Rear Downward Elbow

How to throw it

Raise the rear elbow high and chop it straight down (sok sap) onto the head or the collarbone line, driving your bodyweight down through the point of the elbow. Turn your rear shoulder over and drop your level slightly so the force comes from your frame sinking, not just the arm. Keep your lead hand tight to your jaw so you stay covered as your elbow travels down.

When to use it

This is a short, close-range finisher: throw it when an opponent is bent forward, ducking, or already hurt and dropping their level in front of you. It is also a natural answer inside the clinch when their head is low and exposed.

Common mistakes

• Swinging the elbow in a wide arc instead of chopping it straight down, which loses the downward weight and telegraphs the strike.
• Dropping the off hand as you throw, leaving your chin open to a counter on the same line.
• Reaching for the target with the arm rather than closing distance first, so you land with the forearm instead of the point of the elbow.