Skip to Main Content
WINNER! Most Outstanding Martial Arts School in North America!
- MP Power Summit (Largest Martial Arts Convention in America)
Learn JKD from 2nd and 3rd Generation
Bruce Lee Students

4 Types of Elbow Strikes You Can Use in Self Defense or MMA

If you have ever watched mixed martial arts, you’ve no doubt seen someone use their elbow at some point during the bout. These elbow strikes can be some of the most vicious and effective attacks in any fighter’s arsenal.

There have been many fights in the UFC and other martial arts competitions where someone threw an elbow that landed where it was supposed to and put their opponent on the mat.

Certain types of elbow strikes can also be highly effective in a self-defense situation when you are in close quarters with an attacker.

Knowing how to throw elbows with power and accuracy is a key aspect of training in martial arts, making it a great thing to focus on from time to time.

Types of Elbow Strikes to Practice

The best elbow strike techniques are designed to be quick and accurate, slicing in multiple directions. Any time you’re using one of these methods, it’s important to hit your opponent with the strong, sharp point of your elbow to be as effective as possible.

1. Snap Elbow

Throwing elbows is a great way to get a fast strike in while still causing decent damage. Among the most common types of elbow strikes you’ll see, the Snap Elbow is the equivalent of a hook with your lead hand. It’s a great technique to try when you’re already up in close combat.

To throw a Snap Elbow:

  • Loosen up your front hand and shoulder
  • Curl your forearm in tight to your bicep
  • Slice your elbow horizontally across your body

If you’re slightly out of range for an elbow strike, you can always add a quick step forward while throwing this attack to get closer.

2. Cross Elbow

A shot with more power comes by using the elbow of your back hand similar to a rear hook punch. You follow the same technique as with the Snap Elbow but with the other side.Throwing a cross elbow strike.When throwing a Cross Elbow:
Loosen up your back hand and shoulder
Curl your rear forearm in tight to your bicep
Slice your elbow horizontally across your body while also stepping forward

It’s more common to include the step in this elbow strike because of the additional distance needed to reach your opponent. You’ll need to take a quick step forward while throwing the elbow to close the gap.

3. Up Elbow

An uppercut can be one of the most devastating punches you can throw in a fight when used properly and an upward elbow can have a similar effect. Meant to slice through the middle of your opponent’s guard, these elbow strikes can be thrown to your opponent’s head, chest, gut, or chin depending on your placement.

If you want to use an Up Elbow:

  • Step forward with your lead leg
  • Swing your front elbow in an upward motion, keeping your lead hand near your face

The movement of this elbow strike is similar to combing the hair back on the side of your head.

4. Down Elbow

The Down Elbow is the only strike on this list that has a bit of a wind-up before you throw it, which also gives it more power. This is meant to allow you to swing your elbow up and over to hit your opponent cleanly.

To throw a Down Elbow:

  • Pull your rear shoulder back slightly so your hands are even with each other, almost as though you could hold a straight stick between them.
  • Swing your elbow slightly above your shoulder and then in a downward motion across your body

Work On Your Elbow Strikes

Don’t forget to always keep your guard up when striking with elbows because you’ll be in close range any time you use them. This will keep you protected and allow you to get away quickly if your opponent tries to counter.

Learning how to throw elbow strikes is one of the best ways to mix up your training and add a new weapon to your arsenal of attacks.

Check out our top-rated programs at NY Martial Arts Academy to learn this and other ways to better defend yourself!

Self Defense Training

No one deserves to be assaulted. No one wants to be assaulted. But unfortunately, as anyone who reads the news can attest, the frequency of unmitigated violence is too high to ignore. Whether we want to recognize it or not, many of us will be...

