| USING YOUR ELBOWS | | | | 2. EYE/TEMPLE: targeted with a diagonal(almost |
| One of the most devastating close-range tools in | | | | horizontal)elbow strike. This is a tight, smooth, |
| our street fighting arsenal is the elbow strike. | | | | motion that looks kind of like you are punching |
| Elbow strikes are commonly associated with Thai | | | | yourself in the opposite shoulder. This blow often |
| Boxing. In the martial arts tradition of Muay Thai, | | | | results in cuts over the eye, or even a knockout. |
| the use of the elbows as weapons has been | | | | 3. CHIN/JAW: targeted using a back-tip strike (a |
| scrutinized and perfected over the centuries. | | | | short poke that travels straight up and into the |
| Many other traditional martial arts incorporate | | | | bottom of your opponents chin or jaw). |
| elbow strikes, and the destructive effect of | | | | 4. FOREHEAD: this target can also be attacked |
| proper elbow blows is certainly acknowledged by | | | | with a front-tip strike. |
| modern practitioners of Reality Based Self | | | | 5. NOSE: a different strike from #1, when you are |
| Defense. | | | | slightly to the side of your opponent, you can |
| In combat sports like MMA and Kickboxing, the | | | | strike with the back tip of your arm. |
| danger of elbow strikes is regarded with care, and | | | | NOTE: In all elbow strikes, the aim is to contact |
| the use of elbows is regulated - sometimes even | | | | the target with your bone. |
| outlawed. Actually, there are several variations of | | | | Elbow strikes are best practiced on a heavy bag. |
| elbow strikes, and different areas that can be | | | | It's also helpful to incorporate elbows into |
| targeted. It is important that we learn which type | | | | combination drills when training with focus mitts. |
| of elbow strike is best applied to a specific target | | | | As with all street fighting techniques, I |
| area. | | | | recommend that you seek out experienced |
| 5 KEY TARGET AREAS | | | | instructors who can train you in the proper use of |
| 1. MOUTH/NOSE: best targeted with a front | | | | elbow strikes, and their practical application in self |
| elbow strike (an upward elbow that resembles an | | | | defense. |
| uppercut done with a bent arm). | | | | |