The previous blog was on chops and open hand strikes. Now we’ll look at elbow strikes and techniques. Elbows are one of the most powerful weapons in Karate, used for attack as well as defence. These techniques can be used as an attack or a finisher, to disorient an attacker or strike the opponent's chin, chest, and ribs, to attack or make an escape.

Elbow strikes are executed by moving the elbows upwards, downwards, or sideways to the target, i.e., an attacker's chin, chest, ribs, etc. There are four major strikes that you need to get familiar with:

• Sideways elbow strike to the jaw
• Upwards elbow strike to the chin
• Sideways elbow strike to the ribcage
• Backwards elbow strike to the chest

Let’s understand the execution for each of these. Begin in a horse stance and execute the sideways elbow strike to the jaw or face. At the point of impact, your fingers should be pointed downwards and your fist backwards. Remember not to cover your face, keep the hand at a level slightly lower than your eyes, so you can see the opponent. As you strike, generate power from the hips.

Next is the upwards elbow strike to the chin. This is a very dangerous technique and shouldn’t be tried with an opponent, unless you’re prepared to deal some serious damage. An elbow to the jaw, for instance, could end up breaking the neck. At the point of impact, your elbow should be straight and parallel to the ground.

Now we’ll explore how the sideways elbow strike can be used to target the ribs or the face, depending on your opponent’s position. Begin with your arm bent at a right angle, press your palm against your fist, and push it sideways in one quick motion for impact using the elbow. Switch hands and practice the same.

When the attacker is behind you, use a backwards elbow strike to target his stomach, chest or face. Extend your fist forward like a punch, cover it with the other palm (open), and as you push back, rotate your arm similar to how you would when pulling back a punch.

Next, you need to learn how to perform these elbows in a forward stance, while moving forward and backwards. Start with a move forward and sideways elbow strike to the face. Then move back and perform an upwards elbow strike to the jaw. Follow this with a move forward and sideways elbow strike to the ribs. Now move back into a horse stance and perform a backwards elbow strike.

Elbow strike techniques are a great weapon for the Karateka to destabilize the opponent. It’s time to practice the series of moves you have learnt in this blog until you get them right. Our next blog will be on the Turning Kick.