Also called Horizontal elbow, Sok, Step-in elbow
The elbow strike uses the point of the elbow or the forearm just below it as a short, heavy blade at close range. Muay Thai fighters throw it horizontally, upward and downward, often after a punch or in the clinch. It travels a short path and lands hard, and a sharp elbow can open a cut.
Satori's coaches are filming every technique, full speed and slow motion from two angles. Until it's up, the diagram shows the movement step by step.
How to do it
- 1Step in behind a jab, or work from the clinch, until you are at forearm distance.
- 2Raise the elbow to shoulder height with the hand loose beside your head.
- 3Turn the hips and shoulders as you would for a hook, swinging the elbow across.
- 4Strike with the point or the forearm just below it, aiming at the temple or jaw.
- 5Keep the other hand guarding your face and return to guard at once.
- Throwing from too far away, so the elbow falls short.
- Swinging the arm without turning the body.
- Dropping the other hand, which leaves you open to their elbow.
Safety: Elbow only pads in training; elbow sparring belongs in coach-approved advanced sessions with protective gear, because elbows cut easily.
Drills
Your partner holds a Thai pad flat against their forearm at head height; land a jab, step in and throw a horizontal elbow, then repeat on the other side.
Legends known for it
2016–now
We teach it in Striking. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.