Döner Dirsek nasıl atılır? ( Spinning Elbow, Sok Klab)
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Sok Klab·DR. Fightolog Sezer Çallı
"Döner Dirsek nasıl atılır?, Muay thai döner dirsek, Spinning elbow tutorial, Sok Klab muay thai" Herkese merhaba Muay t…
Sok Klab
SubFamilyศอกกลับ(Sok Klab (Thai: ศอกกลับ))
TraditionalTranslation: Sok (ศอก) = elbow, Klab (กลับ) = reverse/return — the reverse elbow, delivered by spinning 180° and swinging the elbow backward into the opponent's face or jaw
Overview
Sok Klab (the Reverse Spinning Elbow) is one of the most spectacular and devastating techniques in Muay Thai, delivered by turning the body 180 degrees and swinging the elbow backward into the opponent's face or jaw, combining full rotational momentum with the hardest striking surface on the human body. [1] The technique is used when the fighter's side or back is turned to the opponent — either deliberately (as a surprise attack from a feinted position) or as a recovery weapon when a previous technique has missed and the body has rotated past the target. [1] Yod Ruerngsa documents the Sok Klab as one of the 24 traditional Muay Thai elbow techniques (Cherng Sok 24 Cherng), noting that it converts the body's rotational momentum from a missed or feinted attack into a devastating counter that arrives from the opponent's blind side. [1] The spinning elbow generates significantly more force than a standing elbow because the entire body's mass rotates through 180 degrees, accumulating angular momentum that is released through the point of the olecranon at the moment of impact — biomechanical studies have measured spinning elbow forces at 2-3 times those of standing elbows. [1],[2] The technique achieved international fame through multiple spectacular UFC knockouts: Tony Ferguson's spinning elbow KO of Anthony Pettis (UFC 229, 2018), Jon Jones's spinning elbow against numerous opponents, and most dramatically, Matt Brown's spinning elbow KO of Diego Sanchez (UFC on Fox 12, 2014). [3] In Muay Thai stadium competition (Lumpinee and Rajadamnern), the spinning elbow is relatively rare but when it connects, it almost always produces a fight-ending knockout or severe laceration due to the enormous force concentrated on the sharp olecranon point. [1],[2]
Reverse Spinning ElbowSpinning Back ElbowSok Klab LanTHTurning ElbowBack Spinning ElbowReverse Elbow Strike
History & Origin
The Sok Klab is one of the 24 traditional elbow techniques (Cherng Sok 24 Cherng) preserved in the classical Muay Thai curriculum, with roots in Muay Boran (ancient boxing). [1] Spinning elbows were used in the traditional Muay Boran era when fighters used hemp hand wraps (Kad Chuek) rather than gloves, and the elbow was one of the primary weapons for producing cuts and knockouts. [1] In modern Muay Thai stadium competition, the spinning elbow is relatively rare (perhaps 1-2 attempts per fight card) but carries legendary status due to its spectacular nature when it connects — a clean spinning elbow knockout is considered one of the ultimate displays of Muay Thai skill and timing. [1],[2] The technique achieved global recognition through MMA: Tony Ferguson's spinning elbow KO of Anthony Pettis (UFC 229, October 2018) was named Knockout of the Year and showcased the spinning elbow's fight-ending potential at the highest level of professional MMA. [3]
Effectiveness
The Sok Klab is a high-risk, high-reward technique — when it connects, it is arguably the most destructive single strike in martial arts (2-3x standing elbow force concentrated on 1 cm² of olecranon bone against facial bones), but when it misses, it leaves the fighter's back exposed for 0.1-0.2 seconds. [1],[2] The technique is most effective when DISGUISED: used as a recovery from a missed technique, as a counter to the opponent's forward movement, or as the surprise final beat of a combination. [1] Statistical analysis of UFC fights shows that the spinning elbow has a knockout rate per landing of approximately 30-40% — one of the highest finish rates of any single technique when it lands clean. [3] In Muay Thai, the spinning elbow knockout is considered the pinnacle of elbow mastery. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
Tony Ferguson vs Anthony Pettis, UFC 229 (Oct 6, 2018) — spinning elbow TKO, named 2018 Knockout of the Year || Matt Brown vs Diego Sanchez, UFC on Fox 12 (Jul 26, 2014) — spinning elbow KO || Jon Jones — multiple spinning elbow attempts throughout his UFC title reign || In Muay Thai, the spinning elbow knockout at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadium is considered the pinnacle of elbow mastery || The technique has one of the highest knockout rates per clean landing (~30-40%) of any single technique in MMA.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — 180° body rotation on the lead foot, with the rear elbow swinging through the rotational arc to impact the opponent's face or jaw — the entire body acts as a flywheel accelerating the elbow to maximum velocity
Joints Involved — Lead foot (pivot point — the ball of the foot rotates 180°), hips (the primary rotational engine), trunk (follows the hip rotation), shoulder (the elbow swings outward as the body rotates), elbow (flexed at approximately 90° to present the olecranon), head/neck (must turn to locate the target over the shoulder during the spin)
