Way back in the late 1990’s many police forces in the UK were taking a more positive approach to dealing with violent and non-compliant people. I became a police instructor in Officer Safety and Unarmed Defensive Tactics about this time and used many of the techniques in real policing situations. I would like to share with you some of the techniques learned and used effectively.
Not to be used to excess
Techniques can be applied by police and security professionals and in some self defence situations. Pressure Point applications should not cause any injury and should only be used to be able to gain compliance from a person that may potentially be committing a criminal offence. They should only be used in a controlled manner and not as any sort of punishment or unjustified assault.
Does not work ?
In a small percentage of people some pressure points are less effective so be prepared to change your technique quickly.
The Brachial Prexus Origin Pressure Point is located on the side of the neck vertically between the ear and the collarbone. The nerve is the Transverse Cervical. It can be used to assist in obtaining compliance or as a self defence technique.
To gain compliance
This can be used by a security or police professional to gain compliance. As an example: a protester may be on private property with his arms wrapped around a fence. They have been asked to move away. They refuse, so the security explain that they may be removed by force if they do not move. After some verbal persuation they still refuse to move so the security take hold and apply the Brachial Plexus Origin pressure point and at the same time instruct them to move. Once they release their hold on the fence they are then guided away.
Self Defence
The Brachial Plexus Origin can be used in a self defence situation. As an example: An attacker may be assaulting someone that is on the floor. You decide to defend the person on the floor and remove the attacker. You approach from behind the attacker as they are kneeling over the person. Place your fingers or thumb onto the pressure point and lift them up and away from the victim.
Application
Approach from off the shoulder to the rear
• Pressure is applied at a 90’ angle towards the centre of the neck using the end of the thumb or finger.
• With one hand applying the pressure the other hand should be used to stabilise the neck and prevent movement by the subject.
As a strike
Light strike: Momentarily stuns the brain.
Moderate strike: Split-second knock-out.
Strong strike: Full knock-out with a stunning effect that can last for a period of time afterwards
Youtube
Although the police are trained in this technique to gain compliance of a resistant person there is little information on Youtube about the Brachial Plexus Origin being used in this way. If you view my article on the Mandibular Angle Pressure Point you can get a good overview of how it can be applied. The only difference is that the target area is lower in the neck as described above.
However, there are several Youtube videos covering the Brachial Plexus as a strike. It is also often referred to as Brachial Stun. The below is a tutorial by Kevin Secours
Here are some useful links relating to the Brachial Plexus Origin used as a striking target:
On Guard International – This article by Michael Dube also contains two useful training videos.
Pacific Wave Jiujitsu – This article is by Lori O’Connell. An interesting article that also covers striking the Brachial Plexus Origin
Martial Art Skills – This article is by Robert Sterling. More detailed explanations of the Brachial Prexus Origin.
The Brachial Plexus performed as a strike should not be practiced on a person with any force as it can be dangerous and cause long term damage. Please note the advice in the above video.
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