Understanding the human body and its vulnerabilities is a significant part of the equation in close quarters combat. One such vulnerable point is the solar plexus, a region of the body that, when struck correctly, can incapacitate an opponent quickly and effectively.
As an attack vector, striking the solar plexus has a couple of advantages. Firstly, its location makes it ideal for close-range attacks, as it’s in the center of the body and often exposed. Secondly, a hit to this area can have more effective debilitating effects than hitting the head, thus serving as a powerful tool for gaining the upper hand in a confrontation.
What is The Solar Plexus?
The solar plexus, or celiac plexus, is a complex network of nerves located in the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the aorta. The term “solar” derives from its radiating nerve fibers reminiscent of the sun’s rays, while “plexus” refers to the intricate network of nerves. This nerve bundle plays an essential role in the functioning of the abdominal organs.
Vulnerability in Combat
The solar plexus is nestled between the diaphragm and the naval, making it an accessible target in hand-to-hand combat. Its anatomical location lends itself to be a prime target for a well-placed strike. This area is particularly vulnerable due to its lack of substantial muscular or skeletal protection, unlike areas like the chest or back that are protected by the rib cage or spine.
Striking The Solar Plexus
Striking the solar plexus is considered an advanced combat technique. A well-executed strike requires precision, speed, and understanding of the human anatomy. The goal is to deliver a blow that disrupts the opponent’s nervous system, causing immediate and intense discomfort.
Striking the solar plexus effectively requires a combination of proper technique, timing and positioning:
As with any combat technique, the key to effectively striking the solar plexus is regular, realistic training. Practice your strikes on pads or heavy bags, and if possible, spar with a partner to get a feel for timing and distance.
The Impact of a Solar Plexus Strike
When the solar plexus is struck, it sends a shockwave through the nervous system. This can cause various reactions, such as intense pain, difficulty breathing, and even temporary paralysis.
One of the most immediate effects is the sudden contraction of the diaphragm, leading to what is commonly known as getting the “wind knocked out of you.” This happens because a sharp blow to the solar plexus can cause the diaphragm to spasm, leading to a brief period of involuntary breathlessness.
Furthermore, due to the plexus’s role in the function of abdominal organs, a strike can cause a sense of nausea or weakness. In some cases, it can even lead to temporary incapacitation. It’s this combination of effects that makes a solar plexus strike so effective in neutralizing an adversary.
The Solar Plexus vs. The Head
When it comes to striking in hand-to-hand combat, there’s often a debate between targeting the head versus the solar plexus. Both areas have their advantages and disadvantages, but there are several reasons why the solar plexus can be a more effective and safer target.
Accessibility
In terms of accessibility, the solar plexus has a tactical edge. The head is a mobile target, often in motion and instinctively protected. Attempting a head strike can result in a miss, leaving the attacker exposed to counter-attacks. In contrast, the solar plexus, being in the center of the body, is less mobile and usually less guarded, making it a more accessible target in most combat situations.
Risk of Injury
Aiming for the head presents a higher risk of causing severe or even fatal injury. While this might be acceptable in a life-or-death situation, in many cases, the goal is to neutralize rather than to kill or cause serious harm. Striking the solar plexus incapacitates an opponent without the same level of risk to their long-term health.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
From a legal and ethical standpoint, strikes aimed at the head can be problematic. Law enforcement must often abide by use-of-force policies, and strikes to the head can be seen as excessive force. Additionally, a solar plexus strike is more defensible in a court of law as it can be argued as a necessary means of self-defense with less intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Weaponology
A knife stab or gunshot to the solar plexus region would likely be lethal due to the concentration of vital organs and major blood vessels in the area; stomach, liver, aorta and other vital structures.
A gunshot wound, depending on the caliber of the bullet and the trajectory, would cause extensive damage to the point of eventual death. High-velocity rounds can cause a shock wave to pass through the body, damaging tissues and organs even away from the direct path of the bullet.
With a stab wound, the severity would depend on the depth of penetration and the specific organs affected. Even a relatively shallow stab could potentially damage the liver or stomach, leading to internal bleeding, while a deeper penetration could reach the aorta, leading to rapid, massive blood loss.
While a strike to the solar plexus with a fist or other blunt object is generally not lethal, a penetrating injury from a knife or bullet in this region can indeed be life-threatening due to the proximity of vital organs and major blood vessels.
Understanding the body’s weaknesses is a critical component of effective close quarters combat. The solar plexus, a nerve cluster vulnerable to attack and capable of causing severe disruption to an adversary, is one such weak point. A well-executed solar plexus strike can incapacitate an opponent, providing a tactical advantage in any combat situation.
But like any powerful tool, it demands knowledge, skill and precision to be used effectively. It’s not just about knowing where to strike, but how and when.