Kuatsu Resuscitation & CPR
by CARY WEBB
If you are thinking about strangling someone (Not an uncommon thing) I think it may be a good idea to learn something about resuscitation methods, this I think is as good an intro to Kuatsu Resuscitation and modern CPR in written form as any but cannot substitute for real life demonstration. "There are basically three different types of Kuatsu and I have to speak to some people regarding some of the applications relating to things other than Shime-waza (Choke holds)
There are legal ramifications to using traditional methods if someone dies as CPR is the method the world over that is recognised or resuscitation and all instructors of Shime waza should have a CPR certificate if he or she teaches these sort of things. So I will list both the modern method of resuscitation and the traditional which are just as sophisticated as any modern method.
MODERN METHODS
Immediately release the victim and lay him or her flat so that blood may flow naturally back to the brain. Placing the victim on his or her side, with the head resting on the arm, will prevent vomit aspiration and facilitate breathing if necessary. Monitor the victim closely to make sure the airway is open and the victim is breathing. The opponent will generally regain consciousness spontaneously and be unharmed in the case of the wind pipe choke and the arterial strangle. If the person does not regain consciousness in 20 to 30 seconds and remains unresponsive to your efforts to revive him or her, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Instructors should obtain CPR training and certification for use in case of a breathing or other emergency. Even without chokes martial arts is a strenuous physical activity that carries some risks for which the instructor should be prepared. Try to awaken the patient with vocal or physical stimuli such as tapping or shouting. Check for breathing by putting your face close to the patient's mouth and looking at the chest, listening for air exchange, and feeling for a breath. Keep the airway open and initiate rescue breathing if there is no breathing. If a pulse is absent, commence chest compressions.
There are many old methods of traditional resuscitation that can also assist the victim in recovery. If the outcome is less than desirable these Kuatsu methods may not be defensible in courts. They have generally been replaced by CPR which is based on more modern medical knowledge. Among sports coaches and medical professionals around the world, CPR is commonly recognised as the appropriate response to a medical emergency.
SOME TRADITIONAL KUATSU RESUSCITATION
Nevertheless the traditional forms of resuscitation are considered advanced techniques and instructors may wish to study them to complete their training for historical purposes or for use in special circumstances.
Traditional Kuatsu resuscitation techniques include:
The direct massage of the carotid triangle on the neck to open up a collapsed artery or to manually stimulate the carotid sinus. Methods of assisting the victim in waking up and focussing attention such as slapping the victim, striking the sole of the foot, or yelling. Methods of inducing or simulating breathing through massage of the chest or diaphragm, expanding and contracting the lungs. There are three methods of Sasoi Katsu, the inductive method, Eri Katsu, the lapel method, and So Katsu, the composite method.
Sasoi Katsu is done with the patient sitting before you. From behind, bend your right knee and place the kneecap against the patient's spine. Spread your fingers and place your hands on his or her lower chest, hooking your fingers under the lower ribs. Pull back as if opening the ribs to either side, put your weight on the shoulders to bend the body back, and press with your right knee. This will draw air into the lungs. When the ribs have opened as far as they will go, release them. Air will be exhaled from the lungs. Repeat the process slowly and regularly.
For traditional Eri Katsu kneel to the right of the victim and support his or her upper body with your left arm around the shoulder. Put the palm of your right hand on the abdomen, just above the navel, and press up against the solar plexus or pit of the stomach. This will cause the diaphragm to rise, expelling air from the lungs. Reinforce the action by bending the upper body forward with your left arm. Gently release your pressure to allow air to enter the lungs. Repeat this procedure until respiration is restored.
For So Katsu lay the victim on his or her back and kneel astride the hips. Place your hands, fingers spread apart and pointing toward his or her head, on the bottom of the rib cage. Lean forward and press against the ribs to make him or her exhale, then relax the pressure. Repeat this procedure, rocking forward and back, until the victim can breathe without assistance. Similarly this can be done with the victim on his stomach.
As with other martial arts and most aggressive competitive sports, practice includes the risk of serious injury. Of all the types of techniques practiced in martial arts, choking techniques when properly applied should not cause deaths."