MARTIAL ARTS ANATOMY 101

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LIVER SHO

- BARRY A. BROUGHTON, PH.D.

When it comes to incapacitating an opponent, experienced strikers know that a well-placed liver shot can be as effective as a knockout blow to the head. Most martial artists, however, are not aware of the cascade of events that create this devastating effect.

The rib cage provides some protection for the liver, but the organ remains partially exposed and therefore vulnerable to attack. That's why it is targeted so often. A direct blow to the liver from a knee strike, kick or punch can be extremely painful and temporarily debilitating. To the uninitiated, such strikes can appear somewhat innocuous. Those who have been on the receiving end, however, are fully aware of the effectiveness of the liver shot.

This is why I decided to write this article.

EXAMINE THE DATA 

A research study published in 2013 evaluated simulated liver injuries sustained after bluntforce abdominal trauma. The study measured five impact velocities (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 meters per second) of a punch to the right side of the abdomen overlying the location of the liver. The punches were delivered from three directions: anterior, lateral and posterior.

The findings revealed that a direct punch laterally to the side of the abdomen with a speed of 5 meters per second is sufficient to cause liver injury.