Become Fighter
The horizontal elbow: Muay Thai guide
The flat, cutting elbow across the line of the jaw.
The horizontal elbow travels flat across the target, with the point of the elbow leading. It is the elbow most seen in Thai fights because it cuts and because it lands as the opponent steps in.
Practise it only on pads and in the air. In sparring, a coach must be present and the strike is thrown as a light touch, or not at all. Elbows cut skin and ends fights, so respect them.
Key points
- The elbow stays at shoulder height, forearm parallel to the floor.
- Rotate the hips and shoulders to throw it, not just the arm.
- The hand of the striking arm touches your own jaw.
- The other hand protects the chin.
- Step into the range with a small shuffle or a jab first.
- Pads and shadow only, or a coach-led light touch.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Swinging the arm only. Rotate the body. The arm is carried round by the hips.
- Dropping the guard hand. The off-hand stays at the chin.
- Throwing from outside range. Step in first. An elbow only works at close range.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Elbows advanced module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Elbows advanced
- The upward elbow: Muay Thai guide
- The spinning elbow: Muay Thai guide
- Elbow safety, cuts and rules: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.