Groin attack

A groin attack is a deliberate attempt to cause pain to the groin area of one's opponent. Often used in self-defense, 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 and ovaries of females. A sufficiently powerful blow may fracture the pubic bone of the victim, resulting in physical disability.[1] This technique has been popularized as a comedic device in various forms of media.

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, and unofficial rings may consider it shameful, 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 one's 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 people—male and female—are often taught to use the groin attack to discourage potential rapists and other attackers, because of the intense agony it causes to men.

Groin strikes are debilitating and incapacitating and pose potential harm especially to males due to the extremely high sensitivity of their gonads and vulnerability of the 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 and as a result thereof leading to shock, nausea, shortage of breath, dizziness, vomiting and blackout, depending on the severity of the injury. In extreme cases, a hard strike to the testicles can cause one or both testicles to rupture, potentially sterilizing or even killing the victim. In such cases hospitalization is necessary and if the testicle cannot be repaired, it must be removed.

Female

While less often depicted in media, a strike to the female groin may sometimes be effective in real life situations. With the high number of nociceptors in clitoris and the relatively exposed pubic bone on a female, a strike there to any sex can cause pain. A fracture to the pubic bone can be a medical emergency. The soft tissues of the vulva - while not especially sensitive to blunt force trauma - are still at risk for swelling or hematoma if struck. The skin of the vulva is also exceptionally sensitive to both stimulation and lacerations, particularly the clitoris and labia minora.[3]

Female gonads are offered some protection as they are situated inside of the body, but a sufficiently forceful blow to the lower abdominal region can still harm the ovaries. Any serious injury to the ovaries could effect a woman's fertility negatively.

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.[4]

Rashi, the biblical commentator, explains this as referring to "monetary payment, varying according to the one who caused humiliation and the one who suffered it." This is derived from the seemingly superfluous words, "you shall have no compassion."[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Anterior Pelvic Injuries – Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics". Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  2. ↑ Combatives for street survival, by Kelly McCann, Black Belt Books, ISBN 978-0-89750-176-7, (2010, second edition), pp 111, 112, 139–142
  3. ↑ "Female External Genital Organs". MSD Manual Consumer Version. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  4. ↑ Translated from the original Hebrew, Metzudah Linear Chumash, 1996, page 296-297
  5. ↑ Metzudah Linear Chumash, 1996, page 297
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