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Street Fighting Techniques - Elbow Strikes

Author: Adi Purusa
Date Posted: April 29, 2009

USING YOUR ELBOWS

One of the most devastating close-range tools in our street fighting arsenal is the elbow strike.

Elbow strikes are commonly associated with Thai Boxing. In the martial arts tradition of Muay Thai, the use of the elbows as weapons has been scrutinized and perfected over the centuries. Many other traditional martial arts incorporate elbow strikes, and the destructive effect of proper elbow blows is certainly acknowledged by modern practitioners of Reality Based Self Defense.

In combat sports like MMA and Kickboxing, the danger of elbow strikes is regarded with care, and the use of elbows is regulated - sometimes even outlawed. Actually, there are several variations of elbow strikes, and different areas that can be targeted. It is important that we learn which type of elbow strike is best applied to a specific target area.

5 KEY TARGET AREAS

1. MOUTH/NOSE: best targeted with a front elbow strike (an upward elbow that resembles an uppercut done with a bent arm).

2. EYE/TEMPLE: targeted with a diagonal(almost horizontal)elbow strike. This is a tight, smooth, motion that looks kind of like you are punching yourself in the opposite shoulder. This blow often results in cuts over the eye, or even a knockout.

3. CHIN/JAW: targeted using a back-tip strike (a short poke that travels straight up and into the bottom of your opponents chin or jaw).

4. FOREHEAD: this target can also be attacked with a front-tip strike.

5. NOSE: a different strike from #1, when you are slightly to the side of your opponent, you can strike with the back tip of your arm.

NOTE: In all elbow strikes, the aim is to contact the target with your bone.

Elbow strikes are best practiced on a heavy bag. It's also helpful to incorporate elbows into combination drills when training with focus mitts. As with all street fighting techniques, I recommend that you seek out experienced instructors who can train you in the proper use of elbow strikes, and their practical application in self defense.

About The Author

Do you want to receive the best self defense training available today? Would you like to train under some of the most respected martial artists, combat specialists and street fighters on the planet?

You can start now by visiting http://www.selfdefensesolution.com/

Adi Purusa is a self defense instructor and avid student of the fighting arts. Trained and certified on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, he holds a black belt in the Filipino combat system of Tat Kuntao.

As a monk for 8 years, he traveled and taught self realization throughout Nepal, India, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. His mission is to promote quality self defense education, both physically and via the internet. Visit his web page at http://www.squidoo.com/streetfightingmartialarts

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Street Fighting articles.

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