Striking with elbows instead of fist

GhostFighter · Orange Belt

My knuckels are very important to me and dont want to risk of breaking it cause i love doing MA but when a streetfight would occurre ive noted myself to strike with elbows and not with my fist since not only would it be more damaging to my assailant but would also leave my bones more out of harms way for breakage!
What do u think? And anyone got any tips on how to fight with elbows on streets?
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Everyday is a fight

The BB of C · Black Belt

Given the styles you're studying, I am not surprised you like elbows.
I like elbows too and I wish I would think to use them more often. But I don't. I do find myself using knee strikes quite a lot, however.
Go with the elbow! But at the same time - if you're worried about breaking your fist, then you should check your punching form for stability, the conditioning for all that it's worth, and work the heavybag with it more often.

KarateGeorge · Brown Belt

I'm a fan of elbows too. They can pack quite a whallop if done properly.
If using them in a street situation, you're going to really have to pay attention to your distances. You don't want to reach with your elbows, as you'll lose power and risk putting yourself off balance.

Other than that, just think of all the different angles of attack and how you would use an elbow for each angle. An elbow can be used in a wide variety of ways to cover most angles. Also think about the best targets to strike with an elbow at each angle and how to apply the technique to a real fight.

It's a versatile strike with many different ways to use your elbow...but it is definitely an in-close technique.

joesteph · Black Belt

My teacher suggests that if you're close enough for a hook punch, you might likely be close enough to use the elbow instead of the first to perform that hook strike.

When working on some self-defense moves, she showed me that, instead of using a fist for an uppercut to the jaw, I could use my elbow for that shot.

In either case, it would be polite of you to help your adversary pick up the pieces of his broken teeth.

_________________
~ Joe
Vee Arnis Jitsu/JuJitsu

tallgeese · Black Belt

Elbows are a great tool. They are tight, cutting weapons that can be deceptively powerful and thrown from several angles. That's all good. I'm a big fan personally.

However, it's a weapon for a close fight. Anyone at a distance you'll have to do something else. Now, if you dealing mainly with sd considerations that's probably going to work in your favor. Most conflicts end up right up in your face when we're talking about a determined attacker.

They do take some training and can leave you exposed if you don't work recovery alot. In an all out fight for your life, the last thing on your mind needs to be what you will or won't use. Use what is at hand. Make him cross as many barriers as possible.

That being said, you have to train smart for your goals. If that's the case, working heavy contact with the elbows might do the trick. Just realize that you're giving up some tools by neglecting more time with the hands.

joesteph · Black Belt

You might be interested in this Human Weapon video posted on YouTube. It's called "Bokator: Double Elbow Slash":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymvrjBrGNaI&feature=user

Note the opening wrist seize to ensure control for delivery.
_________________
~ Joe
Vee Arnis Jitsu/JuJitsu

GhostFighter · Orange Belt

RichardZ · Brown Belt

Kuma · Black Belt

Many good points. I'd just like to add that the heel of the palm is also an excellent striking tool so don't neglect that. That will give you a longer range weapon that you can use to set up your opponent so you can close the distance and use those elbows.

WireFrame · Orange Belt

Elbows are great, and a street fight is likely to become very close-range from the start. Elbow the throat and end it quickly.

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