KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

When Your Elbow Strike Is Checked or Blocked

I was thinking (no, it wasn't my first time) ....

What if I didn't know your style? What if I didn't know what type of elbow strikes you used?

Could I still help you with advice about what to do if your elbow strike gets blocked or checked?

And what if I didn't even know how it was blocked? Or your opponent's follow-up move?

Could I still help?

Side Elbow Strike

But this is just 'my' starting technique. You could elbow strike down from above, up from below, inside to outside, or even on a diagonal. It doesn't matter.

As you strike, you opponent prevents the strike by putting his (or her) hand on your elbow, stopping forward movement.

So, what do you do? Do you strike with your other hand? Hit with your head?

Here's something to practice...

Getting to the Next Step

Extend your arm, and see where that gets you.

If you were elbow striking, then I assume that your arm is 'folded' at the elbow, with your fist near your shoulder or chest.

As soon as your strike is stopped straighten your arm out. You may have to rotate your arm to be able to get to a "next step." (Any next technique.)

Your extension could:

Conclusion

Some of the time, you'll feel so solidly checked above the elbow, with pressure toward your centerline, that you feel as though straightening your arm won't do any good. You're right.

There will have to be some sort of shift or release of pressure to allow your arm to shoot forward.

That could be a future discussion, if folks are interested.

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