8 Hand-To-Hand Combat Myths You Probably Believe

MYTH: Grabbing a pressure point can incapacitate an opponent.

TRUTH: A pressure point is basically an area on the human body that produces a significant amount of pain when manipulated in certain ways. In terms of being valuable targets during combat, knowledge of pressure points can be useful. But in the sense of the Vulcan Death Grip — which is most people’s approximation of pressure point science — the adrenaline flowing during a fight is enough to counteract the basic principles.

When the body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in during a confrontation, blood flow to the extremities is restricted so that larger muscle groups can swell and protect many of the nerves designated as “pressure points.”