Training the Hook (diary entry)

25.10.21 My teacher consultancy lesson for Forest Karate returned and we decided to focus our Zoom lesson on the hook punch. After warming up with specific callisthenics, dynamic stretching and layered footwork we went through the hook and its variations. We began with the mid-range hook, which I think might be called the basic hook. This is the classic punch most people envisage when they think of a hook. We went through the five ranges of boxing and then looked at how the mid-range dictated the execution of this technique. Then we looked at how to load it for the body and head. This began with setting it up with the right and then we looked at using weaving and ducking. The rear hook was also brought in at this stage. Jack Dempsey, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Marciano, Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier and Tommy Morrison were all cited for their expert use of the left mid-range hook. It is definitely a technique popular with swarmers and a fair few sluggers too. Then we moved onto long range hook. This is only a lead punch. It can be thrown as jab that changes its direction at the last moment - the straight arm hook - or just thrown in a long arc. For me, Joe Louis's legendary right cross was only rivaled by this punch. We used both his jab/lead hook combination and also his checking hook, which was also famously used by Floyd Mayweather amongst others. The close-range hook was taught as shovel hook. It has been argued that the structure of the shovel hook best suits this range. However, Mike Tyson would vary a shorter version of his mid-range hook with good effect and we should not forget the great Bob Fitzsimmons, whose switch-hitting shift has similarities with Tyson's footwork. Fitzsimmons used his close range hook to the solar plexus with amazing effect, including the dethroning of Gentleman Jim Corbett. However, the shovel hook is a superb punch and not just as a liver shot. I cited Sandy Saddler and Razor Ruddock as expert users of the shovel hook to the head. We used setups with the right, including the overhand to throw the shovel hook in to the body or head.   https://clubbchimera.com/services/