The Target Elbow Strike

Korean: Palgup Pyojeok Chigi

                This is one of the most common elbow strikes in Taekwondo poomsae.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked and misunderstood elbow strikes.  Although similar to the round elbow strike in the way that it is delivered, this elbow strike is typically only executed with the rear elbow and makes contact with the palm of the opposite hand as if the palm were a target, which lends to this strike’s name.  This palm-to-elbow connection is the main reason that this elbow strike is so misunderstood.

                As for the generation of power for this technique, it is essentially the same as that of the round elbow strike.  The only difference is that the lead hand is also used to pull a target inward as the elbow is thrust forward.  One mistake that many practitioners make with this elbow strike is that they stop the technique at a position in which the upper body is squared off and the forearms are parallel with the chest.  For an effective and powerful strike, the hips should rotate just as they would with a round elbow strike and the tip of the elbow should be pointing straight ahead.  The elbow strike itself should be executed exactly as you would with a round elbow strike.