Kyusho Jitsu: The Science of Nerve Strikes and Anatomy
Explore the science of Kyusho Jitsu and nerve strikes. Learn how anatomy and neurology create predictable physiological responses for self defense and safety.
Best quote from Kyusho Jitsu: The Science of Nerve Strikes and Anatomy
Kyusho Jitsu isn’t actually magic—it’s anatomy. It’s about causing dysfunction, not just pain compliance; if you hit a nerve that shuts down a muscle, it doesn’t matter how tough the attacker is.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
How to incorporate Kyushojitsu into modern day street fighting self defence
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyusho Jitsu is often described as the science of the vital areas, focusing on the anatomy of the human body rather than magic or "chi." It involves targeting specific locations where nerves end, cross, or branch out into a "Y" shape. By striking these points, a practitioner aims to trigger a predictable physiological response in an opponent, making it a technical approach to self defense and street fight safety.
While some view nerve strikes as a "touch of death" or a dojo trick, the practice is grounded in neurology and anatomy. Instead of relying on mystical concepts, it focuses on how the nervous system reacts to physical stimuli. Striking specific vital areas targets the body's natural wiring to force a reflexive action, such as a grip failing, which can be a critical advantage in a real-world self defense situation.
Lung 6 is a specific nerve point located on the arm, halfway between the elbow and the wrist on the thumb side. In a real-life situation where someone grabs your wrist, striking this spot can cause their hand to open reflexively. This occurs because the strike forces the nervous system to fail the grip, providing a practical example of how anatomy and physiological responses are used in Kyusho Jitsu.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
