Blows may be struck that will cause insensibility or death. Among Occidental readers there is a notion that, because one has been killed by a fatal blow and can be brought back to life, that he is not really killed after all. When a fatal jujutsu blow is struck in the right way, the processes of life are mechanically stopped. It requires the prompt manipulations of Katsu-Ho pronounced Kappo, Katsu (resuscitation; resuscitate; revive) Ho (a method; a process; an art; technique) to set these vital forces at work again by mechanical means, and thus to restore life.

At some points that may be struck on the human body, the most skillfully delivered blow will produce only insensibility. At other points a skillfully delivered blow will cause death, while a lighter blow will cause insensibility.

Much depends upon the way the blow is delivered. Much depends also upon the size of the striking surface. Thus, a blow given with the protruding second knuckle of the second finger Naka Ippon, Naka (inside; middle; between) Ippon (a point; a blow; one blow) will cause death if the blow be struck at a deadly point, whereas the same blow in the same place struck with a clenched fist Tate Zuki, Tate (vertical) Zuki (punch) or Tettsui Ate, Tettsui (hammer fist) Ate (strike) would hardly daze the victim. Deadly blows are generally struck using a point attack; a point attack concentrates force through a small surface area i.e. middle knuckle, tip of elbow, toes, finger, thumb, etc.

Never more than indicate the fatal blows unless there is an expert in Katsu-Ho present!

Katsu-Ho (Kappo)

Almost from the inception of jujutsu, probably twenty-five centuries ago, the Japanese began to get inklings of the possibilities of the wonderful science of vitality which has since become known under the name of Katsu. Persons who have fainted, or who have been knocked unconscious, are quickly and almost instantly brought back to the full possession of their faculties.

Over the years monks continued to develop the healing techniques. The monks of the mountains were then known as 'Shugenja' (men of magic). The monks healing talents were regarded as mystical. They were able to heal men instantly on the battle field and it was as though the men had never been wounded at all. As time passed, these "men of magic" lost their bid to direct the country; however, their medical expertise was passed down through generations of warrior clans and later merged with the imperial class to bring the healing arts to the general public. Even today, evidence of the shugenja can be found along the mountains of Japan. The miko, (healers), spread 'Seifukujutsu', but eventually it became a cultural treasure and was protected from outsiders as much as possible. It was from the healing techniques of Seifukujutsu that the techniques of Katsu were gleaned.

Originally, Katsu was, no doubt, employed solely for reviving the victims of attacks. In later centuries however, it was discovered that this strange science was potent in cases of drowning, sunstroke, and injuries from other accidental causes.

In the following, every authentic phase of this wonderful yet simple work of revivification is given. The directions are few and simple, yet great care must be observed by the student. Success cannot attend carelessness. The vital points that must be manipulated must be found with exactitude or the desired results will not be accomplished.

This restorative science should be carefully studied by laymen and physician alike, and with a working knowledge of these restorative techniques one could save many lives.

If there is a skilled practitioner of Katsu-Ho present, then people of good health can without worry, practice the more dangerous striking techniques with no risks involved. Katsu-Ho which is based on knowledge of the natural laws of anatomy and physiology, is a product of centuries of research, and can set the vital forces into operation again, if the techniques are applied immediately after the opponent succumbs.

I recommend that each student, when practicing, perform the Katsu's very lightly. It is a curious fact that many of the points of the body manipulated while performing the Katsu's are also the points attacked for the purpose of causing death or insensibility. At all times follow the directions with painstaking care!

In regards to rendering individuals unconscious through either a blow, choke, etc. the Katsu techniques are a wonderful tool, but one must realize that rendering an individual unconscious means that an imbalance has been created in their physiology. Just setting the vital forces into operation again does not completely reestablish the physiological balance. One should always follow up with the basic Seifukujutsu Massage.

This text was partially taken from the book (Kano Jiu-jitsu)