In this video, I will explain how to do a “twisted” elbow strike in order to increase the energy penetration and power injected into your attacker’s body.
Table of Contents
Don’t be too much of an “oaf”
First of all, there is what I call the “oaf” version. Of course, all of us have to behave like an “oaf” sometimes.
Although arming your strikes is great, it entails that you expose yourself to a possible reaction from your attacker who sees you coming and therefore protects himself, dodges, blocks or even hits you.
You have to start from a “good distance”, that is to say, close enough to your attacker so that your strike goes “unnoticed”, while looking “relaxed”. Remember, we don’t care about the appearance!
The big, well-armed, wide strikes are just for show. Of course, it’s great to know how to do both.
Olecranon
This extremity of the elbow is the proximal epiphysis of the ulna which forms a projection. The olecranon is connected to the tricipital tendon.
If you hit with the olecranon, you don’t need to make big gestures since this bone can hurt a lot. You should not bend your elbow completely to use it, otherwise it is the triceps that will hit.
If the strike is well delivered, it can be enough to stop your attacker, without it looking like a “show”.
This technique feels more like (re)pushing the attacker.
Note that when arming, it also works, but our muscles contract more, we are more exposed to receiving blows and we can very easily seem too violent regarding potential witnesses around.
Alternative
Let’s call this the “oaf” version. Let’s say that your attacker is vulnerable, on the ground, but not totally harmless.
To make your nudge more powerful, I advise you to simply twist your elbow slightly. It seems ridiculous, but this little “drill” effect will prove much more efficient upon impact.
Indeed, more than a simple blow, your attacker will undergo a shock wave, that’s what makes the difference!
As a comparison, if you inflict a “basic” elbow strike, with the olecranon pointing outwards, it is your triceps that will hit. Then, your attacker will feel a shock, but he will not necessarily be hurt.
If you hit with the olecranon, do not bend your elbow at 90° – the olecranon is always turned outwards – touch your elbow, you will feel that your bone is moving – position your elbow at about 110° so that the olecranon is well turned downwards, and then “it hurts”!
Note also that you can vary the blows by doing a “twisted olecranon” for instance, the sheer fact of pressing can cause a real shock wave on your attacker.
