Foundation: The Tap and Spin

The oblique spin-back hook kick begins with a simple tap to establish positioning. All power generation originates from the rotational spin itself, not from initial foot placement. The instructor emphasizes keeping the movement tight and controlled from the starting position.

Facing Mechanics and Setup

The practitioner must understand their body orientation before executing the kick. Starting from a forward-facing stance, the fighter executes a complete rotation to face backward. This 180-degree turn establishes the proper foundation for the subsequent kick.

Clinch Application and Distance Management

The technique functions effectively following a clinch where the fighter pushes the opponent away. After creating separation, if the opponent immediately advances back into range, the spinning back kick becomes immediately available. This reactive timing is crucial for real-world application.

Counter-Risk Assessment in MMA

A primary concern when executing the spin-back kick is an opponent charging during execution. Throwing the kick too wide exposes the fighter's back and creates counterattack opportunities. Maintaining a tight knee position is essential to prevent vulnerabilities and potential reversals.

Two-Phase Breakdown for Beginners

The kick decomposes into two fundamental phases: a 180-degree rotation to face backward, followed by driving the knee upward with the foot extending backward. This simplified progression helps beginners understand the basic mechanics before advancing to more sophisticated variations.

Advanced Variation: 150-Degree Rotation

For experienced practitioners, the rotation reduces to approximately 150 degrees, with hip rotation completing the remaining 30 degrees. This compression of the initial turn generates additional power through the final hip snap. The technique becomes more explosive while maintaining defensive integrity.

Power Generation from Hip Rotation

The power source originates exclusively from the hip rotation and whip action, not from arm or shoulder engagement. The striking occurs as the leg whips backward through the final phase of rotation. Even minimal arm involvement diminishes efficiency; the hip snap alone generates substantial force.

Tight Execution vs. Wide Execution

A wider kick stance produces greater raw power but sacrifices defensive security. A tighter knee position reduces maximum power output but significantly decreases the opponent's counter-attack opportunities. The instructor recommends the conservative tight variation for practical safety and positional security.

The Pit Martial Arts: Pit Master Teaches Spinning Back Kick

PitBlackBelt

Oblique Spin-Back Hook Kick

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M54S video

Key Takeaways

•Foundation: The Tap and Spin
•Facing Mechanics and Setup
•Clinch Application and Distance Management
•Counter-Risk Assessment in MMA

The Pit Martial Arts: Pit Master Teaches Spinning Back Kick The Pit is a professional mixed martial arts association and training camp that operates in Arroyo Grande, California; with a branch in Henderson, Nevada, and affiliate schools throughout the United States. Founded in 1986 by John Hackleman, its fighters have competed in various promotions such as the UFC, WEC, DREAM and many others. The Pit became world famous when Pit black belt Chuck Liddell became the UFC light-heavyweight champion. Hawaiian Kempo blends kickboxing, western boxing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kempo,and wrestling. The Pit places a heavy emphasis on "CrossPit" The Pit's specialty strength and conditioning fitness program developed in the vein of CrossFit. In order to add more time for a more fitness-oriented curriculum aimed at producing well-conditioned athletes, training katas were eliminated from the original KaJuKenBo formula. Practicality and usability are emphasized in the areas of striking and grappling. Bag training is emphasized both standing and on the ground. John Hackleman was born in New York City but moved to Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of four. He began studying Judo when he was about nine years old. By the time he entered high school, Hackleman was a Golden Gloves boxer and a competitive kickboxer. He had some Shotokan Karate training, but by the age of 10 studied Judo and KaJuKenBo under Walter Godin, with whom he would continue to train until Godin’s death in 2002. Kajukenbo is a mixture of Kempo Karate, Tang Soo Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Chinese Kenpo, and Chinese boxing (Kung Fu), which was developed in Hawaii between 1947 to 1949 and which was developed specifically as a street fighting art. In 1979, Hackleman enlisted in the Army in response to the Iran hostage crisis. He spent three years as a member of the Army boxing team, during which time he won the state and regional Golden Gloves titles. After leaving the Army, Hackleman worked as a professional boxer under the management of Don King Promotions. Although, there is some speculation that Hackleman's professional boxing record consists of 17 wins, 3 losses, with 15 knockouts, this record cannot be verified. Hackleman's record maintained by BoxRec is 8 wins, 4 losses, with 7 knockouts and 1 draw. Two of his losses were by knockout. In 1985, Hackleman moved to California and renamed his martial arts style to Hawaiian Kempo. The Pit Martial Arts: http://www.thepitmma.com/ The Pit Online Dojo: http://www.thepitonlinedojo.com/ The Pit Ohana Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePitOhana/

Related Techniques

Bent-Body Hook Kick Bent-Body Spin-Back Hook Kick Downward Hook Kick Drop Hook Kick Drop Spin-Back Downward High Hook Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about oblique spin-back hook kick?

This video covers foundation: the tap and spin, facing mechanics and setup, clinch application and distance management. It provides detailed instruction from PitBlackBelt.

How long does it take to learn oblique spin-back hook kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.