In this paper, a hybrid approach is presented for discriminating a few upper limb movements by processing the electromyographic (EMG) signals from selected shoulder muscles. Statistical techniques, such as the Generalized Likelihood Ratio test, the Principal Component Analysis, autoregressive parametric modeling techniques and cepstral analysis techniques, combined with a fuzzy logic based classifier (the Abe-Lan network) are used to construct low-dimensional feature spaces with high classification rates. The experimental results show the ability of the algorithm to correctly classify all the EMG patterns related to the selected planar arm pointing movements. Moreover, the structure presented offers promise for real-time applications because of the low computation costs of the overall algorithm.