How to throw a good left hook

“You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you're down to your reflexes, your preparation.” (Smokin’ Joe Frazier, one of the greatest left hookers of all time)

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I first learned the power of the left hook at City Star Kickboxing Gym. I trained there — well before cable TV and the interwebs turned martial arts into a spectacle — with some contenders and some champions. But like everyone else, I had to prove myself in the ring.

Early on, I got matched to spar with a guy named Phil. He was well-liked, a little bigger than me, but I didn't think much of him as a fighter. Insulted to be regarded in his class, I circled Phil deftly and waited for him to make a move.

Once he committed, I evaded the strike and took advantage of the subsequent opening — putting him down with a short, sharp left hook that bloodied his nose.

A good moment, in that macho, 20-year-old sort of way.

Contrary to popular opinion, cinematic fisticuffs, and fighters with poor fundamentals, the hook is not a wide, looping punch that originates somewhere in left field and thus leaves the puncher exposed.

They call it a “hook” precisely because your arm position should resemble a hook: a 90-degree angle at the elbow with your palm facing down at the point of impact.

Some Basics:

• In a left-hand lead on-guard position, tuck your chin down into your left shoulder

• Pivot your hips, waist, and front left foot in the direction of the punch. Torque your whole left side but especially: twist your lead left foot like you were putting out a cigarette. This will generate power without expending too much energy or movement.

• The hook can be thrown as part of a combination (e.g. jab-cross-hook or jab-hook) or as a single punch to catch an opponent who is on the attack

• Mix up your targets: Hook to the head, the body, or double up

When using a left-hand leading stance, your left hook is essentially thrown outside of your opponent's vision. It's an economical strike that, when executed properly, has the full force of your body weight behind it and is awfully tough to see coming.

The left hook is a knockout blow that can stop a charging opponent in their tracks and change the momentum of any battle.

Often, the only way to know if a battle can still be won is to keep on fighting. Sometimes, when all seems lost, all it takes is one punch to turn the tide.

Btw, City Star Kickboxing Gym closed suddenly when the owner went to fight as a mercenary in El Salvador — but I was never clear about which side he was on!

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Note: The instruction presented above is not meant for anyone with contraindicated health problems. Please consult a trusted medical or fitness professional.