sparring elbows

[twtguy]

Is there a safer way to spar with elbows, some sort of elbow pads or something?

[george stando]

Well with elbows you learn placement and set ups first, work the power on pads then you can spar with them easy. They used to do it in thailand, slowly trying to work into the clinch and throwing them in the open pockets. You have to work with someone usually of higher skill to guide you through then you can really flow.

[Tee Sok]

Nice, I like that step by step approach before trying them out freely in sparring.

[twtguy]

Well with elbows you learn placement and set ups first, work the power on pads then you can spar with them easy. They used to do it in thailand, slowly trying to work into the clinch and throwing them in the open pockets. You have to work with someone usually of higher skill to guide you through then you can really flow.

Excellent advice, but for us, we're stuck on the pads. Also, our placement is where it needs to be (hence onto padwork). Im just curious as to the next step. I just don't want to cut up/be cut up while sparring, and I also don't want to hold much back. Obviously, control becomes a factor. But, that is why boxers use headgear...so they don't have to just tap you . Why can't the same be for elbows, but without cutting up your sparring partner? I assume some people out there have solutions that are just simply overlooked because its the obvious, like headgear or some type of pads. Also, thanks for the quick responses and a detailed step by step approach! I'm not sure what you mean by "throwing them in the open pockets." Could you explain that for me? Much appreciated.

[george stando]

in other systems we used elbow pads and went for it. in amateur muay thai they have elbow pads and head gears, you can also use more closed headgears with faceplate or cage which is what we used too for added safety(but limited sight). So you can do a myriad of things. in muay thai, there are openings or pockets that you have to fill with the elbow when you can, so by going slow then moving faster you sense where to insert them to make them work without interrupting your attacking flow lets say working into the clinch to the clinch, where are the lightning spots to place them in without breaking your drive in, if that makes sense.

maybe some of the other guys like firecobra or tenzen can add some insight or training stuff as they probably have some things to add.

[tenzen]

Really those previously discussed methods are the easiest way to go. And probably the safest. Another way to work your elbows for proper angling is to do them in the mirror learn ur form pay attention to get the correct patterns so when actually used its second nature. As far as conditioning the elbows pads are the safest way to go. Or go old school and suspend a good size coconut from a tree and hit it. This will also help with your movement. It will hit back. But to use elbows in sparring with a live partner its best to be well padded and controlled. Try first doing scenario based elbows then as u get the hang of it, go live. Be sure u have a partner who has the ability to train this way also, don't try it with just anyone.

Also I would like to add, you may want to wait on elbows until your kru is ready for you to learn them. I haven't seen much use of elbows allowed in competition in the states and if you are training to use them without getting a solid foundation in what is allowed you will hurt someone and be disqualified if competition is your goal. If you intend on using them in a self defense manner let your kru decide when you learn them and how, because a wild elbow could throw you off balance or leave you vulnerable to attack.

In short, don't be too hasty learn things at the pace they are given.

[JAB]

All solid advice, but in the end their is no truly "safe" way to use elbows in sparring. Too close, too powerful, and too much of a propensity to cut. I never allow my students to spar with bows.

Cheers
Jake

[twtguy]

Thanks for the great posts! Unfortunately, I've been without an instructor of any kind for years. So, I don't have a kru to tell me "when." It sucks, and I know I should get an instructor, but tbh...i do much better on my own or with a willing friend. People post all the time that I won't hardly get anywhere, but to save you the time, I have.

Thanks for the replies and ill let you knowing how my "willing friends" take the elbows.

[tenzen]

Well like I said not knowing how to properly use them will hinder your training regardless of how much you train it. One thing I will say, because this is easy to instruct through words without having to see what your doing, keep the hand relaxed or open when using elbows. I see too many untrained people trying to elbow with a closed fist. That is not the right way to use it. Also u should try drilling the elbows with your partner don't just throw them in there and surprise them or you won't have a training partner long at all.

[tenzen]

Jake did u ever get to go train with srab and boa?

[twtguy]

Thanks. Thats great advice. And, I do keep my hand open. I've been told it's to expose the bone more and also for better range (it allows my wrist to flow easier into my torso). Are there other reasons? Also, I would NEVER do that to a training partner! lol We're about technique and drilling. No brawlers here

[tenzen]

Well it does expose the bone more but its not going to add any distance on the strike. But the purpose is a nerve. There is a nerve there that is very prominent when the fist is clenched. This is the same nerve attributed to the "funny bone" effect. And u don't want to lose power in your arm during a fight. Hitting that nerve makes it quite difficult to clench your fist properly.

[twtguy]

Interesting. I wonder what that nerve is called?

[tenzen]

Its the ulnar nerve.

[fire cobra]

We use elbows regularly in sparring and have never had a cut(yet), we use the Amm elbow pads and dont go full power.

As to when to use the elbow well thats already worked out in Muay Thai and taught by the Kru Muay,all we have to do is find the timing.

Whilst not a great scorer in Muay Thai(unless shown to have effect) it can be a fight swinger by opening a big enough cut!.

I know most of you guys know this already but thought its worth saying for the OP who does better without a Kru even though he doesnt know how he would do with one!