Read Reviews from Our Students

My son has been training at New York Martial Arts Academy for a few months and absolutely loves it! The students learn to focus, follow directions and coordination all while having fun with other kids their age! The children also have discussions about topics such as discipline, politeness, respect, etc. If you are looking for a martial arts school that respects all students and works one to one with them to help them improve their form, look no further. I highly recommend New York Martial Arts Academy! Phyllis Trilivas | Queens Phyllis Trilivas | Queens's Rating
My son has been attending classes here for two years and I only have the best to say! He has learned so much and loves going each time which is a testament to the amazing coaches and staff. We will be going for years to come! Dimitra Stellatos | Queens Dimitra Stellatos | Queens's Rating
I am truly honored to have my daughter attend here, I am satisfied with the teaching here, the instructors teach with passion, the place is welcoming, I love the bully prevention, the defense moves, and the confidence she is gaining. My daughter enjoys coming here, I highly recommend! Thank you guys and keep up the great work???????????????? popping up | Brooklyn popping up | Brooklyn's Rating
My daughter and I couldn’t be happier with our experience at NY Martial Arts Academy. She is treated with respect and also shown how to treat others with respect along with learning important self defence which I’m sure will lead to boosted confidence in the long run. Such a great place for kids to attend! Kimberly Ross | Brooklyn Kimberly Ross | Brooklyn's Rating
My son has been attending NYMAA for over a 1.5 year and overall he has gained more confidence, discipline, and love his classes. We had the pleasure of working with many of their Sifus and they are all amazing. Special thanks to Sifu Chuck, Sara, Carlos, James and everyone else that my son has worked with. We started doing private classes and then switched to group classes. Great place to have your child gained discipline and learned martial arts. Marcia S | Astoria Marcia S | Astoria's Rating
I am extremely pleased with instructors Sifu James, Sifu Carlos and Sifu Dino. My son has participated in their classes for the past 3 months now. have noticed a great change in my son's school work and how motivated he is to come to class! They are the best of the best!!!!! Would recommend for all ages! Víctor Santamaria | Astoria Víctor Santamaria | Astoria's Rating
My daughter loves it here, and I can see improvements in her character. Lenny Lam | Astoria Lenny Lam | Astoria's Rating
I've been training here for almost 3 years now and it has allowed me to meet great people and form strong bonds with the people I train with. It's a great environment to learn martial arts because not only are you surrounded by good people, you also have a lot of fun training as the instructors tend to crack jokes throughout the classes. Great place get in a hard training session, and a real confidence booster as you will be pushed to your limits and be encouraged by the instructors and your teammates to continue despite being tired. Great instructors that know their stuff and will explain why we do certain techniques or drills a certain way. More importantly than that, it's great for personal growth as it also tends to highlight the more philosophical aspect of Bruce Lee and martial arts as a whole. mcgregor conner | Queens mcgregor conner | Queens's Rating
I have been a student at New York Martial Arts Academy for about 10 years and it is such an amazing opportunity to be a part of this school! All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and are always there to help you. You can tell that all of the instructors love what they do and they want to see us become the best version of ourselves, both on and off the training floor. The instructors and students at New York Martial Arts Academy have created such a welcoming and fun environment for anyone to learn martial arts in. I would definitely recommend training at New York Martial Arts Academy! Angela Gallo | Queens Angela Gallo | Queens's Rating
When I was looking for a martial arts to try, for the first time ever, I was very nervous especially starting at the age of 30 and not having had any prior experience. Starting from day one I felt comfortable with the trainer who was amazingly patient, had a positive attitude and didn’t make me feel self conscience about my inability to land a half decent kick. But after attending for many months I started to get the hang of it. The instructors here as well as my fellow students who I have the privilege to train with are top notch. The culture is amazing, you will never feel out of place and the teachers here are absolutely amazing, they will provide you with all the tools you need and all the attention you need to make sure you succeed and achieve your goals. I Highly recommend you check this place out! Dan B | Queens Dan B | Queens's Rating
I've been a martial arts practitioner for 12 years now, and have trained in different countries around the world. New York Martial Arts Academy has, by far, the best facilities of any school I've been a member of. The instruction is top tier as well. I haven't met an instructor here that doesn't have at least 10 years of experience. You can tell that they all really love what they do. Whether your goal is to get in shape and have some fun, fight in a cage, or defend yourself in the street, NYMAA will be able to accommodate.

One of the things that most impressed me about the school was the camaraderie between students. You won't find cliques here. Advanced students are encouraged to help newer members, and I've never seen anyone be disrespectful or intentionally try to hurt anyone else.

If you want to learn a skill that helps your confidence, increases your fitness, allows you to be able to defend yourself, and make some good friends at the same time, then I would de initely recommend checking out NYMAA.
eassae | Queens eassae | Queens's Rating
Growing up, I have always admired Bruce Lee's unique fighting style, so I was extremely happy when I finally found a Martial Arts Academy that based their instruction on jeet kune do. I have tried several different academies, and I can proudly say that none of them met the exceptional experience that I received from NYMAA. In here, the instructors, staff, and even students form a team based on mutual respect, creating a great atmosphere. I also love how the instructors pride themselves in teaching their students a new way of life rather than just self-defense. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is interested in seeking new opportunities to better their life. Elke Xenophontos | Queens Elke Xenophontos | Queens's Rating
Joining was the best decision I've ever made. It's an amazing workout that I genuinely look forward to everyday and I have never felt better.

I highly recommend the NYMAA to anyone looking to take martial arts for any reason.
Richard Boehm | Long Island Richard Boehm | Long Island's Rating