Just before we getinto the GB31, I've writtern a brief guide to PP striking here for those unfamiliar with the subject.

Gall Bladder 31/GB31 or Feng Shi (Wind Market)

This weeks Point of the Week is Gall Bladder 31 or GB31 for short. It is located on a Wood meridian and is of Yang polarity according to TCM theory. It is located on the outer edge of the thigh here.

GB31 is also listed in the Bubushi as one of the 36 Vital Points.

Striking

I find that GB31 responds best to a dull hard penatrating attack directly into the muscle at a 90 degree angle.

A hard strike here will cause paralysis of the leg and cause it to collapse (the old dead leg!). This point is also the location of some major nerve branches and arteries so strikes will also cause a great deal of internal shock momentarily stunning the recipient.

Another interesting thing about this point, is that if struck when the receiving leg is off the ground (kicking for example) the supporting leg will collapse.

Applications

Obviously the ways in which this point could be struck are endless. The following applications are not exhaustive, they are simply presented to stimulate thought and provide possible applications.

Firstly the application known to naughty school boys throughout the world the "Dead Leg". A sharp knee into GB31 will kill the recipients leg dead. This will cause the bodyweight to shift and collapse with the leg making it extremely handy in take downs.

Another application is Muy Thai style round house kick driving the shin into the point. A more advanced version of this application would be to use the tip of a shoe, although this would require a higher level of accuracy, so I would prefer the shin kick in a combat situation. This can actually be an effective pre-emptive attack, using your hands to create a distraction while slipping the kick in below the eyeline. Due to the shock caused to the body, makes it an effective setup technique.

The last application I'll discuss would be off a round house kick. If slip to the inside and scoop the kicking leg with one hand, use a distracting strike like a palm to the face to take their attention away from the kicking leg, then drop a hard elbow straight into GB31. A hammer fist or gedan barri would be equally effective in this application.

Hi Gavin,

Thanks for posting the information about GB31 i've found PP of the week to be very informative and worthwhile so keep it coming mate! , i agree with you totally about the best results seem to be from a hard, dull and penetrating attack, struck at a 90 degree angle, i've struck into this point a few times using my knee as a weapon, and not only is it extremely painful for your opponent (attacker), it will also take the fight (struggle) right out of them, also i've been struck here myself and i can vouch for it's effectiveness, as i was hobbling around on one leg for nearly a week! cheers,

James

Not every technique has to end in something dramatic like a knock-out. Often you look for momentary opportunities. With pressure points, you can CREATE the opportunities which will make it easier to find them. For GB 31, what is predictable is the way it will move the knee. It sets you up to attack the knee with your favorite follow-up technique. You should be able to get a killer follow-up strike and a take-down. It also diverts uke's attention away from his upper body as he thinks and postures to protect his knees which means you can use GB31 to help release a hold he may have on you with his arms.

Good point underdog, I think I've not really gone into enough detail of the effect the strike will have on the body posture with the recent PoeW posts. Tomorrow's point will rectify this!