Photos and excerpts from Black Medicine: The Dark Art of Death are copyright © 1978 by N. Mashiro and Paladin Press. All rights reserved.
The photos in this book revolutionized the self-defense book industry when they came out in 1978. Up to that time, self-defense book photos were all staged in four panels by two people who were obviously posing in a gym. I shot my photos on the street, in cars, in bedrooms, and tried to make a single photo focus on the critical part of the technique. Now everybody does it!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The self-defense techniques described in the Black Medicine books are extremely dangerous. These techniques, particularly the use of weapons, inevitably reflect the author's individual beliefs and experiences that the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Therefore, they are presented for academic study only. The author, publisher, and distributors of these books disclaim any liability from any damage or injuries of any type that a reader or user of information contained within these books may encounter from the use of said information.
She has great teeth, doesn't she?
"EAR LOBE: Under certain circumstances, the ear lobe can be seized in the teeth and even torn off, severely distracting the opponent. Women can use this technique to dissuade a drunk from amorous advances." Page 22.
Sure you can use your car keys as a weapon, but how?
"FACIAL NERVE: The facial or seventh cranial nerve emerges from the skull just beneath the ear canal, from which position it branches out to supply the muscles of the face which control facial expressions. A knuckle blow to the soft spot immediately beneath the ear will bruise this nerve, producing startlingly severe pain and possibly some disorientation due to the shock to the inner ear. This point is frequently used as a "releaser," in that a coordinated attack on the left and right facial nerves will disconcert a masher or strangler sufficiently to allow his victim to escape. A gouge at this point with a yawara stick is very effective." Page 25.
Who says karate books have to have dull pictures?
"SCIATIC NERVE: The striking point is the center of the back of the thigh just below the fold of the buttocks. The largest nerve of the body, the sciatic nerve, is vulnerable at this point. The sciatic nerve gives rise to the peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve, hence a kick to the gluteal fold will interfere with muscular control of the back of the thigh and the entire lower leg and foot. The blow also produces relocated pain the abdomen as well as pain and cramping at the point of impact." Page 73.
Actually, as pictured here, this kick stands a good chance of breaking the thighbone.
In a lot of places it is illegal to carry MACE or pepper spray. Hair spray is legal to carry everywhere. As for the legality of spraying it in someone's face, that's a different story.
"EYEBALL: The layer of bone behind the eyeball which separates the eye from the brain is paper-thin, and the brain case can be penetrated at this point by a knife, pencil, or even stiffened fingers. In general, any finger poke or foreign substance in the eye will serve to distract and temporarily blind one's opponent at the very least. Permanent blindness is also quite possible." Page 16.
N. Mashiro
Copyright © 2008 by N. Mashiro. All rights reserved.
Mashiro's four books are referenced in Dr. Bruce Clayton's