AOKK Kumite: Hook

This too is a power punch. Again, it too is delivered from a balanced stance. The hook is mainly to the ribs but can be delivered to the head also. This is another punch that needs to be set-up. The karateka must get the opponent to lift their elbow to expose the rib cage. One may notice the opponent’s elbow rise after a cross is thrown to his face. Knowing a fighter’s tendencies, will set him/her up for the hook. If he drops his elbow to protect his ribs this sets up the hook to the head. The hips, legs, and shoulders generate the power for the hook. Before throwing the hook bend the knees slightly and rotate the hips and shoulders. Also push off with both feet. That means the heel of the rear leg should not be in contact with the floor. The elbow is locked in a ninety-degree position until contact is made. Transfer the weight from the rear leg to the front leg.

Do not use arm strength to throw this punch. With arm strength only, you’re throwing a glorified haymaker. Throwing this big lumbering circular punch leaves the ribs and chin unprotected.  If an attacker charges with these wide looping punches, step inside the attack and block the strike with the forearm, and immediately counter with a cross to the chin or solar plexus.

The Hook is a type of circular punch and that means it is slower to develop, but it is also a very powerful punch. You must set this punch up. For example, if the opponent pulls his elbow up to cover the face when you throw a cross, fake the cross and when he raises the arm hook to the ribs. If an opponent keeps his/her elbows close to their ribs, throw the hook into the bicep muscle of the arm. Pounding the arms will diminish the fighter’s ability to punch.  We think nothing of hammering away at an opponent’s legs with shin kicks to impede their ability to kick, but we seldom use the same strategy to break down the upper body. The Hook can be used as a set-up for other techniques. Many fighters think it is an all or nothing technique, but if you notice the opponent pulling his/her elbows away from the ribs after you deliver a hook, this could mean that the hook could be used to set-up the uppercut. As the elbows move away from the opponent’s ribs, lower your center and drive an upper cut to the point of his/her chin.

Punch Mechanics:

1. Start in a guarding position with the lead hand (LH) and leg forward (LL). The rear power hand (RH) covers the chin.
2. Jab punch
3. Bend the knees
4. Bend the power arm at the elbow creating a 90º angle.
5. Over rotate the hips pivoting on the rear foot (RF). Step sideways slightly with the lead leg (LL). Push with the rear foot.
6. Pull the lead hand back to cover the side of your head
7. Transfer your weight to the lead leg
8. Drive the fist into the ribs, head, or opponent’s biceps muscle.
9. Jab punch
10. Move out of the opponent’s circle of combat and back into the guarding position.