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.
When to use it
Use the diagonal elbow at close range when the opponent ducks their head or leans in. It comes down over the top of a raised guard, aimed at the brow. A lead hook or a body punch that brings their head forward sets it up.
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.
Common counters
Opponents raise a tight guard and take it on the forearm, then clinch or counter. Others step back so it misses and punch as you fall forward. Keep it short and stay balanced over your feet.
How to drill it
Your partner holds a mitt at head height with the face tilted up toward you, so the elbow lands on it on the way down. Touch a lead hook to the body first, then land the diagonal elbow, ten reps before you switch roles. Do three rounds, dropping your weight behind every elbow.
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.
Train it with the AI coach