When throwing the hook punch, we use the first part of the knuckles (base of the metacarpals) of your clenched fist. Because they are small bones you will want to punch areas of the body that will not damage them. For example punching the head of an assailant can leave you with a broken hand, wrist, or broken fingers. That being said, punching someone in the face or nose is a powerful strike that can end the fight. If you are going to punch to the head, stay away from the forehead as it is the hardest part of the skull. Instead aim lower for the mouth or nose, striking there will create the most amount of pain due to all the sensory nerves there (if you've ever been hit in the nose, you know what I'm talking about).
One of my favorite hook punches, is to the body. A well placed hook to the liver or kidneys can drop an assailant immediately. Getting hit with a hook punch in those organs will shut the assailant down, dropping them fast. Another great area to punch is the solar plexus, getting punched there will knock the wind out of them, leaving them bent over and gasping for air.
Other great areas to hook punch are to the floating ribs, the lower abdominal region (below the belt), and the groin. Due to the numerous sensory nerves in the organs adjacent to those areas, getting punched hard there can also end a fight. And the best part about hook punches to the body is that it will not damage your punching hand.
Additionally, hooks punches are a versatile weapon . You can throw a hook punch from standing, on your knees, or off your back. This week we will cover hook punches from the standing position.
How to throw a hook punch from the standing position:
Start with your feet shoulder width apart in a neutral stance, or fighting stance (if using fighting stance, use your rear hand to perform the punch).
Hold your hands up slightly above and in front of your head (protecting your face without blocking your vision) and clench your fists.
Turn your hip in one direction and raise the heel of that hip up and outward. For punching the face or neck, turn the punching fists palm side down (parallel to the ground). For punching the body, drop the punching hand to his body’s height, and have the palm of your closed fist facing you.
Next, rotate your waist towards the assailant’s body, punching horizontally outward, into your intended target.
Start off slowly and break it down into steps. Ultimately you will be able to perform this punch in a fluid manner. Slow is smooth, and smooth becomes fast.
Repeat and practice with your other fist.
Caution! Do not bend your wrist when punching, turn your shoulder, arm, and hip instead.
Below is a quick tutorial of how to throw a hook punch to the body.
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Until next time, Stay Safe!
Lawrence Castanon
Hook punch to the body from the standing position