How to Deliver A Punishing Horizontal Elbow Strike For Self Defense
Crush Your Attacker
Elbow techniques like the one we’re about to show you are incredibly devastating and easy to land because of the distance between you and your opponent. On top of this, they cause the most deep tissue damage when used in a very close quarters combat situation. With that said, let’s get right into it.
How To Pick Locks. (Who Needs Keys?)
You may find this shocking, but picking open a standard "tumbler" lock, (like the one on your front door), is pretty damn easy when you know how it's done.
And in a "meltdown" survival situation, (once the smash-n-grab crowd has stolen everything not tied-down), the food and water and secure shelter will all be behind locked doors, (which explains why Special Forces are often trained in lock picking... and why they carry a set of lock pics with them).
It's a lot of fun learning this skill, (it doesn't take long)... and kinda nice to help out that buddy locked out of his house after the wife discovered what really happened on that "no money down" real estate seminar in Vegas.
Understanding Elbow Strikes
As Glenn said in the video, elbow strikes are some of the most important tools in close range combat. That’s why it is crucial that you understand how to properly use them. The most important piece of information in this video is that you must get in close and grab ahold of your attacker before you throw an elbow strike.
Maintain The Offensive
If you don’t get in close and are lucky enough to still land the elbow strike, you will just end up with an even more pissed off attacker who is able to take the offensive. By holding your attacker you are able to maintain the offensive. This requires that you either continue to deliver elbow strikes as Glenn shows in the video, or you can move on to other strikes such as knee strikes or a headbutts.
By laying down a barrage of counter attacks when you are assaulted you will be able to disorient your attacker and prevent him from regaining the offensive. If you do this right, his primary goal will be to get away from you which is exactly what you want him to do (right after you cause him enough pain to make sure he doesn’t come back for more).
Proper Form
As for the actual elbow strike technique shown in this video, you want to make sure you are using the right part of your arm. You don’t want to use the tip of your elbow. The tip of the elbow will deliver a painful strike, but you risk damaging yourself. By striking your attacker with the boney surface just below the elbow joint you will be able to strike repeatedly without risking much damage to your own body (and it’s just as hard as the tip of the elbow).
Remember to keep your hand loose (making a fist will limit your freedom of motion) and your arm bent (like you are holding something in the crook of your arm).
Finally, the key to delivering an effective elbow strike in any self-defense situation is making sure you put your body weight behind it. This means using your core and your hips to deliver the strike. Your arm plays a small role in this move. Not doing so is kind of like trying to hit a home run without pivoting when you swing the bat, which is pretty much impossible. All your power comes from the pivot, so use it.
The old bone Close Quarters is very devastating technique when done properly thanks for showing me how
Thanks for great instructions very good details. Even tho I already know this tactic from my practice in krav maga it’s important to never forget the basics? keep up the good work.
This video on lesson on Elbow strikes was very informative and I like using me all bows I’ve done it in the past and will continue to do so when allowed thank you for the informative video and keep up the good work I just don’t want to have to see this one again
Although I have seen this before, a refresh doesn’t hurt. It is a very good move to know.
OUCH Bob, I felt that, lmao., looked like the attacker hadn’t got a chance that time, great moves, how the Instructor doesn’t actually drop one on his mate amazes me, it looks SO VERY CLOSE at times.
Thanks again for another fantastic method of defense.
TO:- Michael Hilbert….
Make sure you are wearing steel toe capped shoes or boots, and kick him right between the legs, there was a video on this technique not so long ago, if you save them, like I do, check them, and it wasn’t long ago that this move was used.
Hope you find it, if not, ask Bob for a repeat of it, I am sure he will oblige you. Keep safe, and be ready.
Great technique. I took Shotokan Karate when I was 18. Years later, I got the nick name, “The bionic elbow”, after a guy came up behind me, getting me in a headlock. I nailed him in the ribs, breaking 2 of his ribs.
I’m glad you sent this video I was always throwing the elbow wrong
When I was 19, a man attacked me from behind in a sexual assault and I shoved my left elbow into his solar plexus, once, and when I came around to hit him with my right fist, I did not have to, because he passed out. He fell backwards and hit his head on the refrigerator, then I dragged him out of the apartment and locked the door. He eventually got up, moaning, and left. When I encountered him later at college, he took off running.
good stuff dude
Elbow strikes are an excellent,often overlooked part of your self-defense repertoire.They are effectice,quick,and devastating.
Very impressive!
Why break your hands punching.
In the world we live in these days you never know when you may need to defend you and yours.
Great techniques Glenn. My elbow is one of my favorite weapons. And thank you for your service.
Is Glenn left handed?
I’m a marine and i can tell he is doing the best moves in close corter combating. And I’m not a former United States marine I am a marine.
Thank you a good tactical move. I always appreciate these short videos as a continual reminder what I have to be aware of all the time.
Thanks for all the instructive videos. I find them very useful.
Hi! This is the way this has to go! Followed the sequence. Seeing and mimicking my version!! Great stuff!! Marvin L. Maddess
This is a move that feels fairly natural and like I could pull it off. It doesnt work as well against someone significantly taller than you though.