How to Elbow Strike in Shorin-ryu Karate

An elbow strike can be a particularly devastating karate technique because the elbow is so hard and pointed. It can be used in close with an opponent for a hand strike, often taking the opponent by surprise.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

The Basic Elbow Strike

1. Begin in the ready stance, with your guard up. Draw your rear hand into the chamber, fist closed, palm up and just on top of your hip bone.

2. Move your fist upward until it is just behind your ear, palm facing toward your head, on the same side for an upward elbow strike. This causes your elbow to swing up and forward until it is as high as your chin.

3. Place your fist next to your ear on the other side of your head for a side elbow strike. This causes your elbow to swing up and across your body.

Targets for Elbow Strikes

4. Punch your opponent's sternum with either an upward or side elbow strike. This will often result in knocking "the wind" out of your opponent, who will be forced to retreat while trying to catch his breath.

5. Hit your opponent under the chin to snap his head back and possibly break his jaw. This often results in your opponent losing consciousness.

6. Aim for the side of your opponent's head, the temple or cheek, for another blow that is likely to result in unconsciousness.

7. Strike the groin if you've been knocked down and your opponent is standing over you.

Tips & Warnings

• Karate elbow strikes can also be performed downward to your opponent's nose or collarbone, or to the side or back to target your opponent's midsection.
• Because the elbow strike is a close technique, there is a risk that your opponent can strike you before you get into position. Ensure that you have blocked your opponent's hands or thrown your opponent off balance so she can't attack while you move in.

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