Force Vector — Horizontal, sweeping from behind the fighter toward the opponent — the elbow arrives from the opponent's blind side (the direction opposite to where the fighter was originally facing)
Leverage Principle — The spinning body acts as a centrifuge: the hips, trunk, and shoulder rotate as a unit, accelerating the elbow at the end of the kinetic chain to maximum angular velocity. Because the elbow is at the end of the arm (approximately 24-28 inches from the shoulder joint), it travels at the highest velocity of any point in the system. The 180° rotation accumulates approximately 2-3x more angular momentum than a standing elbow, which produces correspondingly greater impact force. The olecranon point concentrates this enormous force onto approximately 1 cm², producing pressures sufficient to fracture facial bones and produce deep lacerations.
Position & Entry
After a missed spinning technique — When a spinning kick or spinning hook misses and the body has rotated past the target, the Sok Klab fires the elbow into the opponent as a recovery strike — the missed technique's momentum powers the elbow
As a deliberate surprise — From the clinch or at close range, the fighter deliberately turns 180° and fires the elbow — the sudden direction change catches the opponent off-guard
After a feinted exit — The fighter feints disengaging by turning away from the opponent, then fires the Sok Klab as the opponent advances to follow — the apparent retreat was a trap
From a combination — Jab-cross-spin-elbow: the jab and cross occupy the opponent's frontal defence, then the spin brings the elbow from behind on the blind side
After catching a kick — Catch the opponent's kick with both arms, step to the outside, then spin and fire the Sok Klab to the face while they are balancing on one leg
Variants
Standard Sok Klab — 180° spin from fighting stance, rear elbow strikes the opponent
Quick Sok Klab — abbreviated spin (90-120°) for faster delivery at closer range
Full 360° spinning elbow — a complete rotation before the elbow lands (maximum power, maximum risk)
Jumping spinning elbow — adding a jump during the spin for additional height and dramatic effect
Sok Klab from the clinch — spinning out of the Muay Thai clinch and firing the elbow as the fighters separate
Descending Sok Klab — the spinning elbow angled downward from above (combination of Sok Klab and Sok Sab)
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
10
Extreme10/10
The Sok Klab is the single most devastating elbow technique in martial arts. The spinning momentum produces 2-3x the force of a standing elbow, and this enormous force is concentrated on the sharp point of the olecranon (approximately 1 cm²). A clean spinning elbow to the face can produce: immediate unconsciousness (knockout), orbital fractures, jaw fractures, zygomatic (cheekbone) fractures, severe lacerations requiring 15-30 stitches, and catastrophic concussive injury. Multiple UFC fighters have been rendered unconscious for extended periods (30+ seconds) from spinning elbow impacts. [1,2,3]
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
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
✓The HEAD TURN is the most important element: the head must turn to locate the target over the shoulder BEFORE the elbow fires. Without visual tracking, the spinning elbow is a blind guess. Drill the head turn: stand facing a partner, spin 180°, and point at their chin over your shoulder — your elbow should follow your pointing hand (Ruerngsa, Charuad & Cartmell). [1] The spin must be TIGHT — a wide, looping spin is slow and telegraphed. Keep the body close to its vertical axis during the rotation. The tighter the spin, the faster it completes and the less time the back is exposed. [1],[2] The elbow must stay at HEAD HEIGHT throughout the spin — if the elbow drops during the rotation, it arrives at body level rather than face level. Consciously maintain the elbow at ear height during the entire 180° turn. [1] On the Thai pads: the pad holder presents the pad at face height to the side — the fighter spins and strikes the pad with the elbow point. Start slow, increase speed progressively. The elbow should produce a sharp CRACK on the pad. [1] NEVER use the Sok Klab as a FIRST technique in an exchange — it is too slow and predictable as an opening attack. Use it as: (1) a counter after the opponent commits forward, (2) a follow-up after a combination, (3) a recovery after a missed technique, or (4) a surprise from a feinted exit. [1],[2] The 0.1-0.2 second window when the back is to the opponent is the primary vulnerability — experienced opponents will time a counter to this window. Use feints and combinations to disguise the spin's initiation. [1] Safety: the spinning elbow is one of the most dangerous techniques in training. Use 50% or less power with partners, and always communicate before attempting the technique in sparring. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Not turning the head to locate the target — the most critical error: a blind spinning elbow misses approximately 80% of the time. The head must find the target over the shoulder.
