Groin attack

A groin attack is an attempt to cause pain to the groin area of one's opponent. The technique can be quickly debilitating, due to the large number of sensitive nerve endings in the penis and testicles of males, as well as the highly innervated vulva of females. A sufficiently powerful blow may fracture the pubic bone of the victim, resulting in physical disability.^[1] They have been popularized as a comedic device on programs such as America's Funniest Home Videos, professional wrestling, and YouTube.

Low blow

An attack to the groin is considered to be a "low blow" not only in the literal sense, but is the origin of the metaphor. In a playful attack, or attack in the framework of a sport, a low blow is seen as unfair or improper and is often considered dishonourable. Strikes to the groin are almost universally forbidden in martial arts competitions, including boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts competitions where full-contact strikes are normal and permitted, eventually resulting in penalties and disqualifications. Testicle attacks were, however, allowed until the 1980s in international Thai boxing (Muay Thai) and are still permitted in Thailand itself (though the boxers wear cups to lessen the impact). Many martial arts organizations require competitors to wear protective cups against accidental blows, as do many other sports. Direct strikes to the groin are generally considered illegal in professional wrestling as well. However, in certain "hardcore" matches the rules are relaxed and such attacks are allowed by mutual consent.

In street fighting, a low blow may be considered more appropriate as a self-defense technique. The attack can allow a much weaker combatant to temporarily disable an assailant, making it easy for them to escape. When ones opponent is at close range, a knee attack to the groin is easy to execute and difficult to defend against. It is often, though not always, effective.^[2]

Effects on sexes

Male

Groin attacks enacted upon male victims are the most widely known, and women are often taught to use the groin attack to discourage potential rapists and other attackers. Also they are used as a form of bullying for both males and females. Groin strikes are debilitating and pose potential harm to males due to the high sensitivity of the gonads and vulnerability of human external testicles. The pain associated with testicular trauma travels from the testicles into the abdominal cavity through the spermatic plexus, the primary nerve of the testicles. A prolonged squeeze to the testicles can cause the victim to black out, and a hard strike can cause the testicle to rupture, potentially sterilizing the victim.

Female

Contrary to depictions in popular culture (in which females are no more vulnerable in their groin than anywhere else), a strike or squeeze to the vulva or clitoris will cause considerable pain and can incapacitate females due to the high amount of nerve endings in these structures. In extreme cases, the female victim may black out. The reason why females sometimes do not seem to suffer as much pain from a groin attack is because the vulva and clitoris, the parts of the female groin which cause pain when struck, are smaller than the target areas of the male groin, as well as being located partially inside the female's body, and are hence less likely to be hit. Nevertheless, a strike to a female's genitals can be just as damaging and debilitating as a blow to a male, if not even more so due to the location of the pubic bone just inside the female's body. If delivered with enough force, and if placed accurately, a kick to the female genitalia can drive the highly sensitive clitoris up into the pubic bone, compressing the clitoris between the hard bone and the attacker's shoe. Potential long-term health problems can arise for female victims of groin attacks including nerve damage to the clitoris, fracture of the pubic bone, hematoma, and vulvodynia. ^{[citation needed]} In many parts of the world, an attack on the female groin is considered to be sexual assault.

Biblical reference

The Old Testament, (Deuteronomy 25:11–12) states the following:

When men fight with one another, and the wife of the one approaches to rescue her husband from the hand of him who is beating him, and puts out her hand and seizes his genitals, you shall sever her hand; you shall have no compassion.^[3]

See also

References

Further reading

• John Hibbard (February 1993). Karate Breaking Techniques: With Practical Applications to Self-Defense. Tuttle Publishing. pp. 70/72/147/194. ISBN 0-8048-1876-2. 
• Fred Hutchinson (May 2001). Low Kicks: Aiming Low For Maximum Punishment In Unarmed Combat. Paladin Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 1-58160-138-7. 
• Philip W. Cook (1997-09-30). Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence. Praeger Trade. p. 40. ISBN 0-275-95862-0. 
• N. Mashiro (September 1979). Weapons At Hand (Black Medicine). Paladin Press. p. 31. ISBN 0-87364-168-X.