Cutting Elbow Tutorial
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Chopping Elbow·senseijd7161
This video is about cutting over top and underneath the elbow for an in close range combat situation. Using this method…
Chopping Elbow
SubFamilyソーク・サップ(Sōku Sappu)
TransliterationTranslation: chopping elbow (Sok Sap)
Overview
The Chopping Elbow subfamily covers downward elbow strikes delivered on a steep diagonal angle, resembling the motion of a hatchet or cleaver cutting downward and across. [1] Unlike a straight vertical drop, the chopping elbow follows a path roughly 45 degrees from vertical, allowing the striker to target the opponent's temple, orbital ridge, or the bridge of the nose with the sharp point of the elbow. [1],[2] The technique requires the striker to raise the elbow high, rotate the shoulder forward, and drive the elbow diagonally through the target using core rotation and gravity. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The chopping elbow is rooted in Muay Thai and Muay Boran, where diagonal downward elbows were among the standard techniques taught to fighters as part of the comprehensive elbow arsenal. [1] Thai trainers traditionally drilled the chopping motion using focus mitts and heavy bags, emphasising the diagonal cutting trajectory that distinguishes it from horizontal or vertical elbows. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The chopping elbow strikes downward onto the opponent's head or collarbone. [1]
Lineage
From Muay Thai's sok sap technique. [1]
Competition Record
Used in Muay Thai and MMA. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Ballistic extension of the arm — kinetic chain transfers force from the ground through the hips to the fist
Joints Involved — Shoulder (flexion/rotation), elbow (rapid extension), wrist (stabilised on impact), hips (rotation)
Force Vector — Linear (jab, cross) or circular (hook, overhand) depending on the punch type
Kinetic Chain — Ground reaction force → hip rotation → torso rotation → shoulder extension → fist impact — each link amplifies velocity
Position & Entry
From orthodox stance (after jab) — Rotate the rear hip forward, extend the rear hand straight to the target, pivot the rear foot
As counter (pull counter) — Lean back to avoid the incoming jab, fire the cross as the opponent's jab retracts
From clinch break — Push off from the clinch, create space, and fire the straight right as the opponent resets
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
12-6 elbow; extremely dangerous downward strike
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WBC/Boxing — All elbow strikes prohibited in boxing {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Elbow strikes not a legal technique in sport karate
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin — Elbow strikes prohibited {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— ITF — Prohibited
ITF Competition RulesPDF— WAKO — Prohibited in all kickboxing formats
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Prohibited — key difference from Muay Thai {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
Legal
— Unified MMA — Legal — all elbow strikes permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— art of eight limbs
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Chop the elbow downward at a diagonal angle, combining the mechanics of a downward elbow with a slight lateral arc
✓The chopping elbow targets the collarbone, trapezius, or the top of the skull from an angle
✓It enters between the opponent's guard — the diagonal trajectory splits a high guard that would block a straight downward elbow
✓Raise the elbow above the shoulder and chop diagonally across the target
✓The hip and shoulder rotate together to power the chop — it is not just an arm drop
✓Use the chopping elbow after pulling the opponent into the clinch and breaking their posture
✓Drill on focus pads held above the shoulder to develop the diagonal angle
Common Mistakes
!Chopping too wide and using the forearm instead of the elbow point — keep the arc tight
!Not adding hip rotation to the chop, relying only on the arm and gravity
!Aiming at the top of the skull where the bone is thickest — target the collarbone or temple area
!Over-committing and losing balance on the follow-through
!Not controlling distance — the chopping elbow requires close range and fails from mid-range
!Telegraphing by raising the arm obviously before chopping
!Not retracting to guard after the chop — follow up or cover immediately
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Close Distance — enter elbow range through clinch work or after slipping a punch
2Hip Rotation — generate power through the core by rotating the hips
3Strike with Elbow Point — drive the elbow through the target at the correct angle
Sources & References
Primary Source
Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Yod Ruerngsa, Khun Kao Charuad & James Cartmell, 2002)
1BookMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [2] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [3] Championship Fighting (Dempsey, 1950)
2BookMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [2] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [3] Championship Fighting (Dempsey, 1950)
5CitationMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip rotation power, rear foot pivot, full kinetic chain coordination
Favours
reach advantage, strong hips for power transfer
Key muscles
glutes, obliques, pectorals, triceps, deltoids
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I practice the chopping elbow technique against punches?
