Lead Uppercut Elbow

How to throw it

Drive the lead elbow up the middle (sok ngat), rising with the point through the centre to split the guard. Bend the knees slightly and push up from the legs, keeping the elbow tight to the centre line and the off hand guarding your chin. Aim under the chin or into the face as the elbow climbs vertically.

When to use it

Throw it at close range when the opponent's guard is high and wide, letting you thread the rising elbow up the exposed middle. It works well against a shelled-up defence or as a surprise from underneath inside the clinch range.

Common mistakes

• Flaring the elbow out wide instead of keeping it up the centre
• Rising with the arm alone rather than driving up through the legs
• Leaving the chin exposed as you lift the elbow upward