Reverse Edge and Dynamic Blade Draws
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Standard Reverse Elbow Strike·Chicago Combatives
Snippet of last week’s private Combatives training session. Dynamic blade draws, support hand strikes, and reverse edge…
Standard Reverse Elbow Strike
Genus裏肘打ち（基本型）(Ura Hiji-uchi (Kihon-gata))
TraditionalTranslation: standard reverse elbow strike
Overview
The Standard Reverse Elbow Strike executes the basic rear-directed elbow, where the fighter drives the elbow straight back while rotating the hips and shoulders away from the target, impacting the opponent's midsection or face with the elbow point. [1] The arm remains bent at approximately 90 degrees, and force is generated through rapid hip rotation in the direction opposite to the strike. [1],[2] This technique is most commonly applied when an opponent secures a rear body lock or bear hug, providing an immediate offensive response to escape the hold. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The standard reverse elbow strike is a universal self-defence technique found in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, military combatives, and numerous traditional martial arts systems. [1] Its simplicity and reliability against rear attacks have made it one of the most widely taught elbow techniques outside of sport contexts. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
A standard reverse elbow technique. [1]
Lineage
From Muay Thai. [1]
Competition Record
Used in MMA. [1]
Images
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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
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
Videos
Master Chen Zhonghua "In With Elbow."
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Standard Reverse Elbow Strike·Michael Calandra "The Martial Truth"
Master Chen Zhonghua standard bearer of Practical Method Chen Style Taijiquan demonstrates "In With Elbow." www.practica…
double knife standard and reverse grip drills
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Standard Reverse Elbow Strike·wmpyr
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The standard reverse elbow strike is taught across multiple combat contexts with varying emphasis. Chicago Combatives frames it within a knife-integrated system where the reverse elbow functions as a finishing technique after setting up with hand control and body positioning; their approach emphasizes the elbow strike as a temple-directed finishing move that follows slap-and-grab mechanics, with timing and proper hand positioning crucial to execution. Michael Calandra's perspective, drawing from Chen Zhonghua's Taiji methodology, focuses on the biomechanical principle of 'yin with elbow'—the precise micro-adjustment and repositioning of the elbow joint to target vital points (cavities/acupuncture points) that cannot be hardened by muscle development. He emphasizes that effective elbow strikes require the elbow to 'disappear' (retract and reposition) before extending, with indented anatomical areas protruding and protruding areas retracting for optimal power transfer and accuracy. Calandra stresses that proper alignment must occur before force application, making the adjustment appear natural to the opponent. In contrast, wmpyr's knife-focused instruction treats the reverse elbow strike as part of dual-weapon combinations and footwork patterns, where the reverse grip side executes stabbing motions at clock positions (3, 12, 9, 6 o'clock) with the elbow region involved in the mechanics. While Chicago Combatives and Calandra emphasize precision striking mechanics and setup sequencing, wmpyr integrates elbow actions into broader rhythmic drilling patterns. All three instructors agree on the importance of body mechanics and positioning, though their contexts—knife work, Taiji principles, and dual-blade training—differ substantially.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Chicago Combatives — Reverse Edge and Dynamic Blade Draws: Demonstrates the reverse elbow as a temple-directed finishing strike following hand control setup (slap-and-grab mechanics); emphasizes timing, proper body positioning, and using the strike after establishing control; frames it within knife-integrated self-defense sequencing.
- Michael Calandra "The Martial Truth" — Master Chen Zhonghua "In With Elbow.": Provides the biomechanical principle of 'yin with elbow'—the micro-repositioning of the elbow joint to target vital acupuncture points; emphasizes that the elbow must retract and reposition ('disappear') before extension, requiring precise alignment before force application for accuracy and power transfer.
- wmpyr — double knife standard and reverse grip drills: Integrates reverse elbow mechanics into dual-weapon footwork and combination patterns; teaches clock-position stabbing sequences (3, 12, 9, 6 o'clock) with reverse grip, emphasizing rhythmic drilling and arm-weaving coordination alongside elbow-region actions.
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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 fighting stance, rotate the torso toward the rear while driving the rear or lead elbow backward and across
✓The elbow point targets the opponent's face or body from a reverse angle
✓This is a surprise technique — it attacks from a direction the opponent does not expect
✓Keep the fist close to the shoulder to maintain the tight elbow angle
✓The hip and shoulder rotate together, just as in a horizontal elbow but in the opposite direction
✓Use it when you feel the opponent reaching around your back or when they are positioned on your flank
✓Return to a forward-facing stance immediately after delivering the strike
Common Mistakes
!Spinning all the way around instead of a controlled reverse rotation — this is a reverse elbow, not a spinning elbow
!Not finding the target because the head did not turn to look
!Losing balance from the reverse rotation because the feet did not adjust
!Using it against a squared-up opponent in front of you — they can see it coming and it is not the right tool
!Hitting the arm or shoulder instead of the head or body
!Not training the technique with a resisting partner — the reverse angle is only effective if practiced against real pressure
!Following the reverse elbow with nothing — immediately turn to face the opponent and follow up
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] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [3] Complete Krav Maga (Levine & Whitman, 2007)
2BookMuay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
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 Unleashed (Delp, 2006) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [3] Complete Krav Maga (Levine & Whitman, 2007)
6CitationMuay 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm at the right distance to execute a reverse elbow strike?
Start by figuring out your distance and turning on your back foot while turning your hips—if you can hit the target, you're in range; if not quite, take a small step forward. Chicago Combatives emphasizes testing this range by turning your hips and adjusting until you can make solid contact.
What's the proper finishing technique for the reverse elbow?
After setting up and pulling your opponent in, finish with the final index of the elbow—Chicago Combatives calls this the 'car crash elbow' and notes that timing is critical, so give the technique time to develop rather than rushing it.
How does the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike work?
The Standard Reverse Elbow Strike executes the basic rear-directed elbow, where the fighter drives the elbow straight back while rotating the hips and shoulders away from the target, impacting the opponent's midsection or face with the elbow point. The arm remains bent at approximately 90 degrees, and force is generated through rapid hip rotation in the direction opposite to the strike.
Where does the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike come from?
The standard reverse elbow strike is a universal self-defence technique found in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, military combatives, and numerous traditional martial arts systems. Its simplicity and reliability against rear attacks have made it one of the most widely taught elbow techniques outside of sport contexts.
Is the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike 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 Strike?
Danger rating 7/10. Very High — backward elbow strike; close-range surprise weapon
How do I set up the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Hip Rotation → Strike with Elbow Point.
How do I defend against the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike?
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 Strike?
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 Strike in competition?
Used in MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike?
Top errors to watch for: Spinning all the way around instead of a controlled reverse rotation — this is a reverse elbow, not a spinning elbow / Not finding the target because the head did not turn to look / Losing balance from the reverse rotation because the feet did not adjust / Using it against a squared-up opponent in front of you — they can see it coming and it is not the right tool.
What are other names for the Standard Reverse Elbow Strike?
The Standard Reverse Elbow Strike is also known as Ura Hiji-uchi (Kihon-gata), Back Elbow Strike, Reverse Sok, Backward Elbow.