Practice with a slow continuity drill: as your opponent throws a punch, shift your position, cut with your elbow, and bring it down. Repeat this cycle as they throw multiple punches, taking your time to build the movement slowly (senseijd7161 — "Cutting Elbow Tutorial").
Does the chopping elbow work from different angles?
Yes, the technique works whether you're on the inside or outside position relative to your opponent. The same cutting motion underneath applies regardless of your angle (senseijd7161 — "Cutting Elbow Tutorial").
What can I do after successfully cutting with the chopping elbow?
After cutting, you have multiple options including total escape, manipulation, and applying a catch. You can slip inside as they rotate and bring the cut up to apply the catch (senseijd7161 — "Cutting Elbow Tutorial").
How do I defend against incoming punches while using the chopping elbow?
Use the checking technique along with the projection: when your opponent punches, cut with your elbow while keeping your triangles aligned, check their punch, hit, and then immediately roll into your tent position (senseijd7161 — "Cutting Elbow Tutorial").
How does the Chopping Elbow work?
The Chopping Elbow subfamily covers downward elbow strikes delivered on a steep diagonal angle, resembling the motion of a hatchet or cleaver cutting downward and across. Unlike a straight vertical drop, the chopping elbow follows a path roughly 45 degrees from vertical, allowing the striker to target the opponent's temple, orbital ridge, or the bridge of the nose with the sharp point of the elbow.
Where does the Chopping Elbow come from?
The chopping elbow is rooted in Muay Thai and Muay Boran, where diagonal downward elbows were among the standard techniques taught to fighters as part of the comprehensive elbow arsenal. Thai trainers traditionally drilled the chopping motion using focus mitts and heavy bags, emphasising the diagonal cutting trajectory that distinguishes it from horizontal or vertical elbows.
Is the Chopping Elbow legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal — all elbow strikes permitted; WBC/Boxing: banned — All elbow strikes prohibited in boxing; WKF: banned — Elbow strikes not a legal technique in sport karate; Kyokushin: banned — Elbow strikes prohibited; WT: banned — Prohibited; ITF: banned — Prohibited; WAKO: banned — Prohibited in all kickboxing formats; K: banned — 1/GLORY — Prohibited — key difference from Muay Thai; IFMA: legal — Legal — elbows are a core Muay Thai weapon (art of eight limbs)
How dangerous is the Chopping Elbow?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — 12-6 elbow; extremely dangerous downward strike
How do I set up the Chopping Elbow?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Hip Rotation → Strike with Elbow Point.
How do I defend against the Chopping Elbow?
Standard counters include: Lean Back — pull the head out of elbow range to avoid the short-range strike / Clinch Tie-Up — close to body-to-body range to smother elbow strikes / Push Kick (Teep) — maintain distance to prevent elbow range from being established.
What are the variants of the Chopping Elbow?
Common variants: Standard cross (rear-hand straight punch with full hip rotation); Counter cross (pull counter) (leaning back to avoid the jab, firing the cross as a counter); Step-in cross (stepping forward with the punch for added reach and power); Body cross (targeting the solar plexus or liver with the straight rea…).
How effective is the Chopping Elbow in competition?
Used in Muay Thai and MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Chopping Elbow?
Top errors to watch for: Chopping too wide and using the forearm instead of the elbow point — keep the arc tight / Not adding hip rotation to the chop, relying only on the arm and gravity / Aiming at the top of the skull where the bone is thickest — target the collarbone or temple area / Over-committing and losing balance on the follow-through.
What are other names for the Chopping Elbow?
The Chopping Elbow is also known as Sōku Sappu, Sok Sap, Diagonal Elbow, Hatchet Elbow.