Elbow techniques are perhaps the most effective weapon of any martial artist. The reason why is that there is very little flesh surrounding the elbow, which means they are like blades when hitting an opponent causing a lot of damage. I have seen many fights stopped because of cuts caused by elbow techniques. They might not look very powerful. However when they connect they can cut or knock out very easily.

There are five main elbow techniques in Thai Boxing which are: (1) Straight Elbow, (2) Uppercut Elbow, (3) Circular Elbow, (4) Reverse Elbow, and (5) Flying Elbow. If you combine these basic elbows with footwork you will be looking at an arsenal of around 35 - 50 different elbow techniques. Also when you start to use the elbow technique try not to go head hunting all the time, as the elbow technique is very effective to the body. I have dropped people by elbowing to the solar plexus and elbowing to the back of an opponent.

The question is now, how can you safely practice elbow techniques?

Traditionally we would only practice elbow techniques on focus mitts and kicking bags. Obviously this has it cons and pros. For Example, using focus mitts will allow you to hit the pad hard and build on your accuracy to a certain degree. However I've always believed that pads work and free sparring should go hand in hand, because when you free spar the target reacts and you will not be 3-4 inches away from connecting with the target like you are with pads. However you can't exactly start free sparring with elbows, because the injuries would be horrendous. However there are elbow pads on the market, which will now you to practice elbows (in a free sparring controlled environment) without killing each out.