Muay Thai Elbows Ep.1 | The Horizontal Elbow
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Horizontal Elbow·Danny Fung
In this video, we'll take a closer look at the SOK in Muay Thai - more particularly the SOK TAT or Horizontal Elbow (aka…
Horizontal Elbow
Family水平肘打ち(Suihei Hiji-uchi)
TraditionalTranslation: horizontal elbow
Overview
The Horizontal Elbow family encompasses all elbow strikes delivered along a horizontal or near-horizontal plane, swinging the elbow laterally across the body in a motion analogous to a hook punch but at much closer range. [1] The horizontal elbow is the most commonly used elbow strike in Muay Thai competition, because it targets the opponent's temple, jaw, and cheekbone with a sweeping arc that is difficult to see coming in the clinch. [1],[2] Biomechanically, the technique relies on rapid hip rotation and shoulder torque to whip the bent arm in a horizontal arc, with the point of the elbow making contact at the apex of the swing. [2],[3] The family includes the standard horizontal elbow and the slashing elbow, which differ primarily in the angle and speed of execution. [3]
History & Origin
Horizontal elbows are foundational to Muay Thai's striking system and have been employed in Thai ring competition since formal rules were established in the 1920s. [1] The technique is also found in Filipino martial arts (panantukan and kali), Indonesian pencak silat, and Burmese Lethwei, reflecting a shared Southeast Asian close-combat heritage. [1],[2] The horizontal elbow became internationally prominent as Thai fighters demonstrated its effectiveness in K-1, Glory, and ONE Championship kickboxing events throughout the 2000s and 2010s. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
A fundamental Muay Thai elbow used in all striking arts that permit elbows. [1]
Competition Record
The horizontal elbow is one of the most commonly thrown elbows in MMA. [1]
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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
7
Very High7/10
Slashing elbow; primary laceration-causing strike in Muay Thai
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
✓The horizontal elbow swings laterally across the target at head height, driven by hip and shoulder rotation
✓This is the most common elbow strike in Muay Thai (sok tat) and the standard MMA elbow
✓Drive the hip and shoulder together in a whipping rotation — the elbow follows the body's turn
✓Contact with the point of the elbow or the last two inches before the point for maximum cutting effect
✓The horizontal elbow is the primary cutting weapon in combat sports — its angle across the brow ridge causes lacerations
✓Keep the fist close to the shoulder to maintain a tight 90-degree arm angle — a wider angle reduces force
✓Use the horizontal elbow off the clinch break, after catching a kick, or at the end of a punch combination
Common Mistakes
!Swinging the arm wide like a hook instead of keeping the elbow tight and letting the body rotate it through
!Hitting with the forearm rather than the elbow point — no cutting effect, reduced force
!Not rotating the hips and punching with the arm only
!Throwing from too far away — the horizontal elbow is a close-range weapon, closer than hooks
!Dropping the non-striking hand during the rotation
!Leading with the horizontal elbow without any setup — it needs a punch, clinch, or kick to close the distance first
!Not following through the rotation — the elbow should continue past the point of contact
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: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
2BookMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Rennehan, 2002)
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
6CitationMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Rennehan, 2002)
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
Slashing Elbow
SubFamilyThe Slashing Elbow subfamily covers horizontal elbows executed with an emphasis on a cutting or raking action, where the point of the elbow slices across the opponent's skin rather than delivering blunt concussive force. [1] The slashing motion involves a slight upward or downward angle within the generally horizontal plane, allowing the sharp tip of the olecranon to open cuts on the forehead, brow ridge, or cheekbone. [1,2] In Muay Thai, the slashing elbow is used strategically to produce bleeding that impairs the opponent's vision or leads to a stoppage by the ringside physician. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Standard Horizontal Elbow
SubFamilyThe Standard Horizontal Elbow subfamily covers the fundamental horizontal elbow strike thrown with maximum hip rotation for blunt concussive impact, targeting the temple, jaw, or orbital region. [1] Unlike the slashing variant, the standard horizontal elbow prioritises knockout power through deep penetration of the elbow tip into soft tissue overlying bone, transmitting rotational force to the opponent's head. [1,2] The technique is the bread-and-butter elbow of Muay Thai and is the most commonly seen elbow strike in both Thai boxing and MMA competition. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
The horizontal elbow (sok tat in Muay Thai) is the most commonly used elbow in competition — it travels in a short, tight arc and is difficult to see from the clinch. (Delp, Muay Thai Unleashed; Kraitus, Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a slashing elbow and a knockout elbow?
According to Danny Fung, when slashing, keep your hands loose so your hand drives toward yourself. For more momentum, drive, and knockout power, clench your fist firmly—this generates the difference between a cut and a devastating blow.
How important is my stance and foundation for throwing a horizontal elbow?
Danny Fung emphasizes that proper stance is very critical—your feet, stance, and legs create the foundation that translates into speed and power in your elbow strike. Without good foundation, you won't have the velocity needed to generate power.
What are the most common mistakes when throwing a horizontal elbow?
According to Danny Fung, don't wind up on the elbow before throwing it, as this telegraphs the strike and gives your opponent time to counter with a quicker upward elbow. Also keep your lead hand (defensive hand) up—never drop it when throwing the elbow.
What should my arm path look like when throwing a horizontal elbow?
Danny Fung describes it as a straight line from point A to point B—keep it parallel with the ground in a level swing, and whip your shoulder, hip, and back foot off the mat together. Stay loose and use a straight path rather than curving sideways.
How does the Horizontal Elbow work?
The Horizontal Elbow family encompasses all elbow strikes delivered along a horizontal or near-horizontal plane, swinging the elbow laterally across the body in a motion analogous to a hook punch but at much closer range. The horizontal elbow is the most commonly used elbow strike in Muay Thai competition, because it targets the opponent's temple, jaw, and cheekbone with a sweeping arc that is difficult to see coming in the clinch.
Where does the Horizontal Elbow come from?
Horizontal elbows are foundational to Muay Thai's striking system and have been employed in Thai ring competition since formal rules were established in the 1920s. The technique is also found in Filipino martial arts (panantukan and kali), Indonesian pencak silat, and Burmese Lethwei, reflecting a shared Southeast Asian close-combat heritage.
Is the Horizontal 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 Horizontal Elbow?
Danger rating 7/10. Very High — slashing elbow; primary laceration-causing strike in Muay Thai
How do I set up the Horizontal Elbow?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Hip Rotation → Strike with Elbow Point.
How do I defend against the Horizontal 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 Horizontal 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 Horizontal Elbow in competition?
The horizontal elbow is one of the most commonly thrown elbows in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Horizontal Elbow?
Top errors to watch for: Swinging the arm wide like a hook instead of keeping the elbow tight and letting the body rotate it through / Hitting with the forearm rather than the elbow point — no cutting effect, reduced force / Not rotating the hips and punching with the arm only / Throwing from too far away — the horizontal elbow is a close-range weapon, closer than hooks.
What are other names for the Horizontal Elbow?
The Horizontal Elbow is also known as Suihei Hiji-uchi, Sok Tat, Lateral Elbow.