Straight knees and elbows = ouch.

[gregimotis]

Seems every time I spar allowing straight knees, somebody gets hurt. Not hurt bad because we try to keep it light, but today I have some ribs which are going to be sore for a while.

Elbows are the same way - I want to practice the strikes but dang-it if a class full of people can spar with any sort of aggression and not get knots on thier heads.


So the question to the forum -

How do your classes practice knees and elbows in such a way that people aren't getting to banged up and at the same time do learn the distance and timing and get a sense for the weapon?

[Khun Kao]

We NEVER spar with elbows. It is WAY too risky!!! Even with wearing elbow pads!

Knee sparring just needs to be done lightly. Jahb Dat! That is a Thai phrase meaning to emphasize your technique, but hit lightly! You guys need to police yourselves.

The only other thing I can suggest is to wear body shields or belly protectors as you knee spar to absorb the impact.

[gregimotis]

So, we also don't spar with elbows. I also don't feel like I am getting a very good sense for elbow use. We practice uplbows, downward elbows etc.in the air and on the bag, but I'm not convinced I would feel comfortable trying to use elbows in a fighting situation. Seems like I'm better off sticking to things I've actually practiced.


I know elbows are used effectively in the ring, so I'm afraid I'm missing something....

[Khun Kao]

You should be doing realistic pad drills.

Your Pad Holder should dress up accordingly:

Headgear
Elbow Pads
Focus Mitt on Lead Hand
Thai Pad on Rear Hand
Chest Protector AND/OR... Belly Protector
Cup!!!!!! (LOL)
Shinpads

The pad holder should move around realistically, kicking and swatting back at you with the pad and mitt. Work your elbow strikes into combination with your partner.

Done right, this kind of drill can actually REPLACE some of your sparring sessions, because it should almost be like sparring! The pad holder needs to be active, not just standing around and presenting you a target. He needs to stand in fighting stance and actually attack and defend.

[TheDeadlySquid]

What We Do

We practice light sparring with shin pads, gloves, mouthpiece and cup. There are no elbow allowed - way too dangerous. Otherwise, there are no straight knees just side striking knees in the clinch.

TheDealySquid

[Python]

I have to agree with all here...elbows are too dangerous to use sparring. However, when doing clinch work, with or without light knees, you can do elbows...but do it in an energy drill fashion(like hubud for example). So, you will be trying to control inside position in the clinch and apply elbows stopping just short of contact. One person applying the strike at a time and evenly exchanging. This way both know the elbow is coming and neither accidentally move into the strike.

I know it is not all out sparring like you want, but if you work it realistically, you WILL get a good feel for the elbows and when to throw them and also the angles they come in at to you so you can cover effectively.

As far as bag work, I am partial to B.O.B. from Century Martial Arts. No it does not hit back or evader or cover..lol...but you can get great technique and power work on it with your elbows. I am sure you already know this, but I thought i woul throw it in anyway, as I like to use the B.O.B. alot for clinch work when I have no partner.

Hope this helps!