Punch to the Ear

In a self-defense situation, you can target an attacker's ear. If successfully struck, this sensitive vital point can disrupt an assault or disorient an attacker. This can give you time to escape. Also visit the section on a defensive ear clap for more information on targeting the ear for self-defense.

Self-Defense Instructions

• From the side of the opponent, a jab or straight punch can be thrown at the ear.
• From the front of the opponent, a hook punch can be thrown at the ear.
• These strikes are usually intended for the temple to for a knock out punch but will often land on the zygomatic arch or can hit the ear and still cause damage.

Potential Ear Injuries

During sparring and practice, martial artists can suffer accidental ear damage by an errant punch or strike. Therefore, students should always wear headgear or ear guards.

• An ossicular chain dislocation is likely to occur from a more direct strike, transferring the kinetic energy into the skull.
  • This can result in about 60 dB of hearing loss which is the equivalent of hearing a train whistle as if it were a whisper.
  • Depending on the dislocation between the three bones success rate of healing is moderate but medical and surgical attention is required.
• From a non direct strike the punch is likely to slide along the ear
  • Which can result in the ear being ripped.
  • Healing to look like cauliflower ear (improper healing from the massive damage).