Groin attack

A '''groin attack''' is a deliberate strike to the groin of one's opponent. The technique can be quickly debilitating due to the sensitivity of the groin and genitalia, and is sometimes used as a self-defense technique. It is often banned in sports. Groin attacks are popularized as comedy in various media.

==In sports== [[File:Anthony Darko low blow.jpg|thumb|right|A low blow in professional wrestling]] {{See also|Below the belt}} An attack to the groin in sports is considered to be a "low blow", not only in the literal sense, but is the origin of the metaphor as well. In a playful attack, or attack in the framework of a sport, a low blow is seen as unfair or improper and is often considered dishonorable.

Strikes to the groin have been forbidden in boxing as far back as the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, and they are almost universally forbidden in martial arts competitions including kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.<ref name="ABCBOX1">{{cite web |url=http://www.abcboxing.com/unified_mma_rules.html |title=UNIFIED RULES OF MMA |publisher=ABCBoxing.com |access-date=2011-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705135723/http://www.abcboxing.com/unified_mma_rules.html |archive-date=2012-07-05 }}</ref>

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) rules dictate that a groin strike is a foul in both male and female matches, with the competitor who has received such a strike given up to five minutes to recover. The rules require male competitors to wear groin protection, but female competitors are forbidden to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/discover/sport/rules-and-regulations#8|title=Rules and Regulations|website=ufc.com|access-date=2018-06-06}}</ref>

Groin attacks were allowed until the 1980s in international Muay Thai boxing and are still permitted in Thailand itself, though male boxers wear athletic cups to lessen the impact.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

Direct strikes to the groin are generally considered illegal in professional wrestling as well, and unofficial rings may consider it shameful. However, in certain "hardcore" matches the rules are relaxed, and such attacks are allowed by mutual consent.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} It is a common tactic used by heels (fighters performing as "bad guys") either while the referee is not looking to be deliberately disqualified, most notably utilised by Ric Flair.

==In self-defense== {{multiple image|perrow = 2|total_width=225|direction=vertical | image1 = Groin Kick Self-defense.jpg |width1=|height1= | image2 = Groin-kick techniques.jpg |width2=|height2= | footer = Groin attacks are a common technique taught in self-defense classes. }} Groin attacks are sometimes used as a self-defense technique. The attack can allow a combatant to temporarily disable an assailant, making it easy for them to escape. When an opponent is at close range, a knee strike to the groin is easy to execute and difficult to defend against. It is often, but not always, effective.<ref>''Combatives for street survival'', by Kelly McCann, Black Belt Books, {{ISBN|978-0-89750-176-7}}, (2010, second edition), pp 111, 112, 139–142.</ref>

Some martial arts include instruction in {{lang|ja-Latn|kappo}}, healing techniques to recover from incapacitating attacks including groin attacks.

==In BDSM== {{Unreferenced section|date=August 2025}} Groin attacks are viewed as erotic in the context of some sexual activities, including cock and ball torture and pussy torture.

==In popular culture== {{Unreferenced section|date=August 2025}} Groin attacks on men are the most widely known and have been popularized as comedy in popular culture. They are sometimes shown as causing men to speak in a falsetto or soprano register. They may also be shown going cross-eyed and moaning and groaning.

Groin attacks on men are also the subject of an Internet meme where they are commonly called "nutshots." They have been featured in practical joke videos online. The meme sometimes involves an accidental and comedic injury to the groin, usually as a result of falling or being struck by an object.

Groin attacks on women are depicted less often and as having the same effect as a blow to anywhere else (or occasionally no effect at all). They are sometimes called "cunt-punts."

==Effects== {{further|Pelvic fracture|Genital trauma}} {{Refimprove section|date=August 2025}} The testicles lack anatomical protection and are highly sensitive to impact. In extreme cases, a blow can cause one or both of the testicles to rupture, potentially resulting in sterility.

The clitoris is highly sensitive to impact as it has more nociceptive pain nerve endings than the testicles, making injuries especially painful. This type of injury is rare in females, however, as the clitoris is not likely to be struck due to its much smaller size, in combination with its location. It is common in combat sports and athletic events.<ref name="Williams">{{cite book|last1=Hoffman|first1=Barbara L.|title=Williams Gynecology|date=2011|publisher=McGraw-Hill Medical|isbn=9780071716727|edition=2nd|location=New York}}</ref>{{page needed|date=August 2025}}

A powerful blow to the groin can fracture the pubic bone, resulting in further physical disability.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anterior Pelvic Injuries – Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics|url=http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/anterior_pelvic_injuries|access-date=28 October 2014}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Martial arts}} * Below the belt * Cock and ball torture * {{section link|Krav Maga|Techniques}} * {{section link|Professional wrestling attacks|Testicular claw}}

==References== {{Reflist}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}

Category:Banned sports tactics Category:Martial arts techniques Category:Strikes (martial arts)