Empi-uchi

(elbow strike) can be broken down into four separate techniques: - for striking to the front, to the rear, sideways and upward. Begin the forward strike with the fist palm upward just above the waist; finish with the elbow pointing straight ahead and the fist downward against the chest. The angle between the upper- and forearm should be as sharp as possible. The upward strike begins similarly but finishes with the fist close to - and palm facing - the ear. At the finish of the backward strike the fist is more or less in the starting position for the forward and upward strikes, with the palm upward and the elbow pointing directly to the rear. For the sideward strike start with the attacking arm pointing away from the target across the body and the fist or open hand palm upward; finish with the fist palm downward and against the chest.