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Smartchai's MUAY THAI Database
-ELBOWS-

The elbow is capable of striking from many angles and various directions. It can be directed in any of the eight basic directions including the center which, in this case, would be a forward spearing motion towards the opponent. It can strike backwards in basically 3 different angles. Jumping into the air can add power to any version of the DOWNWARD elbow attack. There are special elbow attacks where one leg is used to step upon one of the opponent's thighs acting as the stepping support while one arm grabs the neck or shoulder of that opponent and the other executes a DOWNWARD elbow. Sometimes, the Thai boxer will take an extra step higher by placing the other foot on top of one of the opponent's shoulders. This version where two steps are taken, one leg on the thigh and the other on the shoulder, is popularly known as "Hanuman Steps Into The City Of Lanka". SIDEWARD elbow attacks are included in the Thai arsenal and there are a variety of SPINNING elbow attacks which use the BACKWARD elbow from a turning action towards the other person. The medium level SPINNING ELBOW is popularly known as "Vishnu's Chakra" while the low level SPINNING elbow is often referred to as "Deer Looks Back". There are also several variations on the DOUBLE elbow attacks and the one involving a duo downward motion is popularly known as "Elephant Thrusts Its Tusks". The main target is the head of the opponent instead of the body so as to avoid being hit by an elbow and/or knee strike, however, the body can become a target. Unlike most other martial arts, the shoulder of the attacking arm is usually lifted in front of the face in order to protect the philtrum, jaw, chin, and cheek bone while the other arm is raised in a defensive position. Remember that every elbow strike is delivered with the turning of the hips followed by body.

CHERNG SAWK (Elbow Techniques):

1. Throwing The Spear
2. Elbowing The Face
3. Old Woman's Sickle
4. Pointing The Chin
5. Clearing The Forest
6. Thundering Sky
7. Stopping The Leopard
8. Vishnu's Chakra
9. Deer Looks Back
10. Deer Shakes Its Head
11. Elephant Goes Berserk
12. Trembling Earth
13. Stopping The Army
14. Angkee Shines The Light
15. Fortifying The Mountain
16. Serpent Drags Its Tail
17. Elephant Thrusts Its Tusks
18. Entering The City Of Serpents
19. Troops Move The Army / Marching Troops
20. Pushing Both Arms
21. Hammer Hits The Anvil
22. Throwing The Earth
23. Hermit Pounds The Medicine
24. Serpent Moves Its Body / Slithering Serpent

GKON MUAY GKAA SAWK (Defensive Tactics Against An Elbow):

1. Rama Pulls The Arrow
2. Rama Breaks The Arrow
3. Rama Hits With The Arrow
4. Rama Pushes The Arrow