2 Kyusho-Jitsu © Evan Pantazi © Of this edition. Budo International Publ. Co. All the studio photographs are the work of Alfredo Tucci. Others are the work of collaborators of Budo International. Special thanks to Miss Zhen Zhanno, to Sueyoshi Akeshi, and his friend, photographer Tokiashi Kanzawa, to Mr. Geradro A. Tovar and Oswaldo Orozco for his photo of the Aztec. All rights reserved for the Spanish language edition and for any another. The total or partial reproduction in any way, written or spoken, or by any means, magnetic or electronic, without the authorization of the publishing company or both authors is forbidden. Graphic production: SERGRAPH, S.L. ISBN:9781897307533 Vital Points Of the Human Body in Marcial Arts 4 Kyusho-Jitsu Vital Points 5 Acknowledgements: These targets and methods are not speculative as many of the texts on this subject, but rather an experiential research project I have been dedicating my career and life work to. As of the writing of this text I have been fortunate enough to have trained, taught and most importantly used these points in 15 Countries worldwide. This is said as I have worked with people of all sizes, shapes, ethnic background, even varying levels of skepticism. Literally using these points in the described manner on multiple thousands of people, at one time or the other and on the first meeting with the capacity of unfamiliarity. I am also unfortunate to have used the targets described in real need and under duress of real confrontations as have many friends and associates in times of need, stress and under diverse circumstance. These were also in varying capacities from healing to dire defensive need. I have literally thousands of people that I am indebted to for information, training and perseverance in this research and under demonstrative application. At the top of my list is my life partner and wife, the very source of total inspiration. Her patience and understanding with me in support of my 14-hour days, relentless training, teaching and even in long absences of solo travel in distant lands, is genuine and unwavering… thank you Suzanne. I also thank my associates, especially my mentor Jim Corn, Mark Kline and Gary Rooks for their unwavering friendship, depth of skill, understanding and willingness to get on the mat and back up their claims. And to Alfredo Tucci whose tireless dedication to bring knowledge and Martial Artists of all Countries and traditions together. My humble thanks, Evan Pantazi 6 Kyusho-Jitsu Vital Points 7 PROLOGUE Kyusho is going through a tremendous re-birth these days. The architect of this re-discovery and its enormous success is Master Evan Pantazi. His series of seminars, his methodology, and undoubtedly, his videos and DVD, are facilitating an expansion of the study of this aspect of Martial Arts that was unthinkable before, an aspect that, though existing as a common base and substratum in the majority of the styles, has frequently been forgotten or put off in virtue of less subtle formulations when it comes to considering a fight with an adversary. It is true that some people have expected Kyusho to be a kind of panacea that would consign lesser importance to any other training, while others have simply rejected it without knowing it. As always, the truth is more moderate than its preachers. Kyusho, as Even Pantazi teaches it, is a marvelous complement to any martial style. It allows us to know our body much better and in consequence, those of others; it allows us to optimize our weapons, as much in defense as in attack; to experience the knowledge of tradition; to innovate and familiarize ourselves with the unknown possibilities of our Martial Art, showing us how to have, in a subtle way, the most efficient formulas in the application of the martial techniques, concentrating our attacks and defenses on specific areas of the body where we know (with scientific evidence!) there are accumulations of energy or centers of energetic diffusion, or if you prefer… nerve, muscular, tendon and vein centers that are accessible and which, for their placement and characteristics, provoke effects on the organism far superior to those that we can habitually expect from a similar power attack on a different area. In this book we have compiled the information that Master Pantazi has been explaining month to month in Budo International magazine, including the introductions that I have written to present his projects. In this way, those who studying the matter will have more ordered and complete access to all of this extremely interesting material, revised and enriched. Alfredo Tucci Managing Director of Budo International Budo International Publishing Co. 8 Kyusho-Jitsu Presentations Vital Points 9 First off, let me say that I‚m not a person who has always been a fan of Kyusho. Much of what is being passed off as Kyusho type skills in the past, has struck me as being less than honest and often misleading. In my nearly 50 years teaching the martial arts, I‚ve seen many “tricks” and “illusions” passed off as fighting skills. Most were simply circus tricks designed to capture an audience‚s attention. In old China, this type of demonstration was performed on street corners, accompanied by an impressive sales speech designed to sell the audience a “snake oil” type of medicine, purported to heal everything from ingrown toenails to cancer. When Mr. Pantazi asked me to read his Kyusho Jitsu manuscript and write my impressions of the book, he knew that my review might not be favorable. As it turned out, reading his book was an unexpected pleasure, as the information contained in the pages turned out to be highly important *and new* martial art knowledge, presented in a concise and easily understood manner. Certainly, there are many variables involved in real life combat situations and the subject is not one to be mastered in a book or video. Mr. Pantazi acknowledges this and points out that the book is designed to inform the reader that such a skill is possible and potentially available to the average person and he strongly recommends extended study with a qualified instructor to master this art. Unlike other books on the subject of self defense, Mr. Pantazi doesn‚t overwhelm the reader with hundreds of complex techniques and exercises. His recommendation to focus on a few practical, reliable and easily learned actions will provide the student who is willing to devote some time to practicing these movements, with a dependable and workable self protection weapon. I was also impressed with the way Mr. Pantazi was able to describe how people like myself… martial artist… could incorporate Kyusho Jitsu with their specific brand of karate, jujitsu, judo etc. He gave a number of excellent examples of Kyusho Jitsu applications found in all styles. As a Uechi-ryu teacher, I immediately saw many useful and specific Kyusho Jitsu in the Uechi-ryu sets I‚ve been practicing most of my life. In a sense, these practical uses for formerly abstract movements have given an expanded and improved life to my fighting art style. George E. Mattson, Hanshi, 9th degree black belt International Uechi-ryu Karate Federation www.uechi-ryu.com 10 Kyusho-Jitsu "Kyusho jitsu is one of the secrets of the martial arts. The techniques and principles can be applied to any martial art to enhance it's effectiveness. By studying the principles of kyusho jitsu you will also deepen your understanding of your own particular art. Stories abound regarding some of the old karate masters extraordinary martial feats and I believe the practice of Kyusho jitsu lends credibility to some of these legends. The ideas that apply to the practice of kyusho jitsu can also be found in the healing and spiritual arts such as Acupuncture, Yoga and Chi Kung. Master Evan Pantazi has been my principle kyusho instructor for ten years. He is a creative and innovative instructor with a wealth of information to share. This book will be a welcome addition to any martial arts library". Dr. Steven Downs, Nidan Kodokan Judo Nidan Ryu Kyu Kempo, Nidan Ketsugo Ju Jitsu Kyusho Jitsu is something that should not be overlooked within any given martial art. It is an effective targeting system that enhances any style. It can take the training and turn it into a study of martial arts, a unique stepping stone to many other areas of martial art. Turns kata into something living and fundamental to your practice. Moreover, it encourages a safe environment. The study of Kyusho brings an interest in the anatomy of the body, an additional study often overlooked. Master Evan Pantazi has skill in abundance in Kyusho Jitsu and a teaching skill of the highest quality. This combination makes this book on Kyusho Jitsu a must for any serious Martial Artist. This book reads in the same manner as Master Evan Pantazi's seminars, clear, precise and very enjoyable. His experience of teaching, knowledge and practice of kyusho ensures that you will return to this text for all your references in the practice and performance of Kyusho Jitsu. Jim Hulse Chief Instructor for Kyusho International (UK) Renshi 7th Dan Uechi Ryu Karate Evan and I became aquainted through the study of Kyusho-Jitsu and pressure points, he is not only a true martial artist, but he has