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<blockquote data-quote="shurai" data-source="post: 524171">There's always the face and neck, which are both relatively difficult to armor and much more fragile compared to the skull.&nbsp; Also, although the skull and helm or cap gives good protection to the head in terms of actually penetrating in to the brain, fractures and concussions are certainly viable goals, and plenty debilitating.&nbsp; See my above post regarding knocking on a guy's head with the pommel of your sword.Also, I'm pretty sure that the torso is easier to defend than the head, all told.&nbsp; In a good middle guard position it's easier to defend the torso than the head, garaunteed, though I'll grant that evading certain cuts at the head is easier than the torso.&nbsp; It's even easier to defend the arms, which are more exposed but also the fastest parts of your body and very easily protected by your weapon or shield.You're absolutely right about stuck weapons and trouble, but I have to disagree with you otherwise; bashing in the head was a huge tactic in just about every kind of melee I can think of, unless what I've read and been taught is completely wrong.&nbsp; The Japanese used to attack the top of the head all the time, 'drawing butter' was the nickname that one of my sword instructors told me about.&nbsp; An attacker can stop his attack and snap the blade out as part of the cutting action, or even better draw the blade out by pulling before it has the chance to stop.&nbsp; Personally speaking, I know that even if armored the head is an excellent target.&nbsp; In most of the simulated combats I've been involved in, the head, inner shoulders, and neck have all been prime targets. Going for any particular target has its risks, of course, but the head and neck are pretty fragile and full of vitals.&nbsp; All this and it is an extremity!And I don't know where you're getting this about the torso.&nbsp; To get a good cut, you have to expose the torso one way or another.-S</blockquote>

[QUOTE="shurai, post: 524171"] There's always the face and neck, which are both relatively difficult to armor and much more fragile compared to the skull. Also, although the skull and helm or cap gives good protection to the head in terms of actually penetrating in to the brain, fractures and concussions are certainly viable goals, and plenty debilitating. See my above post regarding knocking on a guy's head with the pommel of your sword. Also, I'm pretty sure that the torso is easier to defend than the head, all told. In a good middle guard position it's easier to defend the torso than the head, garaunteed, though I'll grant that evading certain cuts at the head is easier than the torso. It's even easier to defend the arms, which are more exposed but also the fastest parts of your body and very easily protected by your weapon or shield. [B] [/B] You're absolutely right about stuck weapons and trouble, but I have to disagree with you otherwise; bashing in the head was a huge tactic in just about every kind of melee I can think of, unless what I've read and been taught is completely wrong. The Japanese used to attack the top of the head all the time, 'drawing butter' was the nickname that one of my sword instructors told me about. An attacker can stop his attack and snap the blade out as part of the cutting action, or even better draw the blade out by pulling before it has the chance to stop. Personally speaking, I know that even if armored the head is an excellent target. In most of the simulated combats I've been involved in, the head, inner shoulders, and neck have all been prime targets. Going for any particular target has its risks, of course, but the head and neck are pretty fragile and full of vitals. All this and it is an extremity! And I don't know where you're getting this about the torso. To get a good cut, you have to expose the torso one way or another. -S [/QUOTE]

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