Elbow (strike)

An elbow strike is a close-range striking technique utilizing the point of the elbow, the surrounding bony area, or the entire forearm to deliver a blow. It is a common weapon in many forms of martial arts, particularly Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Lethwei (Burmese Boxing), and various Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) styles. Elbow strikes are often employed when fighters are in close proximity, making them effective in clinches or when other striking options are limited.

Elbow strikes are generally considered to be very powerful due to the concentration of force onto a small area. They can cause cuts, bruises, knockdowns, and even knockouts. The sharpness of the elbow joint can lead to significant lacerations, making them a visually impactful and potentially fight-ending technique.

There are various types of elbow strikes, often categorized by the angle of the strike and the direction of movement. Common variations include:

• Horizontal Elbow: A sweeping blow delivered horizontally, often targeting the head or neck.
• Vertical Elbow: An elbow strike delivered downward, often used to break an opponent's guard or target the collarbone.
• Upward Elbow: An elbow strike delivered in an upward arc, often used to target the chin or solar plexus.
• Reverse Elbow: An elbow strike delivered backward, often as a surprise attack.
• Spinning Elbow: An elbow strike delivered while spinning the body, generating additional power.

The legality of elbow strikes varies depending on the ruleset of a specific competition or martial art. Some competitions, such as some forms of MMA, may restrict or prohibit the use of elbow strikes to the head of a grounded opponent.