In almost all "martial" schools of training, one of the most
important aspects of a good defense is protecting the zone. The
zone in this reference represents the main parts of the body.
From just below the groin to the temples of the head and between
the shoulders are the major sensitive points of the body and the
vital organs, which if injured can cause the most damage. For
instance, one of the most effective attacks against a male or
female attacker (and one of the attacks almost always not
allowed in any competitive sparring or fighting) is to hit the
groin. Being hit in the midsection when unprepared can take the
wind out of even the strongest of people. And one well targeted
strike to the temple will case someone to black out immediately.
There are many other points of interest that lie between the
groin and the temple which can cause a great deal of damage.
However, this is for a discussion another time. Let us return to
our focus of protecting this very valuable zone. In almost any
combative, or “mart