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Some people begin training in the martial arts to keep fit, some to gain self-confidence, but probably the biggest attraction to any martial art is self defence. In ancient times most martial arts existed solely for self defence and not as recreational activities like they are nowadays.

Since self protection was so important in ancient times, many advanced techniques were developed which were considered by many to be the ultimate defence weapon against any attack. These techniques were what we know today as Pressure Point Techniques and when applied could cause reactions varying from numbness, extreme pain, unconsciousness and even death.

Pressure point techniques are present in Chinese and Japanese martial arts and also in certain Korean martial systems. In Korea, pressure point techniques are known as Hyel Do. One Korean art which utilises the skills of pressure point techniques is Hapkido. Hapkido has all of the kicks and strikes seen in other Korean systems. However, in Hapkido, kicks and strikes are always aimed precisely at vital points.

There are 365 pressure points on the human body. However, not all of these are used for causing pain; some are actually used to aid the healing of injuries or sickness.

At the nucleus of self defence using pressure points is the theory of Um and Yang (Yin and Yang in Chinese). The philosophy of Um and Yang stresses a natural balance in life. This is achieved by blending two opposing forces, Um represents darkness, softness and cold, while Yang is light, warmth and hardness. Everything in nature has both these forces. In Hapkido we believe that these forces also affect our body and so, when a pressure point is stimulated,. certain responses occur.

Pressure points open and close at different times of the day and also reach their peak level of energy output at different times. For this reason, a pressure point strike can cause a reaction as much as 22 hours later.

There are three main principles in Hapkido upon which the application of pressure point techniques are based. These are water, Circle and Harmony. The Water principle means that the martial artist and his techniques must be soft and flowing as water is in nature. Tension causes a blockage of the flow of the body's internal energy, or Ki. Good Ki flow throughout the martial artist's body is necessary for effective pressure point strikes. Something which is stiff and tense can break easily. Something which is soft will merely bend.

In the principle of Circular Motion, the theory is to use the attacker's energy against himself. If the Hapkido-ist meets an attacker's punch head-on; it becomes a force-against-force defence. Rather, he will counter with a soft circular motion which leads the attack away from him and re-directs it at the opponent, leaving him vulnerable to a pressure point attack.

The principle of Harmony means that the defender must move with the attacker's force, rather than resisting it. Once the Hapkido adept has "harmonized" with his opponent and his attack, he can counter with an effective pressure point strike.

Hapkido stylists practice lower abdominal breathing exercises to develop Ki flow throughout the body. The student will open his fingers as wide as possible, not with tension, but in a relaxed manner. At the same time he will breathe in through his nose to the lower abdomen and then breathe out through his mouth. This type of exercise helps to bring Ki to the hands and fingers or the parts of the body that will require Ki for self defence.

Pressure point manipulations are very often used in conjunction with joint locking techniques. Having weakened an opponent's grip or attack with a pressure point technique it becomes easier to apply a joint manipulation.

If these techniques are so effective, why aren't they practised in all martial arts? Although it sounds quite simple to touch a pressure point and cause extreme pain, the truth is it takes many years of study to become proficient in pressure point techniques.

There are many charlatans claiming a vast knowledge of pressure point techniques, but in truth, there is more skill involved than merely impacting a pressure point very hard. The amount of study and practice required to become skilled usually sees those who are not dedicated falling by the wayside.

Only the most dedicated student will eventually gain a vast knowledge of pressure points having studied both internal and external training under a genuine Hapkido master.