Oyata’s Open-Hand arts were tied to three sub-arts that all intertwined: Kyūsho, Atemi and Tuite. One important variable is the target’s tolerance to pain. One could argue that a person who is used to being struck and somewhat conditioned to this may not drop at the same exact level or threshold, angle, or attack as a person with no tolerance and highly sensitive nerves. What would pass as Kyūsho on one person may only end up Atemi on another, and vice-a-versa. Another important aspect is intent (Ito - 意図). You can strike the exact same spot on a person with different intents. If you strike it to cause a pause, it is Atemi. If you strike it in a manner intended to disrupt the opponent’s balance, spin their body, and end the encounter, it is Kyūsho. Both strikes were in the same location, but you struck in a completely different manner, using different principles, to accomplish different goals.

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(Excerpt from the book Kyūsho & Atemi Jutsu - Oyata’s Principles & Approach by Lee E. Richards - Published 2025)