Kyusho Jutsu 急所術 / Atemi Jutsu 当身術
" Atemi Jutsu is light striking techniques used for stunning purposes. Momentary shock to the attackers body disrupts the concentration of their minds, which causes a weakening of their physical strength as well. "Atemi" literally means " to strike the attackers body." However, it is the warning and stunning techniques which give the minimum amount of damage to the attackers body, instead of the fatal damage, as in Kyusho Jutsu. " - Ryu Te no Michi: The Way of the Ryukyu Hands. p.4-61
Atemi Jutsu is another example of an art hidden within the classical Okinawan karate kata. The specific placement of blocks or strikes that are in kata, is just one of many clues to unlocking true life protection techniques. How certain blocks are set in their patter, or how high, low or at what angle strikes are; these are all clues to finding atemi jutsu points on the human body. Atemi can be used as stand alone techniques, but in order to take on their true effectiveness, they are used in conjunction with both tuite jutsu and kyusho jutsu. Causing your techniques to be far less susceptible to defense. " When the target of Atemi is focused on the vulnerable spot of the attackers body, even light contact could be very effective in stopping the attackers intention."- Ryu Te no Michi: The Way of the Ryukyu Hands. p.4-61
" The word " Kyusho " literally means " the urgent or fatal spot." When these spots are struck, the human body could be seriously damaged. However, the Kyusho is considered to be a very small area, the size of a needle. Therefore, while aiming, it is very difficult to strike them if the attacker is in motion." - Ryu Te no Michi: The Way of the Ryukyu Hands. p.4-68
The study of Kyusho Jutsu takes many, many years to learn and ultimately perfect. A complete understanding of human anatomy, natural response, body mechanics and timing are necessary in training Kyusho Jutsu. This type of training requires the most serious of mind in a student. These particular techniques are taught when the student has understood the above concepts and has show to be a martial artist of honest and moral character.