Back to MMA Fundamentals
Striking
Hook
A curved punch thrown with a bent arm, targeting the side of the head or body.
Key Points
- •Power comes from hip and foot pivot, not the arm swinging alone
- •Can target the head or the ribs (body hook)
- •Keep the opposite hand up defensively
Instructions
- 1Keep your elbow bent at roughly 90 degrees, parallel to the ground.
- 2Rotate your hips, torso, and lead foot together in one motion, pivoting on the ball of your foot.
- 3Swing your fist in an arc toward the target, keeping the elbow height consistent throughout.
- 4Make contact with the first two knuckles.
- 5Snap back to guard rather than letting the arm hang out after the strike.
More Striking Techniques
Jab
A quick, straight punch with the lead hand used to gauge distance, set up combinations, and disrupt an opponent's rhythm.
Cross (Straight Right)
A powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand, generating power from hip and shoulder rotation.
Uppercut
A vertical, rising punch designed to land under an opponent's guard, often used at close range.
Low Kick
A roundhouse kick to the opponent's lead or rear thigh, used to wear down mobility over a fight.
Body Kick
A roundhouse kick aimed at the ribs or midsection to target the body and slow an opponent's breathing.
Head Kick
A high roundhouse kick targeting the head — high risk, high reward, often used as a fight-ending strike.