L12S2_Elbow Escape, Standard Variation
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Standard Reverse Elbow·SundarJiuJitsu
Elbow Escape, Standard Variation
Standard Reverse Elbow
SubFamilyスタンダード裏肘打ち(Sutandādo Ura Hiji-uchi)
HybridTranslation: standard reverse elbow
Overview
The Standard Reverse Elbow subfamily covers the fundamental backward-directed elbow strike, executed by retracting the arm sharply while rotating the torso to drive the elbow point into a target behind the striker. [1] The technique can target the midsection, solar plexus, or face of an opponent positioned at the striker's back, and is commonly used as an escape tool from rear clinch positions. [1],[2] Effective execution requires awareness of the opponent's position without visual confirmation, relying on tactile feedback from the clinch or peripheral awareness. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The standard reverse elbow has been taught in self-defence curricula for decades, featured prominently in military close-quarters combat training as a response to rear attacks. [1] It is also a component of traditional Muay Thai and Filipino martial arts, where rear-facing strikes are trained against opponents in the blind spot. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The standard reverse elbow. [1]
Lineage
From Muay Thai. [1]
Competition Record
Used in MMA. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Short-range rotational strike — the elbow point or forearm impacts the target at close distance
Joints Involved — Shoulder (rotation and elevation), elbow (fixed angle creates the striking point), core (torque generation)
Force Vector — Varies by type — horizontal (swing), vertical (rising or downward), diagonal, or spinning
Impact Mechanic — The olecranon (elbow point) is extremely hard bone — concentrates force into a small area, high cutting potential
Position & Entry
From clinch range — In close quarters, rotate the torso and drive the elbow point into the target (head, jaw, or body)
From dirty boxing — During collar-and-bicep clinch, create space and throw a short elbow strike
As counter (opponent ducks) — When the opponent level changes or ducks, bring the elbow down or across
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Backward elbow strike; close-range surprise weapon
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓From stance, rotate the hips in the reverse direction (toward your back) while driving the elbow backward
✓Target the ribs, solar plexus, or jaw of an opponent positioned behind or beside you
✓Keep the arm tight to the body throughout — the elbow travels in a compact rearward arc
✓Look over the shoulder in the direction of the strike to spot the target
✓The non-striking hand stays in guard or grabs the opponent for control
✓This technique is used as a clinch escape tool — create separation with the reverse elbow, then turn to face the opponent
✓Drill against a partner who grabs you from behind: reverse elbow to the body, then spin to face them
Common Mistakes
!Flailing the arm backward without hip rotation — the hip must turn to generate power
!Striking with the back of the arm or the hand instead of the elbow tip
!Not looking at the target and hitting empty air
!Over-rotating and losing balance or exposing the back
!Using the reverse elbow from the front, where a standard horizontal elbow is more effective
!Not keeping the arm compact — extending the arm reduces the force at the elbow
!Attempting the reverse elbow at long range where it cannot reach
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 Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [2] Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself (Lichtenfeld, 1964) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
2BookMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [2] Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself (Lichtenfeld, 1964) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
5CitationMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Community
Athletics
Requires
close-range proficiency, hip rotation, sharp elbow point
Favours
dense bone structure at the olecranon, strong rotational core
Key muscles
core rotators, deltoids, trapezius, biceps
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use the standard reverse elbow escape instead of other escapes?
According to SundarJiuJitsu, use the standard reverse elbow escape when your opponent is in a low, wide, heavy position and their base is too wide for the headlock variation of the hoop escape. This escape works particularly well against heavier opponents who have an expanded base.
Why do I need to keep my opponent's leg flat during the escape?
You need to prevent the opponent's knee from sliding high into your armpit, as this would cover more of your body and restrict your mobility. SundarJiuJitsu emphasizes using your elbow or hand to keep the leg flat, which creates the space needed to escape by connecting your elbow and knee together.
What should I do after I get out from under the opponent's leg?
After escaping from under the leg, immediately square your hips up and turn them back to the sky. This allows you to step over your opponent's leg and trap it—if you don't do this, your opponent can push your knee down and step back into mount position.
Why should I hold the back during this escape?
Holding the back keeps you tight and close to your opponent, allowing you to feel if they're setting up for punches so you can respond defensively. SundarJiuJitsu notes this helps you stay safe and maintain sensitivity to your opponent's movements.
How does the Standard Reverse Elbow work?
The Standard Reverse Elbow subfamily covers the fundamental backward-directed elbow strike, executed by retracting the arm sharply while rotating the torso to drive the elbow point into a target behind the striker. The technique can target the midsection, solar plexus, or face of an opponent positioned at the striker's back, and is commonly used as an escape tool from rear clinch positions.
Where does the Standard Reverse Elbow come from?
The standard reverse elbow has been taught in self-defence curricula for decades, featured prominently in military close-quarters combat training as a response to rear attacks. It is also a component of traditional Muay Thai and Filipino martial arts, where rear-facing strikes are trained against opponents in the blind spot.
Is the Standard Reverse 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 Standard Reverse Elbow?
Danger rating 7/10. Very High — backward elbow strike; close-range surprise weapon
How do I set up the Standard Reverse Elbow?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Hip Rotation → Strike with Elbow Point.
How do I defend against the Standard Reverse 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 Standard Reverse Elbow?
Common variants: Horizontal elbow (swinging the elbow horizontally at head level); Uppercut elbow (rising elbow from below targeting the chin); Downward elbow (chopping the elbow straight down (Muay Thai sok tat)); Spinning elbow (full rotation before driving the elbow into the target).
How effective is the Standard Reverse Elbow in competition?
Used in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Reverse Elbow?
Top errors to watch for: Flailing the arm backward without hip rotation — the hip must turn to generate power / Striking with the back of the arm or the hand instead of the elbow tip / Not looking at the target and hitting empty air / Over-rotating and losing balance or exposing the back.
What are other names for the Standard Reverse Elbow?
The Standard Reverse Elbow is also known as Sutandādo Ura Hiji-uchi, Back Elbow, Rear Elbow, Sok Klap Lang.