Elbow strikes are excellent at close range and can be delivered with great force, even by a small and lightweight person. The elbow is very hard and will not be damaged by hitting a bony part of an opponent.
Twist It In
Body rotation is essential to develop sufficient force, and as with other strikes you must try to drive into and through the target rather than stopping or pulling the strike.
Just Like a Hook Punch
A hooking elbow is thrown much like a hooked punch, with your arm tucked out of the way so that your elbow contacts instead. Turn your hand so that your thumb is pointing down, as if you were looking at your watch.
Thrusting Elbow Strike
A thrusting elbow comes out to the side, although obviously you can turn to send the elbow wherever you want it to go. The strike is ‘chambered’ by drawing your arm across the body with the forearm parallel to the ground, and then delivered by thrusting it hard at the opponent. Leaning or stepping into the strike adds force.
A thrusting elbow can be used to intercept someone coming in to attack you from the side, or it can be delivered as you go past an assailant to escape from the situation.
Rear Elbow Strike
A similar thrusting elbow can be delivered to someone close behind, such as an assailant trying to grab you. This strike is chambered by pushing your hand out in front of you, palm up with the hand open or closed. It is delivered by simply slamming the arm backwards. It may be necessary to move slightly to the side in order to deliver a strike to an opponent directly behind you. A rear elbow can be made more powerful by twisting your body with the strike. A thrusting elbow lands harder if you either step into the strike or at least drive your shoulder into it.
