Elbow Strike in Karate – Hiji Ate

The elbow strike is a basic Karate technique ideal for close quarters fighting. Image shows a Goju-Ryu Karate student practicing the strike with Sensei Terry Lyon.

GoJu-Ryu Karate places emphasis on close quarters fighting. Thus it uses a variety of close inn fighting techniques including the elbow strike. Everyone has reasonably strong elbows – after all they are practically all bone – that makes them formidable weapons ideal for close distance strikes.

Elbow Strike

A student practices Hiji Ate, the elbow strike, with Sensei Lyon (left).

The picture shows Goji-Ryu Karate instructor Terry Lyon (left) on the receiving end of Hiji Ate, the japanese name for elbow strike.

With practice and correct technique the Hiji Ate can be devastating to your attacker. It can be delivered in a variety of different ways with great power.