Not every combat sport is intended for competition or fair duels. Some techniques are designed with a single goal in mind: to neutralize the opponent — quickly, effectively, and without holding back. Often, these techniques stem from military systems, secret traditions, or realistic self-defense methods where rules, referees, or medals don’t come into play.
These are the techniques that aren’t sports but pure survival strategy. Often banned in competitions. Often life-threatening if applied incorrectly.
1. Groin Kick
Simple yet devastating. A direct kick to the groin can take most opponents out in one blow — both physically and mentally. In military self-defense and systems like Krav Maga, this is one of the first techniques you learn.
In sports, it is, of course, forbidden. But on the street or in a war zone? A pure chance for survival.
2. Choking to Unconsciousness
Chokes such as the rear naked choke or a classic blood choke can render someone unconscious within 6 to 12 seconds — if executed correctly.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, and judo employ these techniques, but in military contexts they are often applied so tightly and deeply that lasting damage (or worse) is a real risk.
3. Palm Strike to the Nose or Chin
A palm strike (open hand) may seem gentler than a fist, but appearances can be deceiving. A forceful hit under the nose or to the bottom of the jaw can damage the cervical vertebrae or even reach the brainstem.
This is a technique frequently trained in Krav Maga and some Asian military styles — meant to dominate, or even kill, in one swift moment.
4. Eye Gouge
Stabbing two fingers or a thumb straight into the eye is so dangerous that it is banned in all competitions. But in a life-or-death fight, it is one of the fastest ways to disable an opponent.
It causes panic, blindness, and can inflict lasting damage to the retina or orbital socket.
5. Neck Snap or Crank
Movies love to show off this move, but in reality, it requires extreme strength and technique — plus the right position. Nonetheless, there are holds, such as certain neck chokes or neck cranks, that in specific situations can be fatal.
In wrestling variations and systems like Catch Wrestling, this is used as a “submission.” In military training, it is a kill move.
6. Oblique Kick
This technique was popularized by Jon Jones in MMA, though it originally comes from street fighting. A diagonal kick to the knee — often delivered with a stretched leg — can tear the cruciate ligaments or even break the kneecap.
7. Throat Strike
A punch or finger strike to the trachea can immediately block breathing. The throat is vulnerable — and relatively unprotected. In sports it is strictly forbidden, but in combat systems like Silat or Krav Maga, it can be a lifesaving move.
8. Liver Shot
A well-placed stomp to the liver — just below the right rib — can completely incapacitate someone. Not necessarily lethal, but often so painful that the body shuts down on its own.
Professional boxers know the effect: your body says “stop” before your brain even realizes it. In the right context? Unmatched in its potency.
9. Joint-Breaking Techniques on the Elbow or Shoulder
Armbars, kimuras, Americans — in BJJ, these are submissions. But when you force them in a no-rules fight, you break joints, tendons, and bones.
A broken arm can immediately take an opponent out — and may lead to permanent disability. That’s exactly why these techniques are often drilled in the military with the added instruction: “finish it = neutralize.”
10. Headbutt
A headbutt is raw, unpredictable, and rarely practiced — but in real life, it can be deadly effective. A hard headbutt to the nose or jaw of an unsuspecting opponent can cause fractures, a concussion, or even a knockout.
In Lethwei (Myanmar), it is a standard technique. In the rest of the world, it’s the ultimate last resort.
The techniques above aren’t for fun. They are designed for situations where rules do not apply, where a second is the difference between life and death. In sports, they are — rightly — banned. But in self-defense, military training, or extreme situations, they are the last line of defense. And the difference between victimhood and survival.
