I've just seen a clip from a TACSAFE video.

The pratitioners are primarily using their elbows to deflect on coming attacks.

What do you think? Useful or Hollywood?

Budo.

In my opinion the idea of basing a system of self defence around using the elbows to block is a little "Holywood" but in fairness ive not seen that video so I shouldn't be too harsh. In principal its a great idea, the elbows are second to none for destructive blocking. The only problem is that when put "on the spot" it takes a lot of pre programmed practice and / or lots of luck to connect with the elbow all or even some of the time. That being said, when it comes to an "intermediate" range of fighting, where elbows/knees etc are most effective, I prefer a system whereby I have both hands clenched at my temples with the arms hanging verticaly down, much like a western boxers guard. From here you can both throw elbows and forearms from all different angles, but also minor adjustments enable the elbow to be more effective than normal in blocking attacks. That being said, no plan survives contact with the enemy anyway, so though useful and something to aim for I suggest its very hard to guarentee in practice.

Regds
Mr V

[This message has been edited by MrVigerous (edited 04-22-2003).]

Not bad. It is the hardest part of the body.

You can't trap or parry very well without using the hands or wrists.

With regars to MRV, an short elbow or very short chicken head block is about as on the spot as it gets.

Don't forget their value in jamming rising and circular knees in close. Right in on the thigh. Ouch!

Blocking with elbows and using forearms to strike and throw may make for a very smooth and quick fight. And no external bruises, except for their shin of hand.

Here is the clip.
http://www.tacsafe.com/Seminars/Seminars-intro.htm

click on the top one of the two pictures.

Budo.

I think elbows are great close in, but I would prefer to keep any agressor at arms length if possible.
Sharon

Sharon,A real fight would be a close in fight,& Elbows should be used for mostly blocking/striking,Not deflecting, As deflecting a strike from close in is'nt practical. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif[/IMG]

Sensei Rhodes, how close are you talking about and what about trapping and tegumi drills?

I'm Not speaking of fight thats in arms reach,But more of a face to face,altercation. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

Ishinryu Kid, I agree, most fights end up close in, I said I would PREFER to keep at arms length if possible. Best case scenario is asmack in the jaw as they rush in or taking out the legs before they get close enough. But I appreciate that most times most of us would not be that fast or that accurate and I agree that an elbow strike can be devastating.
Sharon

i agree with wadowoman. Keep the attacker as far away as possible. I've never used elbows for blocking... Although in Sunsu kata (isshin ryu version) there is an elbow block...)