Introduction to Rear Hook Kick
The rear hook kick differs fundamentally from the rear low kick in both execution and tactical application. This tutorial demonstrates why the rear hook kick offers distinct advantages in combat situations, particularly regarding hand positioning and recovery time.
Rear Low Kick vs. Rear Hook Kick: Key Differences
The rear low kick employs a roundabout circular motion from outside to inside, requiring the fighter to pivot and open their hips. In contrast, the rear hook kick delivers a more direct strike while maintaining superior hand defense and faster recovery.
Superior Defensive Positioning
When executing the rear hook kick, the fighter maintains hand protection at the face throughout the technique. The rear low kick leaves the defender vulnerable during execution, as the extended pivot creates a longer recovery window and compromised defensive posture.
Proper Striking Surface and Conditioning
The rear hook kick should be delivered with the full blade of the shin, developed through consistent conditioning. For unpadded striking, the toes provide maximum reach advantage; a properly executed kick can dislocate or damage the kneecap regardless of whether the opponent steps back.
Execution and Setup
The motion begins with weight distributed back, then initiates foot movement while immediately bringing hands to face protection. The rear hook kick is most effective when set up with upper-line combinations—such as jab-cross or eye jabs—to distract and position the opponent's rear leg within range.
Common Technical Errors
Many practitioners incorrectly lower their hands during the rear low kick, exposing the face to counter-strikes. Additionally, movements like hand-checking or "asking" motions add no combat value and waste time in situations where efficiency determines outcomes.
Realistic Combat Application
The rear hook kick typically requires multiple strikes to incapacitate an opponent and should not be relied upon as a sole finishing technique. In street situations involving aggressive forward pressure, fighters must prioritize techniques—such as side kicks or rear cross stops—that deliver maximum damage with minimal setup time.
Integration with Punching Combinations
The rear hook kick's primary advantage lies in its compatibility with immediate punching sequences. Upon impact, the fighter maintains balance and hand position to seamlessly transition into follow-up strikes, unlike techniques requiring extended recovery or excessive hand displacement.
Rear hook kick tutorial for martial arts
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Rear Hook Kick
- •Rear Low Kick vs. Rear Hook Kick: Key Differences
- •Superior Defensive Positioning
- •Proper Striking Surface and Conditioning
This will be the last upload for the day. I wanted to show you the difference between a common low-kick as opposed to a Jeet Kune Do rear hook-kick and why I feelt he rear hook-kick to be superior. However , straight-in linear kicks like side-kicks and downward stomps do the most damage as they have more force behind them. The motivation for me to make this video was I viewed some JKD clips here on the youtube which I feel are erroneus. For a self-protection situation or a street-fight there are much better options than a low-kick or even a rear hook-kick that do a maximal amount of damage sufficient to end a fight in 1 move. Those are the techniques you'll want to focus on the most - especially if the purpose of your training is realistic self-protection. Uh - yeah, and that "Asking Hand" move is a bunch of b.s. It isn't used in that context. Asking Hand is used in hand-fighting and it's a kung fu move common to southern Chinese styles of Chuan Fa or Kuen Fa (Fighting System[s]). Generally speaking you set up a kick with a hand technique.
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about rear hook?
This video covers introduction to rear hook kick, rear low kick vs. rear hook kick: key differences, superior defensive positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Nicholas Meyers (Imperatives Martial Arts).
How long does it take to learn rear hook?
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.
What are the key details for finishing rear hook?
The rear hook kick typically requires multiple strikes to incapacitate an opponent and should not be relied upon as a sole finishing technique. In street situations involving aggressive forward pressure, fighters must prioritize techniques—such as side kicks or rear cross stops—that deliver maximum damage with minimal setup time.
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