Uppward Elbow Strike

I like to occasionally mention techniques that are rarely seen but very effective. The upward elbow /elbow uppercut is one of those techniques that is not used as much as it should. A very simple technique to perform it can be devastating when combined with close range techniques such as the roundhouse elbow or knee strikes.

The way it is performed is relatively easy. From a fighting stance with your hands held in your usual guarding position the elbow is struck upwards with the arm kept as bent as possible. Think of trying to scratch your upper back by stretching over your shoulder. When the elbow is struck upwards, a common mistake is for the forearm of the striking elbow to cross over the face, as if touching the opposite ear. This must be avoided. If your striking with the right elbow then the right forearm/hand should rest close to the right ear, not the left. It is not wrong to cross the hand over the face, but maximum power is lost by doing this.

Combined with strong body rotation, the strike can be very powerful, fast and unexpected. From the clinch its use is obvious but another good way of performing it is when a failed shoot has been performed. As your opponent blocks your shoot by sprawling or dropping to one knee, as you stand up you drive the elbow uppercut upwards. Using the upwards movement when rising to an erect position can help in delivering a lot of power into the blow.

(ref: www.globalsecurity.org)

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