Lead Horizontal Elbow
Elbows · Lead side (Orthodox left, Southpaw right)
Horizontal slashing elbow (sok ti) off the lead side, thrown at close range. Called simply as the elbow of that side.
How to throw it
Slash the lead elbow horizontally across the target (sok ti), turning the forearm over so the point of the elbow leads. Rotate the shoulder and hip into the strike at close range and keep the off hand tight to guard the return. Aim across the jaw or brow and cut through rather than pushing.
When to use it
This is a close-range weapon, thrown once you have closed the pocket or off the back of a punch that brings you inside. The lead elbow is quick and hard to see, so use it to open cuts or to punish an opponent who ducks into you.
Common mistakes
- Throwing it from too far out so the forearm slaps instead of the point cutting
- Failing to turn the elbow over, landing with the flat rather than the tip
- Dropping the opposite hand and eating a counter as you commit inside