Martial Arts: The Hook

Step 2: The Stance

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and taking a step back with your right foot to a comfortable distance, as if on tram lines. Then turn your feet 30º and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

REMEMBER! All energy is drawn up from the ground. It must flow through your body and be released through your target via the fist. You can do this with a combination of movements and perhaps more importantly, with your stance.

Step 3: The Hook

The key to a good hook is all in the use of body rotation. This will ensure you get the weight and momentum of your whole body behind the blow. And the faster the body, the faster the strike.

Since the arms are naturally faster than the body, it's easy to cheat and throw with arm power only. But the arm should not be allowed to lead or “finish the technique on its own”; nor should the body be allowed to move with the arm lagging behind.

Note: When punching, never be up on the balls of both feet at the same time. The transition from one foot to the other should be smooth and in tune with your strikes.

A common mistake when throwing the lead hook is to drop your guard below the level of your chin. This MUST NOT happen, as you will open a knockout target for your opponent's counter-strike. Keep your chin tucked down behind your shoulder.

When the hook lands, snap your body back to the point of origin as rapidly as possible.

Step 4: Breathing

Don't forget that correct breathing and the exhalation of your energy will improve your punching technique. Exhale throughout the entire execution of the punch. This exhalation should be strong and powerful and come from your abdomen. It's called the ”KI-AI”.

Step 5: Review

Remember! The perfect hook is a combination of a strong fist, a focusing of your energy, a solid stance, good hip rotation and breath control.