Hi to all,
Since I made the post, I've made of been working with elbow up and
down blocking. What works for me
is elbow down on hooks and up on long range straights, this works
nice getting to the side of someone after they throw a straight and
setting up a nasty backfist. In close range I stick to elbow down,
I'm just not fast enough to block with elbow up at such a close
range.
Chuck


--- In classicpugilism@yahoogroups.com, "Stuart McDermid"
<s_j_mc@y...> wrote:
> Hey Guys,
>
> This is the best topic in a while IMO. How relevant my answer is
> depends on whether you are a reconstructionist or someone using
BKB
> for self defence. If the former, then this post won't interest you
> much.
>
> IMHO, using the classical elbow up method is asking for someone to
> elbow push you and execute a go behind or pull on your structure
to
> unbalance you. If you are close enough to throw the backfist as a
> counter easily then you are close enough to take advantage of the
> inside position that a good tight guard will give you and perhaps
> clinch to throw knees or attempt a takedown.
>
> One form of the elbow up method I do use is based on old Russian
> pugilism and involves first contacting a round punch with the
elbow
> down (on the centre forearm) and then rotating the elbow up and
the
> hand down to allow the punch to travel it's path but pass above
and
> in front of your head. I only consider this method safe because it
> moves you to the outside line of his punching arm in really good
> position to take control of the fight.The advantage of this method
is
> that your opponent remains committed to his blow well after you
> complete the defence which gives ample time for a considered
counter.
> Cheers,
> Stu.
>
>
>
>
> --- In classicpugilism@yahoogroups.com, Ken Pfrenger
> <kenpfrenger@g...> wrote:
> > On 4/14/05, baldmonkeyboy <baldmonkeyboy@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Last night we where working on blocking and parries with the
> forearms
> > > and I was wondering which way people favor? Through prior
> training I
> > > instinctively go with the elbow down, I'm trying to work the
> elbow up
> > > but it's not a natural reaction yet. Elbow up is great for
> setting up
> > > the back fist from the opponents straight and I believe Kent
> mentions
> > > on Kirks video how it was also used to stop someone from
shooting
> in
> > > for a takedown. Any other thoughts on the subject?
> > > Chuck
> >
> > Hi Chuck,
> >
> > I am running late on my replies:)
> >
> > Sometimes I block up and sometimes down. It really depends on the
> > angle of the attack and where my arm happens to be. I really
really
> > like to do the Mendoza style elbow up as often as I can since in
> leads
> > to that sweet backfist but sometimes a more modern elbow down
style
> is
> > more practical. And yes you definitely can use that elbow to
> > aggressively defind yourself with.
> >
> > ken