Once you understand how the body generates torque, you can use it for more power in your strikes and more power in your takedowns and throws. This video lesson looks at using the outside hip for lots of torque. It is for boxers, martial artists and anyone who wants to hit harder.

It also lets you use angles, and positions you might have thought were poor, to your advantage. That means you can start to hit much harder from all kinds of positions, good and bad.

What Torque Means for a Fighter

Torque is turning force. In fighting, it is the twist that the legs and hips put into the body, which the body then passes into the arm or into the person you are throwing. More torque, done at the right moment, means more power.

Most people only think about turning the hips in one direction, from a perfect stance. But the hips can produce turning force from many positions, and the outside hip is a big part of that.

Why the Outside Hip Matters

When you drive or turn from the outside hip, you create a strong turning movement through the centre of the body. It gives you a pivot and a source of power at the same time. That is especially useful when:

  • You are at an angle to your opponent rather than square on
  • You have been pushed or turned and need to hit back straight away
  • You are close in and there is no room for a big wind-up
  • You want to turn someone for a takedown or throw

Instead of needing to reset your feet, you use the position you are in.

Common Mistakes

People often try to create turning power with the shoulders. That twists the upper body but leaves the legs and hips out of it, so the power is small and the balance poor. Another mistake is over-rotating, turning so far that you cannot recover or follow up. The movement should be strong and short, not big and wild.

How to Practise

Take time to learn this thoroughly. Start slowly on the heavy bag from different angles, not just your normal stance. Feel the outside hip drive the turn and let the arm carry the force. Then try it from awkward positions, slightly side on or slightly off balance, and see how much power you can still find. For takedowns, practise with a cooperative partner and a mat, at low speed and with control.

Take It Further

To learn more about generating real impact, look at Power Black. For the full boxing foundation, see the Learn To Box Online Course.