Diagonal Elbow
- Striking
- Elbows
- intermediate
- Close range / clinch
- 3 steps
A lead elbow that slashes downward on a diagonal across the brow, a classic cutter. Also known as the Sok Ti or the Downward slashing elbow. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
Step by step
- 01
Close the distance
Get inside, hands high.
- 02
Slash down diagonally
Raise the elbow high and chop it down on a diagonal across the opponent’s forehead or temple, dropping your weight behind it.
- 03
Recover to guard
Bring the arm back to your guard and reset, elbows are close-range, so stay tight.
Key details
- Drop your bodyweight into the diagonal path.
- Aim the point across the brow line where cuts open.
- Short and sharp, do not wind up.
Common mistakes
- Swinging it flat instead of on the diagonal.
- Over-reaching and losing balance forward.
- Telegraphing by lifting the elbow slowly.
Related techniques
- Horizontal ElbowStrikingA lead elbow swung horizontally across the jaw, the most common cutting elbow.
- Uppercut ElbowStrikingAn elbow driven straight up the centre under the chin from inside the pocket.
- Downward ElbowStrikingAn elbow raised high and speared straight down onto the crown or face.
- Spinning Back ElbowStrikingA spinning strike that lands the point of the rear elbow across the head as the body unwinds.
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