Multiple Ways to Set up the Muay Thai Up Elbow / Push Elbow

The up elbow—also referred to as the: spear elbow, in elbow, uppercut elbow, push elbow, etc.—is one of my absolute favorite techniques. If you bring your thumb up towards your shoulder blade, it creates a slicing motion. This can cause devastating, fight stopping cuts. If you jam the elbow forward—think attempting to pop your shoulder of its socket—you can create enough power for a big knockout.

However, because the elbow is a short strike, you have to properly set it up. Primarily there are two ways to do so: 1. Close the distance to get into elbow range; 2. Bait your opponent into elbow range. Fundamentally, the former requires that you come forward, while the latter requires you to move backwards convincing your opponent to get into elbow range.

Below you will find a video regarding multiple ways to set up this devastating elbow.

Additionally, you can fake the lead teep to land the push elbow. This is extremely effective for a couple of reasons. Firstly, faking the teep closes the distance. By simply lifting the leg or by hopping into range, faking the teep can take you from kick range all the way into elbow range. Likewise, if you opponent is parrying or catching your teep, the fake will get them to drop their hands. This leaves them vulnerable to a big elbow strike.

In one of Coach George’s early fights, he fakes the teep to land a big left up elbow, dropping his opponent. Ultimately, this leads to a second round knockout. Click through to 3:50 seconds if you want to fast forward directly to the fake teep into the elbow.

At Juniper Muay Thai, we only teach true and effective Muay Thai technique. Technique used in the ring. Technique that is used during a killer Women’s Muay Thai bag work out, during kids class to build confidence and grit, and for our advanced fight team to provide them the tools necessary to excel in the ring. Most of our students will never fight. But all of them will train like a fighter and learn skills necessary for self defense.

If you live in Philadelphia, come check out our gym. We offer a free trial class and a variety of programs to fit our students’ various needs regardless of goals, fitness levels, age, or experience.