How to Use the Krav Maga Seven Elbow Strikes

Krav maga, meaning "close combat" in Hebrew, is a form of martial arts used in hand-to-hand combat by Israeli military forces. While krav maga is taught in the United States as a form of real-life self-defense, it is not considered a sport, therefore there are no krav maga competitions and students do not wear special clothing. Learning the seven elbow strikes is an important part of krav maga.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin the first of seven krav maga elbow strikes by standing with your feet a bit wider than shoulder width apart and your arms at your side. Lift your left arm in defense, bending your elbow at 90 degrees and making a fist. Lift your right hand so that your fist is at your chest and your elbow is opened out to the side. Rotate left on your right foot as you swing your right elbow to the left to strike your attacker.

2. Place yourself in the same position with your arms up to perform the second krav maga elbow strike. This time, bend at your knees squatting very slightly and then push up and out to the side with your right elbow to strike your attacker from the side.

3. Lift your arms again for the third elbow strike. Rotate your hips to the right, and pick up your left foot, pivoting as you turn. Throw your right elbow out and behind you to strike an attacker from behind.

4. Perform the fourth elbow strike by lifting your left arm in defense, as in the other strikes. Turn your right hand palm up and quickly push it forward in front of you to gain momentum. Pull the arm back hard and fast, bending at the elbow and hitting the attacker behind you.

5. Complete the fifth elbow strike with exactly the same moves as the fourth, but this time bend over so that your elbow thrusts upward towards the ceiling.

6. Use the sixth elbow strike if your attacker is in front of you. Lift your left arm in defense and bend your right arm at 90 degrees. Lift your right arm high above your head and then bend your knees as you quickly and firmly bring your elbow down against your attacker's body.

7. Hit your attacker in the jaw using the last of the krav maga strikes. Lift your left arm in defense as you bend your right arm with your fist at your shoulder and your elbow pointed towards the ground. Pivot left on your right foot as you forcefully bring your elbow up to the side of your head, striking your attacker along the way.