIFORM BONE
FIGURE 155
Dragons Strike to the Chest and Abdomen 131
Phalanges
Very little time will be spent on this pressure point.
Figure 155 illustrates the skeletal structures of the hand
and fingers; figure 112 in Chapter 2 shows the nerve
tract from the brachial plexus down to the fingertips.
Fingers are easily broken when leverage is used against
the knuckles. Although a broken finger or two can be
very painful, you should not expect such an injury to
stop a serious attacker.
The great value of the phalanges as pressure points is
in breaking holds. A broken finger cannot function to
maintain a grip. You can usually peel off one finger at
a time rather easily, and if every time you peel one off
you snap it, it won't take long to get your point across
to whoever is trying to keep a grip on you. It is best to
begin with the fifth, or little, finger, as it is the smallest
and most easily peeled loose.
As was pointed out in pressure point 33, a steadily
increasing power is suitable for practice, but not for the
streets, where a snapping full-pressure application is ad-
visable.
The accompanying photographs will demonstrate
some basic locking and breaking techniques for this V-B
class target area.
134 Dragons Touch
36
37
135
136 Dragons Touch
Groin
The most sensitive area of the groin is the glandular
formation called the testes (figure 156). They are classi-
fied as compound tubular glands because they open into
an excretory duct, the urethral opening at the end of
the penis. The primary function of the testes is repro-
ductive, but they also assist in the development and
maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics.
The exceptional sensitivity of the testes is common
knowledge to the majority of adult males. As a target
area, the scrotum, which houses the testes, is valuable,
not only for its sensitivity, but also for its anatomical
location. It may be noted that the application of strik-
ing force is markedly different than for other pressure
points. Both light and heavy contacts seem to produce
more effective results than medium contact. A very hard
FIGURE 156
Dragons Strike to the Groin and Legs 137
-
TARGET AREA
FIGURE 157
ANGLES OF ATTACK
,, ,, I
,,"' I
,, I
I
I
FIGURE 158
Dragons Strike to the Groin and Legs 139
RECTUS FEMORIS
~----
'
I
'
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ANGLES OF
ATTACK
TARGET AREAS
FIGURE 165
FIGURE 163
FIGURE 164
Dragons Strike to the Groin and Legs 143
FIGURE 166
Dragons Strike to the Groin and Legs 145
TENDON OF QUADRICEPS
SYNOVIAL CAVITY
PATELLA
FIGURE 168
FIGURE 167
ANGLES OF
ATTACK
FOCUS
POINTS
' 1\ /
---,' ::, i.:
~- --
Tibia
The tibia is the larger of the two bones located verti-
cally between the knee and the ankle, more commonly
known as the shinbone. Everyone has at one time or
another experienced the shocking and intense pain of
smacking a shinbone on a ledge, a chair, an open drawer,
or some such obstruction. A detailed description of the
pain response is not necessary, but to be blunt, it's ex-
cruciating.
The shin is so sensitive because, like the cranium,
the clavicle, and the posterior point of the elbow, the
bone is relatively exposed, covered only by skin. The
muscular tracts of the lower leg leave the tibia exposed
at the center and inside angles, leaving a cherry of a tar-
get for heels and hard-tipped shoes. The tibia's real value
as a target is in grappling situations when the arms are
pinned. The tibia can be struck with a back-thrusting
heel kick, or raked from the knee down, ending in a
stomp to the tarsus.
The tibia is a class V-A target area. The precise tar-
get location is depicted in figure 172. The angles of
attack are depicted in figure 173.
T
I ,'
I ,'
I I<
,~i-:.-:_- -
TARGET AREAS : ,.;GI.ES OF ATTACK
I
I
I
J.
Tarsus
The tarsus-the collection of bones between the
tibia and the metatarsus-although a very sensitive target
area, is, strangely enough, one of the most powerful
anatomical weapons of the body. The first metatarsal
articulation to the phalanx is the ball of the foot, used
as a focus point for the front ball kick and the round-
house ball ki,!:k. The cuneiform and metatarsal groups
forming the upper surface of the foot are used in the
bridge kic-k, and the calcaneus is used to focus the side
and thrust kicks. As strange as it may seem, however,
the majority of the tarsus serves well as a target area.
Much like pressure point 39, the tarsus becomes a
practical target in grappling situations or in close con-
finement where available fighting space is very limited.
It should be noted that a blow delivered to the tarsus
can be as structurally disabling as an attack to the knee.
The tarsus is a supportive structure, and when standing
on the foot is extremely painful, structural disability has
in fact been achieved.
Figure 174 is a schematic of the bone structure of
this target area. Figure 175 shows the focus point and
angle of attack. The tarsus is a class V-B target area.
TALUS
ANGLE OF
r· --- ATTACK
I
I
I
I
,I,
42 42
43 43
155
156 Dragons Touch
Coccyx
The crucial function performed by the vertebral
column need not be explored at this time. It has been
discussed extensively in this text in pressure points 16,
18, and 19. Nerve impulses from the brain are transmit-
ted through and distributed by the spinal cord, the core
of the vertebral column. At the dorsal tip, the coccyx
emerges at the medial posterior portion of the hip
girdle (figure 176; see also figure 84). A blow of suffi-
cient force to the coccyx would be instantly paralyzing.
Neurological response would reach the tip of every limb
and into the pons; see pressure point 10. If the striking
force is sufficient to structurally damage the bone for-
mation, permanent paralysis can result.
The surface location of the coccyx and the angles of
attack are illustrated in figure 1 77 for this IV-B target
area.
,..•
11
I
ANGLES OF /
ATTACK , __
~~-TIBIAL NERVE
FIGURE 178
Dragons Strike to the Coccyx and Legs 159
-----=-
GASTROCNEMIUS
MUSCLE
FIGURE 179
ALSO AT 45 DEGREES
FIGURE 180
161
162 Dragons Touch
Frame One
Frame Two
Frame Three
Frame Four
Frame Five
177
Force to this
target area
will achieve
maximum result.