Become Fighter
The upward elbow: Muay Thai guide
The rising elbow into the chin from close range.
The upward elbow rises from low to high. It works best when the opponent is leaning in, ducking or clinching. It travels a short distance, so it is quick and hard to see.
It is a pad-only strike in training. Keep the forearm folded and drive the point of the elbow up through the chin of the target pad. In sparring the move is only practised in a coach-led, slow-motion format.
Key points
- Fold the forearm tight against the bicep.
- Bend the knees and drive up through the legs.
- Elbow rises in a short arc along the centreline.
- Use it against a forward head or a ducking opponent.
- The off-hand guards the face.
- Short and sharp. A long swing telegraphs.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Swinging a long arc. Keep it short. Close range needs a short path.
- Standing too tall. Bend the knees so the legs power it.
- Using it from far away. It works only at very close range.
Combinations that use it
- mt-up-elbow-rear: Upward elbow, Rear elbow
- mt-jab-up-elbow: Jab, Upward 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 advanced module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Elbows advanced
- The horizontal 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.