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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Some martial arts include instruction in kappo, healing techniques to recover from incapacitating attacks including groin attacks.
Groin attacks on men are also the subject of an Internet meme where they are commonly called "." 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 "."
The clitoris is highly sensitive to impact as it has more Nociception 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.
A powerful blow to the groin can fracture the pubic bone, resulting in further physical disability.
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