Elbows and Knees

Two of the most devastating strikes are knee and elbow strikes. They must be executed from a close range in order to make contact. Elbows and knees are also “defensive responses”, methods of protection.

ELBOWS: If you are on the receiving end of a punch, a horizontal, vertical elbow or something between is a way to protect and attack at the same time. Its not solely an interception so let’s not forget that an elbow can be a powerful strike. Tuck your hand in towards your body/chest and pivot your waist. Any way or direction you throw it, try not let your elbow pass centerline (beyond a few inches) and immediately return your hand (at times) to your face or center line. Your elbow and hand must quickly return to a guarded or ready position.

Intercepting and striking. The elbow strike can be to any part of the body. Imagine then explore the following. Ex. You intercept with your left hand a right hook with a tan or bil sau and punch the floating rib with your right hand (this is a simultaneous action). Your tan or bil sau turns to a lap sau and you draw your opponent’s arm to or towards your hip. Your punching hand then turns to a vertical elbow under the chin, sternum or arm pit. Or, the elbow can turn to a horizontal strike to the bicep or forearm. Your punching hand can also snake to the outside and your other hand to a vertical elbow breaking your opponents arm.

KNEES: Using a rising knee is a great way to check leg kicks and sweeps. Make sure you twist your leg towards the attack. By doing so, you are defending or striking with your shin bone and not the soleus muscle. This is what you want…the collision to be with a hard not soft surface or tissue.

When throwing a knee, there is an upwards and forward motion. The visual example that was given to me was this. “You’re in an elevator and you want to press a button.” It’s more of a poking motion” Do not drive your knee up and towards your chest. Again, It is up and forward.

Most knees are thrown from your back leg. You can however use your lead leg or knee as a defensive response or and attack. Shuffle your back foot towards your front. Right before they meet, skip and drive your front knee towards your target, no different than you would your back knee.

Finger Jabs

The finger jab is often overlooked. When I say finger jabs, I mean to the eyes or throat. A quick flick to the eyes, or, eye rake. Or a sharp and quick blow to the throat. It doesn’t take much energy to execute and well, it gets the job done fast. I remember my teacher looking at my expression after he explained what they are. He could see my confusion and he responded and said, “Have you ever had a piece of sand or dirt get in your eye? Well, imagine having a finger poke you in the eye.”

To execute a finger jab, keep all of your fingers together and pull your middle finger in, ever so slightly. In some martial arts you would hold your hand and fingers the same as you would for a spear hand. Maintaining centerline, rise up and towards the eyes in a quick yet sharp flicking motion. It’s best that you target under the eyes and slide up to the eye. This is the best way to seek the target and avoid potentially breaking or damaging your own fingers.