Groin attack

A woman knees a man in the groin.

A groin attack ( also known as the nut shot) is an attempt to cause pain to the groin area of one's opponent. 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 of females. A sufficiently powerful blow may fracture the pubic bone of the victim, resulting in physical disability.^[1] They have been popularized as a comedic device on programs such as America's Funniest Home Videos, WWE Television and YouTube.

The "Low Blow"

Groin attack is considered to be a "low blow" not only in the literal sense, but also metaphorically. In a playful attack, or attack in the framework of a sport, a low blow is seen as unfair or improper. It is often considered dishonorable. 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. Testicle attacks were, however, allowed until the 1980s in Thai boxing (Muay Thai). Many martial arts organizations require competitors to wear protective cups, as do many other sports. Direct strikes to the groin are generally considered illegal in professional wrestling, as well; however, in certain "hardcore" matches where the rules are relaxed, such attacks are allowed. In a hostile attack, a low blow may be considered more appropriate. The technique is often, though not always, effective.

Groin attacks on Male victims

Groin attacks enacted upon male victims are the most widely notarized. Women are taught that the groin attack is one of the key maneuvers in discouraging a would-be rapist. A groin attack, if used properly, can result in incapacitation of the victim due to the high sensitivity of the gonads. A prolonged squeeze to the testicles can cause the victim to black out. Groin strikes are debilitating and pose potential harm to males due to the vulnerability of human external testicles. Testicles are highly sensitive to even light trauma; a light blow to the testicles can cause incapacitation. The pain associated with testicular trauma travels from the testicles into the abdominal cavity through the spermatic plexus, the primary nerve of the testicles. A hard strike or squeeze can cause the testicle to rupture, potentially sterilizing the victim. In such cases hospitalization is necessary and if the testicle cannot be repaired, it must be removed.

Groin attacks on Female victims

Unlike the male groin the female reproductive organs are contained within the body, protecting them from most strikes; because of this females cannot succumb to some attacks, although strikes to the vulva or clitoris can seriously damage females. Female martial artists may don protective gear to guard themselves from groin strikes, though many contact sports have them as an option for women versus mandatory for men due to the much decreased risk of injury.

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.^[2]

See also

• Cock and ball torture
• Tamakeri
• Testicular claw
• Kicked in the Nuts

References

Further reading

• John Hibbard (February 1993). Karate Breaking Techniques: With Practical Applications to Self-Defense. Tuttle Publishing. pp. 70/72/147/194. ISBN 0-8048-1876-2. 
• Fred Hutchinson (May 2001). Low Kicks: Aiming Low For Maximum Punishment In Unarmed Combat. Paladin Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 1-58160-138-7. 
• Philip W. Cook (1997-09-30). Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence. Praeger Trade. p. 40. ISBN 0-275-95862-0. 
• N. Mashiro (September 1979). Weapons At Hand (Black Medicine). Paladin Press. p. 31. ISBN 0-87364-168-X.