Do you guys spar with elbows?

HoyBoi · 10-31-2009, 12:52 PM

Just like the question says: How many of you guys use elbows in your sparring sessions?

I've been wanting to bring it up with my coach. The more advanced guys do it in a controlled way, but what's a good way for relative beginners to start using them?

Do any of you think elbow pads are a good idea? Or is it more of an unjustified phobia about elbows causing too many cuts and stuff?

ChrisTheMyth · 10-31-2009, 01:09 PM

I don't think amateur fighting even allows elbows on the ground. Anyways I never use them and I've never seen them used in practice. I have only been to amateur sparring sessions though so I mean MAYBE some pro's do but that seems a little excessive.

**Ron Powell Jr** · 10-31-2009, 01:09 PM

We throw elbows from time to time in light sparring, but we never touch eachother with them unless we slow them down just to work the technique and they block them,

too risky, especially if someone has a fight coming up. It's easy to cut with an elbow.

Centaur · 10-31-2009, 01:15 PM

If you're in Vancouver, there's no elbows at all in competition, unless it's for an International Title. Even then elbow pads are used. If you REALLY want to, and your coach gives you the ok, I suggest getting some elbow pads to use.

If you're still starting out I'd recommend sticking with kicks, punches and clinch (with or without knees) for awhile, seeing as how those are going to be the tools used.

Varth · 10-31-2009, 01:16 PM

Elbows are already dangerous imagine newbies doing them. I say just practice elbow's on bag's and you'll be fine.

HoyBoi · 10-31-2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks guys... We train elbows when we do techniques, and Centaur and Chris are right, they're not allowed in competition.

I guess I was just wondering about translating the theory to practice with regards to elbows. I'm also hoping to just get some general impression of what they're like in sparring from the more experienced guys.

Anyway, as has already been mentioned, I've got more important things to work on right now, like footwork, defense and my weak-ass clinch. Thanks again guys.

pimpstrocity · 10-31-2009, 02:10 PM

Only light to the body.

trebor · 10-31-2009, 04:15 PM

where i train we do have elbow only sparring in the muay thai class. we stand pretty much toe to toe and use elbows, the instuctor stresses its only very light. its just for getting used to how close you have to be to throw an elbow..

Ryukyu Damashi · 10-31-2009, 04:27 PM

Me and a few of my fighters throw elbows when we clinch. Aim mostly for the side of the neck and only lightly.

HoyBoi · 11-01-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryukyu Damashi

Me and a few of my fighters throw elbows when we clinch. Aim mostly for the side of the neck and only lightly.

By fighters I'm assuming pro-level fighters? I'm saying this because it seems aiming for the side of the neck sounds just-as if not more dangerous than elbows to the face for the purpose of cutting...

Thanks for the input so far fellas, keep 'em coming.