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Hiji (肘)

Introduction

Hiji (肘) refers to the elbow as a striking surface.

It is used in strikes at very close range.

Definition

Hiji (肘)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the point of the elbow or the elbow zone.

Terminology

Japanese: 肘
Romaji: hiji
English: elbow

Structure / Form

Basic position

  • the arm is bent
  • the elbow is directed toward the target
  • the movement is kept compact

Position

  • the technique is kept close to the body
  • the elbow forms the striking surface

Wrist and forearm

  • the arm is kept stable
  • the movement is driven from the body, not only from the forearm

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the point of the elbow
  • the elbow zone

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • forearm
  • upper arm

Basic principles

Structure

The arm is kept compact so that the elbow becomes clear as a striking surface.

Body connection

Power is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → leg → hip → torso → shoulder → arm → striking surface

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → ashi (足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → kata (肩) → ude (腕) → datotsu-bu (打突部)

Kime (決め)

Power is concentrated at the moment of impact.

Execution

Movement

  • the technique starts without unnecessary tension
  • the movement is driven by the coordination of the body
  • the strike follows a short path close to the body

Impact

  • contact occurs with the elbow zone
  • the force is concentrated in a short and compact moment of impact

Retraction

  • the arm is pulled back directly after impact
  • the opposite arm is kept tight and controlled

Use

Hiji is used, among other things, in:

  • hiji age-uchi (肘上げ打ち)
  • hiji jōdan-uchi (肘上段打ち)
  • hiji chūdan-ate (肘中段当て)
  • hiji oroshi-uchi (肘下ろし打ち)

Common targets are:

  • chin
  • face
  • abdomen
  • neck

Training

Hiji is trained through:

  • kihon
  • controlled repetitions
  • close-range drill

Focus:

  • correct striking surface
  • compact movement
  • stable structure
  • clear body connection

Common errors

Too large a movement

  • breaks the compact form
  • the technique becomes slow

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the forearm or upper arm
  • the strike loses its clarity

Unstable structure

  • the arm collapses at the moment of impact
  • power is transferred less effectively

Too long a distance

  • the technique is used outside its intended range
  • the effect is reduced

Summary

Hiji (肘) is a striking surface where the point of the elbow or the elbow zone is used at very close range.

It is defined by:

  • bent arm
  • compact movement
  • the elbow as the striking surface
  • use at close range