An elbow strike (commonly referred to as simply an "elbow") is a strike with the point of the elbow, the part of the forearm nearest to the elbow, or the part of the upper arm nearest to the elbow. Elbows can be thrown sideways similarly to a hook, upwards similarly to an uppercut, or downwards with the point of the elbow.

Elbowing is a disallowed practice in most combat sports. Muay Thai and several mixed martial arts organizations such as the UFC do however allow elbowing, or allow elbowing in a specific manner. The mixed martial arts organizations disallowing it usually do so because elbowing the head increases the risk of lacerations in a fight. Pettifer, Ross. What is MMA - Background. www.cagewarriors.com. URL last accessed January 31 2006.

References

=Main reference

• Løvstad, Jakob. The Mixed Martial Arts Primer. www.idi.ntnu.no. URL last accessed January 31 2006. (DOC format)

=Other references