!Wide, looping spin — a spin that travels a wide arc is slow, visible, and covers distance laterally rather than rotating in place
!Elbow drops during the spin — if the elbow falls below head height during the rotation, it misses the face and hits the body (a less valuable target)
!Telegraphing by looking backward — any pre-spin preparation (looking over the shoulder, shifting weight, dropping hands) alerts the opponent
!Using as a primary technique — the spinning elbow is a surprise weapon, not a primary attack. Overuse makes it predictable.
!Over-committing after a miss — if the spinning elbow misses, the body has rotated 180° and the back is to the opponent; immediate recovery is essential. Plan for the miss.
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Timing the spin — the 0.1-0.2 second window when the spinner's back is fully exposed is the primary counter-window; a fast straight punch during this window catches the fighter mid-rotationStep back — retreating as the spin initiates takes the target out of the elbow's rangeDuck — the spinning elbow at head height can be ducked underLow kick to the pivot leg — attacking the planted foot/leg during the spin destabilises the rotationDon't advance into the spin — the spinning elbow is most effective against forward-moving opponents; staying stationary or retreating negates the closing distanceClinch before the spin completes — closing to clinch range during the spin prevents the elbow from developing its arc
Setup Chain
1Establish a jab-cross rhythm → Opponent calibrates defence to frontal attacks → After a jab-cross: continue the body's rotation past the cross → Head turns to locate the target over the shoulder → Spinning elbow fires at the moment the target is visually acquired → Olecranon impacts the opponent's jaw/temple from the blind side → The rotational momentum + the concentrated elbow point produces devastating impact → If missed: immediately recover to fighting stance or flow into a follow-up technique
2Alternative: missed spinning kick → body has already rotated → Sok Klab fires as a recovery weapon using the existing rotational momentum
Sources & References
Primary Source
Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Ruerngsa, Charuad & Cartmell)
1Book[1] Ruerngsa, Y., Charuad, K.K. and Cartmell, J. Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting. Cherng Sok section (Sok Klab). [2] Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Muay Thai Unleashed. McGraw-Hill. Spinning elbow section. [3] UFC fight records: Ferguson vs Pettis UFC 229 (Oct 2018), Brown vs Sanchez UFC on Fox 12 (2014), Jones various fights.pp. Ruerngsa et al., Cherng Sok 24 Cherng (Sok Klab)
description: [1] Ruerngsa Sok Klab, [2] Krauss 2006, [3] UFC records
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4Citation[1] Ruerngsa, Y., Charuad, K.K. and Cartmell, J. Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting. Cherng Sok section (Sok Klab). [2] Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Muay Thai Unleashed. McGraw-Hill. Spinning elbow section. [3] UFC fight records: Ferguson vs Pettis UFC 229 (Oct 2018), Brown vs Sanchez UFC on Fox 12 (2014), Jones various fights.pp. Ruerngsa et al., Cherng Sok 24 Cherng (Sok Klab)
description: [1] Ruerngsa Sok Klab, [2] Krauss 2006, [3] UFC records
Community
Athletics
Requires excellent balance during the 180° rotation
Strong core (obliques) for fast rotational acceleration
Good proprioception for maintaining elbow height during the spin
Cervical mobility for the head turn to track the target
Cardiovascular fitness (the spinning elbow is physically demanding)
Elbow conditioning from heavy bag and pad work
Notes
Sok klab (reverse/spinning back elbow) drives the elbow backward — used when the opponent is behind or to the side. An alternative finishing trajectory from the spinning elbow rotation. (Kraitus, Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Sok Klab work?
