No, you cannot elbow people in standard boxing. Elbowing is a prohibited technique in most mainstream combat sports, including traditional boxing.
Why Elbowing is Typically Not Allowed in Boxing
- Safety Concerns: Elbows are very hard and bony, and strikes with the elbow can cause significant cuts, fractures, and other serious injuries.
- Maintaining Fair Play: Traditional boxing rules are designed to promote a contest based on punching skill and strategy, excluding techniques considered too dangerous.
- Specific Rule Sets: The regulations of governing bodies such as the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) specifically prohibit elbow strikes.
Exceptions to the Rule
While elbowing is not allowed in standard boxing, there are combat sports where it is permitted:
Southeast Asian Boxing
Several traditional Southeast Asian martial arts do allow elbow strikes:
- Pradal Serey (Cambodian Boxing)
- Kun Khmer (Khmer Boxing)
- Muay Lao (Lao Boxing)
- Lethwei (Burmese Boxing) These combat sports often include elbow strikes as part of their sanctioned techniques.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Most MMA organizations allow some types of elbow strikes.
- Rules for elbows vary depending on the specific MMA organization. For instance, some may allow elbows to the head when both fighters are on their feet but restrict or prohibit them when grounded.
Table of Allowed Elbow Usage in Combat Sports
| Combat Sport | Elbowing Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Standard Boxing | No |
| Pradal Serey (Cambodian Boxing) | Yes |
| Kun Khmer (Khmer Boxing) | Yes |
| Muay Lao (Lao Boxing) | Yes |
| Lethwei (Burmese Boxing) | Yes |
| Most MMA Organizations | Yes (with variations) |
Conclusion
Elbowing is strictly prohibited in traditional boxing due to safety concerns and to ensure a fair, skill-based competition. However, some martial arts and MMA formats permit elbow strikes under specific guidelines.
