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Hooking punch is probably the most common punch. It is frequently used all over the globe, be it in boxing, kick boxing or MMA. In fact even on the streets it is most commonly albeit poorly applied. Surely it must be a valid technique as it has led to countless knock outs and broken jaws. Yet there are many who are screaming that hooking punches must never be used. Many people believe straight punches are way to go due to their speed and control. Let’s explore this matter further.
Hooking punch is a powerful punch that applies momentum gained from rotation of entire body to the target, usually the opponent’s jaw, temple or torso. This punch with little bit of practice can be correctly executed and incorporated into some combinations. Of course much greater amount of practice is required to truly master it. It’s probably the technique’s relative ease of use and its high power delivery that has made it a first choice in street brawls. Here are some knock outs achieved with the hooking punches.
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However the punch’s ease of use and power don’t come without disadvantages. While the punch is easy to use it’s just as easy to misuse. It’s poor and sloppy execution has led to countless broken fingers, thumbs and torn biceps muscles especially in street fights. Hooking punch is practiced most commonly on bag or pads while wearing gloves. This may lead to martial artist developing bad habits such as punching with finger joints other than knuckles just to increase range slightly. While this is less likely to injure the punch thrower if he, or she is wearing gloves it will certainly cause some nasty consequences if applied without gloves. Also the hooking punch travels in circular motion, rendering it much slower than punches travelling in straight line. This is probably the main reason why some may discredit validity of the punch. However we have to bear in mind that this punch was never meant to be used for stalling opponent’s techniques, but as a part of combination or surprise element, where need for speed is outweighed by the need of knockout power. It is like saying shooting for take down is not valid as lifting knee to opponent’s face is faster.
I believe that while the hooking punch has numerous disadvantages compared to straight punch, it is a perfectly valid technique in the ring as well as on the street if executed correctly. It is packing more power but sacrifices speed. Like any technique it has its advantages as well as disadvantages and it is not what punch you use but how you use it.
I’d love to hear and discuss your views on this topic regardless whether they agree with mine or not.
Article written by Hubert Bieluczyk
Martial Arts Talks 