It gets its power from the arm and from the hardness of the elbow. Elbow strikes are banned in sport Kumite and often in full-contact Kumite. However, it’s a great strike and it’s useful in close-distance self defense situations.
Traditional execution:
- Get in Kiba Dachi
- Bend one arm by 90° with the hand and the elbow at the same level
- Extend while performing an hiki-te with the other arm
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Yoko-Hiji-Uchi)
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Bend one arm by 90° with the hand and the elbow at the same level
- Extend
- Kiai! if you are competing in point sparring
Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):
- Sport Kumite: ❌
- Full-Contact Kumite: ✅ (if allowed)
- Self-Defense: ✅
Video examples: