Figure 1 shows Mr. X confronted by an attacker with a knife. He reacts first by taking the correct defensive stance to ensure stability and get his hands in the proper position.

Thus Mr. X can knock the thug's knife aside with a strong chop to the left. His right hand quickly moves in to inflict ketsu-waza on the opponent (Fig. 2).

Mr. X finds the vulnerable nerve center at the base of the neck (Fig. 3). Using ketsu-waza, the special nerve pinch, he instantly "short-circuits" the attacker's entire nervous system, leaving him paralyzed and unconscious (Fig. 4).

Ketsu-waza, which has been kept secret until recently, is actually based on a simple truth: apply concentrated pressure to one of the key nerve centers and the body is temporarily paralyzed. It works on the same principle that makes your foot "go to sleep" when you sit on it too long. Used to full effect, it can kill by stopping the heart or shutting down the brain.

It is not always necessary or convenient for Mr. X to leave his adversary lying in a heap on the floor. Luckily, ketsu-waza can be used merely to disable one part of the body, leaving the victim conscious. This involves pinching any of several minor nerve centers on the body that only affect one muscle group.

Figures 1 and 2 demonstrate this milder application of ketsu-waza which leaves the enemy's arm temporarily useless, but he can still get up. The effects last for about 10 to 20 minutes, more than enough time to escape, get reinforcements, take the enemy prisoner, etc.

Kicking is an important part of Ketsugo. The feet can be used to deliver hard blows as well as ketsu-waza

Figure 1 shows Mr. X combining punches with a ketsu-waza kick that will make the opponent's leg go numb and send him falling to the floor. Figure 2 is an example of using a kick when it is too dangerous to get close enough to punch. To administer a ketsu-waza kick from this angle is something only a Ketsugo Black Belt of the Ultimate Degree can do, but a regular blow is usually enough to gain an advantage.

A spy must always be ready for a surprise attack. In Figure 1, a knife-wielding assailant sneaks up on Mr. X from behind.

Figure 2 shows how quick thinking and consummate skill allow Mr. X to disarm the antagonist and paralyze his hand with a vicious ketsu-waza hold.
Even while engaged in cordial conversation with an agent of G.R.O.U.T. (Fig. 1), Mr. X never lets his guard down. Not only are G.R.O.U.T. agents given to rudeness ("I do not expect you to talk; I expect you to die, Mr. X") that merits a good comeback, but they may physically attack at the drop of a hat.

Fig. 2 shows Mr. X using a quick chop of the hand to successfully deflect a sudden punch thrown by a G.R.O.U.T. roughneck.

Next, Mr. X firmly grabs the hooligan's arm, pulling him off balance. Mr. X hardly expends any effort, using the rogue's own forward motion from the thwarted punch to his advantage.(Fig. 3).

From there, it is a simple matter for Mr. X to add a little extra force, duck out of the way and send the scoundrel sailing over his head (Fig. 4).

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