Lead Downward Elbow

How to throw it

Chop the lead elbow straight down (sok sap), driving the point vertically onto the target, often after pulling the head down into it. Raise the elbow high and bring it down with your body weight and the shoulder dropping behind it, keeping the other hand up. Steer the head with your free hand so the crown or brow meets the descending point.

When to use it

It is a clinch and close-range finisher, ideal once you have pulled or posted the opponent's head down and can hammer the elbow straight down onto it. Use it to punish a bent-over posture or a ducking opponent.

Common mistakes

• Chopping down without pulling the head, so the target drops away from the elbow
• Using arm strength alone instead of dropping the body weight behind the strike
• Leaving the free hand low and losing control of the head as you swing down