Self-Defense and Personal Protection - When Disaster Strikes - page 278

Figure 10-14. Karate or judo chop to the side of the neck (carotid complex).
11. Solar plexus. The solar plexus is the area in the center of your gut between your belly button and
your rib cage. A blow to the solar plexus, with a fist, knee, a kick, or the elbow ( fig. 10-15 ), could
“knock the wind out” of your opponent or worse, buying you precious time to make your escape
or deliver more crippling blows to further incapacitate your opponent. A firm blow to the solar
plexus region can also break the ribs and sternum.
Figure 10-15. Elbow strike to the solar plexus (swing from the side as hard as you can).
12. Nose. Though not necessarily a knockout blow, a palm thrust, elbow swing, head butt, or firm
fist to the nose ( fig. 10-16 ) will easily break it, generating much pain and profuse bleeding. This
strike will affect vision by watering the eyes as well. Blood has its own psychological effect on
your opponent, especially if it is his and not yours. This will usually cause your opponent to let
down his guard, at least momentarily, allowing you to mount an attack on his more critically vul-
nerable areas.
Figure 10-16. Palm thrust to the nose.