While the repertoire and fighting strategy of Kung Fu consists of applying powerful and deadly hand and foot tactics, most martial artists will tell you that it is the elbow techniques that pack tremendous brutality. In close-proximity fighting situations, elbow techniques provide a dynamic package that should be studied and practiced. Many battles have ended quickly, and often painfully, due to a crushing elbow smash to the head, temple, or chin area. In fatal self-defense situations, they can quickly end a sticky confrontation. A properly executed elbow strike can quickly disable an attacker, providing time to follow up with another technique or escape. This is especially true if trapped in a tight area or cornered against a wall with no room to punch or kick effectively. It is in these situations where a powerful elbow blast can not only stun an assailant but stop his malice cold.
There are several different areas of the body in which to execute an elbow strike when in close quarters. Such strikes can be targeted at the head, face, chin, temple, solar plexus, ribs, stomach, groin, and shoulders. They are also very potent when directed at various spots on the back of the body, mainly the base of the neck, the lumbar or lower back region, and the kidneys. These powerful strikes can be delivered in five methods 1) inward; 2) outward; 3) upward; 4) downward; and 5) backward. These methods create a wide selection of close-distance elbow techniques that harness a crushing force that very few arm strikes can.
1) Inward Elbow Strike:
A crushing blow, known as the inward elbow strike, begins with bending your attacking arm tightly and cocking it backward with your palm positioned upward. This technique is extremely effective when used as a counter-shot off a defensive block or parry. When an opponent attempts to grab at the lapel or shoulder area, you can block his arm and then immediately send an inward elbow smash to the chin or face. The same strategy can be used against a straight punch attack. Once the defensive block is made, quickly move to the inside and explode forward into the target zone.
The inward elbow strike can also easily lead into the inward-outward combo rake. This double elbow strike includes an inward blow followed immediately by a retracting outward blast to the face. This brutal raking is a wicked swing back using the same elbow from an outward attacking position.
2) Outward Elbow Strike:
The outward variation is a cross-chest attack from a side-standing position. Attacking with the right elbow begins by pointing your right shoulder at your opponent. Once positioned, cock your right elbow directly in front of your chest. Your fist will be over your left shoulder with your palm facing your cheek area. As you explode into your target, your striking arm will now be in a palm’s down position.
This technique can also be a pummeling shot when used as a defensive tactic and offensive counter, all with the same arm. For instance, if facing an attacking opponent from the right side, you could side block or push block an incoming punch with your right hand and then quickly place this hand into an outward elbow strike position. As you deflect the attack, you can instantly drive your elbow into the stomach, rib, or solar plexus area. For added force, you can place your left hand over your right fist as you ram your elbow into the target.
To add fire to the fuel, this technique can be performed with a double strike, twisting from one attack side to the other. That is, after you ram an outward elbow into a target zone, quickly turn, twist, and cock your opposite elbow, and ram it into the same attack zone. This quick-turning double strike can completely stun an oncoming opponent. As with the single strike, the double-turning strike can be enhanced by rapidly placing your non-striking hand over your clenched striking hand.
This technique is also quite effective when encountering a rear bear hug attack. As the attacker attempts to lock you in a bear hug, immediately drop into a low horse stance. This low drop will loosen or even break the opponent’s hold. Wasting no time, cock your elbow up and drive it powerfully into the stomach, ribs, solar plexus, or groin area.
3) Upward Elbow Strike:
The upward elbow strike is a jolting blast to the chin that can knock an opponent senseless when done properly. To maximize power when driving upward with your right arm, cock your elbow back to the right oblique area with your palm facing inward. This position will turn your body slightly, helping you to accelerate into the strike. As you strike, keep your elbow slightly inward to maximize hitting power.
This brutal technique can be best used when an opponent comes directly at you in a straight-on attack mode. A classic example is when an opponent advances inward with a straight fore-fist attack, such as a jab or reverse punch. You would block or push the punch outward, giving you the ability to step in and deliver a crushing upward elbow strike to your opponent’s chin. This attack also allows you to immediately apply a ranking downward elbow smash to the attacker’s nose area. This vicious combo can be practiced with a partner holding a focus glove or shield and shifting it down and then upward, simulating the angle of attack.
