Elbow Strike – Krav Maga Technique

This page provides details for a variety of Krav Maga elbow strikes. These striking techniques are very effective for in-close self-defense situations. For more techniques, please visit the main Krav Maga Techniques section. To see how elbow strikes (i.e. spinning elbow strikes) are done by other martial arts, please visit the main Elbow Strikes section.

In Krav Maga, martial arts students are often taught seven different elbow strikes (or elbows 1-7). These include elbow #1 – horizontal high elbow strike, elbow #2 – sideways elbow strike, elbow #3 – horizontal backward elbow strike, elbow #4- vertical backward low elbow strike, elbow #5 – vertical backward elbow strike (high target), elbow #6 – vertical forward & upward elbow strike and elbow #7 – vertical forward & down elbow strike.

These pages are meant to reinforce and supplement what you have learned in your Krav Maga classes. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a Krav Maga instructor who can give an in-depth explanation of the technique, correct your mistakes and detail how the technique should be utilized. Moreover, be aware that there are a variety of Krav Maga schools and associations so martial arts students might learn variations to these techniques.

All martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.

Videos on Krav Maga Elbow Strikes