Kappo

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Kappo (活法, kappō^?, "resuscitation techniques") are healing techniques that often involve stimulation of specific acupuncture points. Kappo is commonly used in martial arts such as Danzan Ryu and Judo. Kappo is a contraction of the two Japanese words Katsu (resuscitation) and Ho (method).

More specifically, kappo refers to resuscitation techniques used to revive someone who has been choked to the point of unconsciousness. These techniques, as practiced by the martial art of Judo, can involve striking specific points on the body, manual manipulation of the carotid triangle to open closed arteries, or manually opening and closing the lungs to allow air to flow in and out. The manual manipulation of breathing, which has some similarities with rescue breathing and CPR, is called katsu.

A tradition in some Judo schools involves teaching kappo to all new shodan (black belts). This instruction is followed by a session where each of the shodan choke someone, are choked themselves, and resuscitate someone using kappo.

[edit] References

Harrison, E.J. The Fighting Arts of Japan. Woodstock, New York: Overlook Press. 1955. ISBN 0-87951-154-0

[edit] External links

• The Judo Choke: Resuscitation Techniques (Kappo) FightingArts.com
• The art of Kappo, reference area of Martial Edge