Now if you have seen old kungfu and wuxia (武俠) movies, the fighters perform fictional moves and hits where they can kill a person with a single blow, or perform unbelievable superhuman feats. Most of it is fictitious and exaggerated stuff to keep the audience glued to their seats, of course, which was why when i heard the karate termIkken Hissatsu (One punch to kill)I laughed it off.

However, over the years I've had the pleasure of training with various Martial artists, both in traditional arts and modern combat sports. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Most of all, I've come to realize that traditional techniques do actually work to end fights fast, butnotlike what you see in the movies. And that is whereIkken Hissatsucomes in.

People take the whole concept ofIkken Hissatsuvery literally - They presume 'Oh, okay, after years of learning secret techniques in karate or kung fu, i throw a punch, BAM, victim dies. So dangerous, better not use these techniques.'The thing is, yes it is possible to kill an ill, sickly or elderly person with, for instance, a single strike in vital areas such as punch to the solar plexus, knifehand to carotid artery etc.But do you really want to do that?Morally and ethically that would be something disgusting to do. I would rather walk away from the conflict, or if it is a robber who looks weak or sickly, and needs money for medicine, give him the money.

In fact, when you use 'canonical' self defence techniques like the groin kick, make sure you can run as fast as you can because your aggressor might be even more angry after recovery.

And howIkken Hissatsucan work for you effectively depends on two factors: 1) Martial Conditioning, and 2) Martial Intent.

Martial Conditioning

The old school Okinawan masters like Master Morio Higaonna (Goju Ryu) and the late Master Shinyu Gushi (Uechi Ryu) know the importance of hand conditioning. If you have seen videos and images of the hands of such masters, you do not want to mess with them. Case in point - see how Master Higaonna conditions his hands.

Parts that are normally conditioned include the knuckles, knife hand region, back of the fist and forearms. Of course, some Southern Chinese (Nanquan) styles also condition their shins, as demonstrated below by the late Master Donnie Siew of International Shaolin Kung Fu Federation (I.S.K.F)

So basically if you have a fist that is hardened like a rock and shins like concrete, should you strike your aggressor's chest, carotid region, back of the neck or eyes, it could cause serious injury or damage. Maybe not kill him, but leave a permanent disability or have him end up in the ICU.

Of course, with the popularity of combat sports, modern fighters spar using gloves and protective equipment. In the modern era, both ladies and gentlemen need deft fingers for typing on the keyboard, playing the guitar and many other functions, and do not wish to have fists like concrete even though it would be an advantage in a fight.

Now, for the ladies, who wish to look good and not condition their fists and shins into coarse rocks, what sort of martial conditioning can they look at?  Well, they could use a gym hand grip or an eagle catcher(view image on right) which can easily be purchased in a martial arts store.

This is to train grip strength, and also very handy for those stressful days in the office! But on a more serious note, using the 'claw' technique found in many southern chinese arts. With strong fingers (and some fingernails) you can surprise a would be aggressor/ molester by digging in your fingers into the following areas:

a) Soft tissue of the elbow joint

b) Adam's apple

c) Collarbone

d) Eyes

Note:These are vital points in the human body, including the genitals. Do not attempt to practice these moves on anyone.

Martial Intent

You may be wondering why I have here a photo of Fedor Emelianenko, arguably one of the best

Mixed Martial Arts fighters around. Well, mentally and emotionally Fedor is the perfect example of someone who has perfected the art of martial intent in almost all the fightshe has fought. Should you have the time, take a look at the videos of his past fights and study his face before a fight, during the fight, and just after the fight.

You will note that he doesn't display excitement, anxiety, fear, frustration, sadness or any other emotions. From looking into his eyes you see someone who has reached the state ofmushin, who is able to calmly prepare for battle, execute his plan without fuss, and end the fight as soon as possible.

In my past fights in sanshou and full contact karate I've always discovered that physical conditioning and training can only get you so far, what gives you the extra edge is the ability to let your emotions glide past like water, and to focus on the moment and be fully present when you fight. A good coach is one who can not only train you in terms of stamina and technique, but one who can help you with visualization for success.

Ikken Hissatsuconsists of having the mindset that you can and you will end the fight as soon as possible, with all the skills in your arsenal, and making sure your best strikes land effectively. There are two ways to create that intent to win:

Go to a safari or a zoo. Look at the Apex predators (Lions, Tigers, Coyotes etc) in the eye. Stare and gaze intently. If you're lucky, they may notice you and play a staring game with you. Bear in mind, that apex predators don't engage in MMA style trash talk with their prey. Nor does the Lion play with the Buffalo he attacks for his meal. He goes in for the kill.

Vizualize yourself as the apex predator and your aggressor as the prey. You are not going to play with him.You want to finish him offwith all the techniques you've been trained in and you want him dead NOW. Turn this mindset on during a fight or confrontation that turns ugly, and make your actions quick and clean.

The second option is to imagine your opponent or aggressor as someone who is going to take by force something you hold dear. Your girlfriend, your money, your new house. Legendary trainerAngelo Dundeeonce told his losing fighter: "Your opponent is stealing your house!"  as his fighter was aiming for the prize money to buy a house. His fighter battered his opponent to win the match.

In the same way, if you face a tough opponent in the ring or in the streets, remember they are taking away something you hold dear. One guy wants your medal, the other wants your money or your girlfriend.Do not let them have their way. If he grazes your skin, smash into his flesh. You MUST want to win so badly thatall your intent, all your energy is channeled into every strikeyou throw into your aggressor/opponent.

Combine Martial Conditioning and Martial Intent, and you haveIkken Hissatsu.You may not down your adversary on the first strike. But if you have been training in your art diligently and apply the above mentioned Martial concepts, he will fall. It's not a matter of how, but when.

Remember, practice discretion. The mark of a true martial artist is avoiding a fight, and only using martial techniques as a last resort.

OSU.

Senpai Philip is a karateka who has trained in both Chinese Kung Fu and Full contact Karate. He fought in Sanshou and full contact tournaments in the past, and is now cross training with Shinbudo International to hone his techniques.