Techniques across the arts › Elbows and knees
Elbows and knees
Horizontal elbow strike
Names by art: Muay Thai: Sok tat · Karate: Hiji-uchi / Empi · Lethwei: Elbow strike · MMA: Elbow strike
Appears in 4 arts.
⚠ Train with an instructor. Learn and practise this technique only under a qualified instructor, on a suitable surface and with a cooperative partner. This page explains; it does not replace a teacher.
Biomechanics: what the body does
The elbow travels in a flat arc at head height with the forearm folded tight against the upper arm. Like a hook, the power comes from the pivot of the foot and the rotation of the hips and shoulders; range is very short, so it is used in the clinch or after closing distance.
Appears in 4 arts
More in this category
Upward elbow strike Downward (slashing) elbow Spinning elbow Straight knee strike Flying knee Diagonal / curving knee Headbutt
Sources
Cite / use this content
You may quote short excerpts with a visible link to this page. Suggested citation:
Wabukan (2026). “Horizontal elbow strike”. https://wabukan.com/tecnicas/cotovelo-horizontal (accessed 2026-10-30).
Full rules, ready-made link code and press kit → · Updated: 2026-10-30