Ate - A Smash in the Face

 

A strike to the face or forearm with the tsuka of the sword is a surprising effective way of incapacitating teki, giving you some time to deal with another adversary before returning to first and sending him to Buddha.

 

The technique makes advantage of a peculiarity of human physiology - the vasovagal response. The Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X part of the parasympathetic nervous system and it means ‘The Wanderer’ since it’s the only cranial nerve that travels beyond the head and neck and into the thorax and abdomen) innervates our hearts reducing it rate/contractility and our arteries allowing them to dilate, increasing the lumen down their middles and, in normal conditions, this increases blood flow as the heart rate/contractility is delicately throttled-up by the sympathetic nervous system.

 

Flow diagram showing the functions of the Vagus nerve (CNX)

But when the tsukagashira is smashed forcefully into the enemy’s face the resulting pain stimulates the Vagus and causes rapid, profound dilation of ones arteries and slows the heart rate and reduces contractility. This cause a precipitous drop in blood pressure, reducing blood flow to an oxygen/nutrient-hungry brain which protests by partially shutting down and causing profound syncope (fainting).

 

Sustaining a sharp strike will cause acute pain which may bring on a vasovagal attack

 

Indeed, if the conditions are right, the ate can actually stop the heart beating and unless the sympathetic nervous system kicks in and fires up the heart, death can ensue. To add insult to injury, one can also void the bowels and bladder during a vasovagal attack so ensure you have laid down a plastic sheet or administer it in an area that is easily hosed down.

 

Al blow to the face may induce a contrecoup contusion to the brain. When striking the ‘glabella’ or the brown ridge between the eyes (Japanese = Uto) as in ZNKR 8, Tsuka Ate, the frontal bone may sustain damage at the sutre lines, when it connects to the other bones of the skull. It is unlikely to damage the ridge itself since it is very robust.

 

Illustration of the contrecoup that an ate to the glabella may cause. The frontal bone of the skull is also shown. The glabella is a 'sexual dimorphism' caused by the actions of testosterone at puberty . A reduced amount of this hormone produces a smooth, delicate skull which to the trained eye can be spotted very easily and is a useful skill when out in the bars and clubs of Thailand.

 A number of years ago, at an Iaido seminar, one of the participants  was practising ZNKR’s number 8, tsuka ate when he forcefully smashed his left hand with the tsuba of his sword when making the thrust. It was in a lot of pain and asked to make his way to a seating area outside the hall where I was sitting. The acute (‘first pain’) had past but he was clearly not very well. He became very pale, and sweating and looked as though he would pass out. I suggested he lie down on the floor where I would elevate his legs as I could see he was having a vasovagal attack and could lose consciousness if blood flow was maintained to his brain. He refused this option and he remained unwell for approximately 20 minutes as I monitored him carefully of signs of death. Thankfully he made a recover and was able to re-join the class, which is just as well since my body bags were in the boot of my car and it was raining.