Graduating from a Red Cross First Aid course is a promotional requirement for all high ranking Black Belts A.S.P. It is strongly recommended for ALL A.S.P. instructors, regardless of rank. There are, however, some very useful techniques, which are not taught in any Red Cross course and which were evolved from experience in the practice of the martial arts.

Our instructors are advised to seek immediate medical help in case of accident. Unfortunately, such help is not always available, and in some cases, unless immediate action is taken, death or serious and permanent injuries may occur. A.S.P. has an extraordinarily good safety record, but freak accidents do happen and our instructors should know how to handle them, BUT ONLY IF MEDICAL HELP IS NOT AT HAND. Many such techniques were developed in India, China, and Japan. Here, we are going to describe only a few selected ones, using the Japanese terminology, as needed.

The kappo, also known as katsu, is a method for reviving a person who has been strangled, knocked out, or fallen into coma. Time is of the essence. Chokes are particularly dangerous in that respect. For this very reason A.S.P. in contrast to judo, has incorporated them only in very advanced programs.

Sometimes, during a choke, the victim becomes unconscious and stopping the choke is not enough to bring him back to consciousness. Without help, it is claimed, death could occur in about twenty minutes. There are several schools and methods of reanimation. Most, however, use manipulations of the same areas of the human body. One of the most important is known as the KATSU-TSUBO, situated between the sixth and seventh dorsal vertebrae.

Assuming physiques that are not very different, here is a practical way of locating it. Place the tip of your middle finger on the vertebra protruding at the middle of an imaginary line joining the tips of the shoulders. Press the palm of your hand flat against the spine. The katsu-tsubo is to be found in the area where the heel of your palm presses against the spine. Of course there are morphological differences between people, however, this simple method affords a useful guideline for locating the effective area.

This katsu is used on the victim of a choke. KEEP CALM AND CONCENTRATE. Place the victim on his face, body stretched, arms along his sides, head turned to the left. Straddle him, facing in the same direction. Locate the katsu-tsubo and place on it the heel of your right palm, then put your left palm on the back of your right hand. Using your weight, apply short sharp thrusts in a short clockwise motion against the katsu-tsubo. One single thrust is usually enough; if not apply 3-4 following your breathing rhythm. Do not let the victim leave at once. When he comes to, walk him around, making sure he has completely recovered and talks coherently.

AGAIN, IF MEDICAL HELP IS AVAILABLE DO NOTHING AND LET THE APPROPRIATE PERSON HANDLE THE CASE.