Muay Thai - Elbow Uppercut

This video shows how to do an elbow uppercut in muay thai. In Thai, this technique is called "Sok Ngat" (ศอกงัด). Sok stands for Elbow and Ngat means Wedge or Break. The elbow uppercut is a quick elbow strike that goes in-between your opponents guard, towards his chin. Elbow uppercuts are often applied in the clinch (close combat) in combinations and as quick counter-attacks. Find more detailed muay thai instructions at muay thai main. For more muay thai videos, click here. This instruction was created in cooperation with Muay Thai Santai.

Execution

Start from the muay thai fighting stance and relax your arms and shoulders.
Then bend one arm and slide your hand over your temple. Move your elbow straight towards your opponent's chin.
The other hand stays on the head also and the elbow remains close to the upper body. The sides of your head are protected with your forearms and your shoulders. Make sure you don't lean forward too much or arch back as you throw an elbow uppercut. Keep your chin down.
Extend your back leg and twist your hips a little. But careful! Don't exaggerate with the hip movement. Elbow strikes have to be quick.

Advice

Practice both sides of the elbow uppercut.
Practice the elbow uppercut in front of a mirror and make sure you are protecting your head as you strike. Ask your coach or a training partner to correct you.
Practice the elbow uppercut with a training partner and punching pads.
Your most vulnerable spot when you throw an elbow uppercut is the open side of your upper body. Open side = Side of the striking arm.