Become Fighter
The lead elbow: Muay Thai guide
A short, slicing strike for close range. Shadow only until a coach is with you.
The elbow is the hardest and shortest weapon you own. It cuts, and it is the reason Muay Thai fights are won in close.
That is exactly why it is dangerous in training. Practise the shape alone, in the air or on a bag. Do not use elbows on a partner unless a qualified coach is supervising, and even then, never at speed.
Key points
- Strike with the point of the elbow, not the forearm.
- The hand sits by your ear. The elbow travels across, flat.
- Turn the hips and shoulder into it. Keep it tight.
- It only works close in. Step in first, do not reach.
- Keep the other hand up.
- Never practise on a partner without a coach.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Swinging a wide arc from far away. Step in first. At distance an elbow is a slow, loose hook.
- Striking with the forearm. Bend the elbow tight so the bony point leads.
- Dropping the rear hand. The rear hand stays at your chin. A close range exchange moves fast.
- Trying it on a training partner. Never, without a coach. Elbows cut, and a slip means stitches.
Combinations that use it
- mt-in-elbow: Step in, Lead elbow
- mt-1-in-elbow: Jab, Step in, Lead elbow
- mt-elbow-elbow: Lead elbow, Rear elbow
Related techniques
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 and the clinch module of Muay Thai foundations.
Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.
More from Elbows and the clinch
- The rear elbow: Muay Thai guide
- The plum clinch: Muay Thai guide
- Knees from the clinch: 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.