Lead Over-the-Top Elbow

How to throw it

Loop the lead elbow over the top (sok tong), circling it above the opponent's guard and dropping the point down onto the brow. Bring the elbow up and around, then chop it down with the shoulder turning over and your weight coming down behind it. Keep the free hand high and land the tip, not the forearm.

When to use it

It beats a high, tight guard by arcing over the hands and landing on the brow, so reach for it against an opponent hiding behind their gloves at close range. The downward path makes it a proven cutting elbow.

Common mistakes

• Swinging it flat instead of over the top, so it hits the guard rather than clearing it
• Not dropping the weight down behind the elbow, which leaves it light
• Winding the arm up so wide that the opponent reads it and covers