Elbow diagonal

The downward diagonal elbow is delivered from short range with compact power.
In this strike:

• The elbow is raised, arm slightly bent

• The movement goes diagonally from high outside to low inside

• Power is generated from shoulder, core and hips, not just the arm

• The non-striking hand stays up for guard or opponent control

• Target areas: head, jaw, neck, clavicle, shoulder

Purpose & Application:

• Powerful close-range striking tool

• Effective as a counter or follow-up in tight situations

• Ideal after entries, slaps, clinch control or manipulation

• Causes disruption, balance loss, and defensive reaction in the opponent

Benefits:

• Compact and powerful

• Needs very little space – perfect for confined settings

• Hard to block when thrown from flow or during clinch

• Creates reflexive reactions – opening follow-up opportunities

• Easily combined with slaps, knees, or push-outs

Training Tips:

• Don’t wind up – strike directly from compact motion

• Focus on hip and core rotation, not arm muscle

• The elbow doesn’t need to go high – just efficient diagonal path

• Visualize your target: always strike with purpose

• Great combo: Slap → Diagonal Elbow → Push

Drill Ideas:

Solo Drill:

• Shadow drill with diagonal elbow after entry

• Visualize target zones on mirror or mat

Partner Drill (passive):

• Partner holds angled pad → diagonal elbow strike

• Light control grip → elbow reaction

Partner Drill (active):

• Entry with slap → clinch tie → diagonal elbow

• Flow drill: Cover → Slap → Diagonal Elbow → Exit