Muay Thai Elbows Ep. 3 | The Uppercut Elbow
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Uppercut Elbow·Danny Fung
#muaythai #muaythaielbows #uppercutelbow In this third installment of our Muay Thai Elbows Series, we take an in-depth l…
Uppercut Elbow
Familyアッパーカットエルボー(Appākatto Erubō)
TransliterationTranslation: uppercut elbow
Overview
The Uppercut Elbow family groups all elbow strikes delivered on an upward trajectory, where the elbow rises vertically or diagonally from below to strike the opponent's chin, jaw, or body. [1] These techniques mirror the motion of an uppercut punch but deliver force through the harder and smaller surface of the elbow point, concentrating impact into a much smaller area. [1],[2] Uppercut elbows are highly effective in the clinch, where the close distance makes them difficult to see and defend, and the upward trajectory targets the vulnerable underside of the chin, which is biomechanically linked to knockout susceptibility. [2],[3] The family includes rising elbows and the Muay Thai-specific Sok Ngat, each emphasising slightly different angles of ascent. [3]
History & Origin
Uppercut elbows are a core component of Muay Thai's close-range arsenal, where the rising elbow from the clinch is considered one of the art's most effective weapons. [1] The technique appears in classical Muay Boran postures and has been part of formal Thai boxing instruction since the sport's earliest codification. [1],[2] In MMA, uppercut elbows gained tactical importance as fighters recognised their effectiveness in the clinch against the cage, where opponents often lower their heads to defend against knees. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The uppercut elbow strikes upward in an arc similar to a punch uppercut. [1]
Lineage
From Muay Thai sok techniques. [1]
Competition Record
Used in Muay Thai and 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 boxing stance (inside range) — Drop the rear shoulder slightly, drive the fist upward using leg and hip extension, target the chin or body
As counter (opponent ducks) — When opponent lowers their head (ducking a hook or level changing), fire the uppercut to the exposed chin
From clinch — In close range, short upward punch targeting the chin with explosive hip extension
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
7
Very High7/10
Rising elbow; targets chin from below
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 uppercut elbow drives upward from below, targeting the chin, nose, or solar plexus with the point of the elbow
✓Bend the knees slightly, then drive upward through the legs and hips while the elbow rises vertically
✓The mechanics mirror a punch uppercut but with a shorter range and a harder impact surface
✓The uppercut elbow is devastating against opponents who duck or lean forward — their chin moves into the rising elbow
✓It works from the clinch when the opponent's head is low: drive the elbow up under their chin
✓In Muay Thai, the uppercut elbow (sok ngat) is a staple clinch technique
✓Keep the arm tight with fist to shoulder — the elbow point must lead the vertical rise
Common Mistakes
!Scooping the elbow in a wide arc instead of driving straight up — the uppercut elbow is a vertical thrust
!Not driving from the legs — the power comes from standing up explosively, not from arm lifting
!Hitting with the forearm instead of the elbow point
!Throwing the uppercut elbow from too far away where a punch uppercut would be more appropriate
!Rising onto the toes and losing base during the upward drive
!Not controlling the opponent's posture to hold them at the right height for the rising elbow
!Dropping the non-striking hand during the upward motion, leaving the head exposed to a counter
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)
1BookBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
2BookChampionship Fighting (Dempsey, 1950)
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
4CitationBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [2] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
5CitationChampionship Fighting (Dempsey, 1950)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Community
Athletics
Requires
leg drive, upward hip thrust, tight vertical alignment
Favours
shorter reach fighters effective at inside range
Key muscles
quadriceps, glutes, deltoids, biceps, core
Sub-techniques
Rising Elbow
SubFamilyThe Rising Elbow subfamily covers uppercut-trajectory elbow strikes that travel upward from a low starting position to target the chin, jaw, or underside of the opponent's face. [1] The rising elbow is driven by an explosive upward thrust of the hips and legs combined with shoulder elevation, launching the elbow point vertically into the target. [1,2] This technique is particularly dangerous because it attacks the chin from below, an angle associated with high knockout rates due to the rotational acceleration imparted to the head and the resulting shearing forces on the brainstem. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Sok Ngat
SubFamilySok Ngat is the Thai classification for the uppercut elbow, a rising elbow strike that drives upward into the opponent's chin from directly below. [1] The technique is distinguished by its steep vertical trajectory and its origin from a low, concealed position, often thrown from the natural arm hang during clinch exchanges. [1,2] Sok Ngat is considered one of the most effective knockout elbows in Muay Thai because the upward angle perfectly targets the vulnerable mandible and chin, areas where impact most efficiently produces concussive force. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use the uppercut elbow in Muay Thai?
The uppercut elbow is effective as a counter when your opponent tries to clinch you by grabbing your shoulders or neck, or when they're entering to work inside the clinch. Danny Fung emphasizes it's particularly useful to intercept an opponent's entrance as they step in wide.
How do I defend against an overhand right with an uppercut elbow?
Catch your opponent's overhand right and counter immediately with the uppercut elbow in one fluid motion, as Danny Fung demonstrates with the one-two timing.
Why is the uppercut elbow more powerful than punches in Muay Thai?
Unlike boxing gloves which protect the hands and forearms, the elbow has no protective covering on the bone itself, making it a much more powerful striking weapon. This is one of the key advantages of Muay Thai over boxing.
Can I throw the uppercut elbow with both arms or just one?
You can throw the uppercut elbow with one hand at a time or with both arms simultaneously, depending on the situation and your positioning relative to your opponent.
How does the Uppercut Elbow work?
The Uppercut Elbow family groups all elbow strikes delivered on an upward trajectory, where the elbow rises vertically or diagonally from below to strike the opponent's chin, jaw, or body. These techniques mirror the motion of an uppercut punch but deliver force through the harder and smaller surface of the elbow point, concentrating impact into a much smaller area.
Where does the Uppercut Elbow come from?
Uppercut elbows are a core component of Muay Thai's close-range arsenal, where the rising elbow from the clinch is considered one of the art's most effective weapons. The technique appears in classical Muay Boran postures and has been part of formal Thai boxing instruction since the sport's earliest codification.
Is the Uppercut 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 Uppercut Elbow?
Danger rating 7/10. Very High — rising elbow; targets chin from below
How do I set up the Uppercut Elbow?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Hip Rotation → Strike with Elbow Point.
How do I defend against the Uppercut 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 Uppercut Elbow?
Common variants: Standard uppercut (rising punch from below targeting the chin); Short uppercut (compact version for clinch range); Body uppercut (targeting the solar plexus with the rising punch); Lead uppercut (using the lead hand for a faster, less-telegraphed rising…).
How effective is the Uppercut Elbow in competition?
Used in Muay Thai and MMA.
What are common mistakes when doing the Uppercut Elbow?
Top errors to watch for: Scooping the elbow in a wide arc instead of driving straight up — the uppercut elbow is a vertical thrust / Not driving from the legs — the power comes from standing up explosively, not from arm lifting / Hitting with the forearm instead of the elbow point / Throwing the uppercut elbow from too far away where a punch uppercut would be more appropriate.
What are other names for the Uppercut Elbow?
The Uppercut Elbow is also known as Appākatto Erubō, Sok Ngat, Rising Elbow, Upward Elbow.