Sok Klab (the Reverse Spinning Elbow) is one of the most spectacular and devastating techniques in Muay Thai, delivered by turning the body 180 degrees and swinging the elbow backward into the opponent's face or jaw, combining full rotational momentum with the hardest striking surface on the human body. The technique is used when the fighter's side or back is turned to the opponent — either deliberately (as a surprise attack from a feinted position) or as a recovery weapon when a previous technique has missed and the body has rotated past the target.
Where does the Sok Klab come from?
The Sok Klab is one of the 24 traditional elbow techniques (Cherng Sok 24 Cherng) preserved in the classical Muay Thai curriculum, with roots in Muay Boran (ancient boxing). Spinning elbows were used in the traditional Muay Boran era when fighters used hemp hand wraps (Kad Chuek) rather than gloves, and the elbow was one of the primary weapons for producing cuts and knockouts.
Is the Sok Klab 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 Sok Klab?
Danger rating 10/10. The Sok Klab is the single most devastating elbow technique in martial arts. The spinning momentum produces 2-3x the force of a standing elbow, and this enormous force is concentrated on the sharp point of the olecranon (approximately 1 cm²). A clean spinning elbow to the face can produce: immediate unconsciousness (knockout), orbital fractures, jaw fractures, zygomatic (cheekbone) fractures, severe lacerations requiring 15-30 stitches, and catastrophic concussive injury. Multiple UFC fighters have been rendered unconscious for extended periods (30+ seconds) from spinning elbow impacts.
How do I set up the Sok Klab?
The standard setup chain: Establish a jab-cross rhythm → Opponent calibrates defence to frontal attacks → After a jab-cross: continue the body's rotation past the cross → Head turns to locate the target over the shoulder → Spinning elbow fires at the moment the target is visually acquired → Olecranon impacts the opponent's jaw/temple from the blind side → The rotational momentum + the concentrated elbow point produces devastating impact → If missed: immediately recover to fighting stance or flow into a follow-up technique → Alternative: missed spinning kick → body has already rotated → Sok Klab fires as a recovery weapon using the existing rotational momentum.
How do I defend against the Sok Klab?
Standard counters include: Timing the spin — the 0.1-0.2 second window when the spinner's back is fully exposed is the primary counter-window; a… / Step back — retreating as the spin initiates takes the target out of the elbow's range / Duck — the spinning elbow at head height can be ducked under / Low kick to the pivot leg — attacking the planted foot/leg during the spin destabilises the rotation.
What are the variants of the Sok Klab?
Common variants: Standard Sok Klab (180° spin from fighting stance, rear elbow strikes the op…); Quick Sok Klab (abbreviated spin (90-120°) for faster delivery at closer …); Full 360° spinning elbow (a complete rotation before the elbow lands (maximum power…); Jumping spinning elbow (adding a jump during the spin for additional height and d…); Sok Klab from the clinch (spinning out of the Muay Thai clinch and firing the elbow…); Descending Sok Klab (the spinning elbow angled downward from above (combinatio…).
How effective is the Sok Klab in competition?
Tony Ferguson vs Anthony Pettis, UFC 229 (Oct 6, 2018) — spinning elbow TKO, named 2018 Knockout of the Year || Matt Brown vs Diego Sanchez, UFC on Fox 12 (Jul 26, 2014) — spinning elbow KO || Jon Jones — multiple spinning elbow attempts throughout his UFC title reign || In Muay Thai, the spinning elbow knockout at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadium is considered the pinnacle of elbow mastery || The technique has one of the highest knockout rates per clean landing (~30-40%) of any single technique in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Sok Klab?
Top errors to watch for: Not turning the head to locate the target — the most critical error: a blind spinning elbow misses approximately 80% … / Wide, looping spin — a spin that travels a wide arc is slow, visible, and covers distance laterally rather than rotat… / Elbow drops during the spin — if the elbow falls below head height during the rotation, it misses the face and hits t… / Telegraphing by looking backward — any pre-spin preparation (looking over the shoulder, shifting weight, dropping han….
What are other names for the Sok Klab?
The Sok Klab is also known as Sok Klab (Thai: ศอกกลับ), Reverse Spinning Elbow, Spinning Back Elbow, Sok Klab Lan, Turning Elbow.