4) Downward Elbow Strike:
The downward elbow strike is a pulverizing technique that can be used as a smashing strike to the head, shoulder, or neck area. If you are in a right confrontation and your opponent is crunched down or coming in low to take you down, this strike can be a devastating blow to stop an adversary in his tracks.
When attacking with your right arm, begin by raising your right fist directly behind your head with your palm positioned forward. This high chamber position will give you forceful momentum as you drive your elbow forward and downward in a narrow vertical arc.
This technique is a ruthless weapon that should be used strictly as a tactic against merciless opponents. If a charging adversary wants to tackle you or shoot low for a single or double left takedown, the downward blast can be your saving grace. If you are positioned behind an attacker whose intent is to cause you bodily harm, you can disable the attacker by sending a crushing downward elbow strike to the back of the head or the base of the neck. While these are indeed brutal and dangerous strikes to vital body areas, they may be the self-defense weapon that can save your life.
One of the most effective methods to build explosive power and develop proper technique in the downward elbow strike is to practice breaking one-inch pine boards. This light board-breaking drill will build power, speed, arm dexterity, and proper striking technique.
5) Backward Elbow Strike:
The backward elbow strike provides a short compact blow if attacked from behind. Not only against bear hugs, this elbow thrust can be your last line of defense against various choke holds.
Facing your back to the opponent, first cock your right elbow across the front part of your chest. If you are in a chokehold, you will have to attack by feel. Then thrust your elbow to the right and straight back, passing close against your rib area. You will twist your right side slightly backward as you thrust into the target. This strike creates a very effective impact on the solar plexus, ribs, stomach, or chin area.
An effective weapon to use off a combination that lets you work inside of your opponent; this technique provides a punishing final blow once your opponent’s defense is broken down.
6) The Elbow Strike Block:
While the overall arsenal of the elbow strike necessitates it as a potent in-close offensive weapon, there are times when it can be used as a highly effective defense mechanism. This is especially true against various kinds of kicks that come in at the waist or chest level. A well-timed elbow block can turn a roundhouse kick, sidekick, or front kick into a painful experience for your opponent. Any of these kicks that are delivered under your front defense arm can be stopped cold with a short traveling downward elbow block. As you smash your elbow down onto the foot area, you instantly turn the block into a debilitating counter blow, quickly stopping an opponent from trying any more kicks. Another crushing block can be done with the inward or outward elbow attack. This is especially true of attackers who come in wailing away with wide-looping punches. A well-timed and solid outward elbow blast to the inside of an opponent’s forearm can cause extensive damage. Such a tactic can be practiced with a sparring partner simulating an attack with focus pads. As with all techniques, practice repetition will coordinate your ability to block effectively with these strikes. These same blocks can be delivered against arcing-type kicks such as roundhouse and crescent techniques.
The importance of good hip rotation and body twisting when performing various elbow strikes cannot be overlooked. Proper torso and hip twists can pack the crushing results behind an elbow blast. If you stand in a stationary position and fire out an inward, outward, or backward elbow strike into a heavy bag or focus glove, you will notice that contact power seems adequate and strong. Then try the same strikes using extra body twists and hip rotations into the targets. The strikes will pack two to three times more power than non-twisting types. The elbow blast becomes more powerful and debilitating with the proper hip rotation behind it.
Training and Conditioning Drills
Focus pad striking is one of the best methods available for perfecting various elbow strikes. They condition the martial artist to strike with power and speed from many different angles. Your training partner can hold mitts at medium and high target points while you perfect accuracy, timing, and technique. Working combinations on the focus pads will condition you to react quickly while fighting from close quarters. The key to successful fighting on the inside is to react quickly with accurate strikes.
You can also insert these drills into heavy bag workouts. Start these drills on a 50 to 70-lb heavy bag to develop proper hitting form and speed. As your speed and power improve you can move to heavier bags as desired. The heavy bag will also condition your elbow and forearm area. As you move past the tender elbow feel to a point where they become rigid and tough, you will be able to strike with confidence and force.
