hitmonlee
Generation I · #0106 — Kicking Pokémon
Hitmonlee, known as the Kicking Pokémon and bearing the National Pokédex number #106, is a pure Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I that has captivated trainers for decades with its extraordinary leg-based martial arts prowess. This remarkable creature stands at 1.5 meters tall and weighs 49.8 kilograms, embodying a lean, athletic physique perfectly suited to its combat specialty. As one of three final evolutionary forms of Tyrogue, Hitmonlee represents the path of a trainer who values raw offensive power, boasting an impressive base Attack stat of 120 that makes it a formidable physical attacker despite its modest overall base stat total of 455. The Pokédex affectionately refers to it as the "Kick Master," a title well-earned through its mastery of every known kicking technique in martial arts.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
49.8kg
Category
Kicking Pokémon
Gender
100% Male
Color
brown
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
urban
Abilities
Prevents paralysis.
Strengthens recoil moves to 1.2× their power.
Doubles Speed upon using or losing a held item.
Hitmonlee Biology & Physical Characteristics
Hitmonlee possesses a distinctly humanoid morphology with a brown, ovoid torso that lacks a clearly defined neck and head structure. Its upper body features almond-shaped eyes surrounded by dark markings, with a minimalist facial design devoid of a visible nose or mouth. The creature's limbs are its most distinctive feature—cream-colored and segmented, with each hand featuring three fingers and each foot bearing three sharp, clawed toes. Circular yellow pads adorn the soles of its feet and ankles, providing crucial traction and durability during combat. The biological marvel of Hitmonlee lies in its elastic musculature and specialized ligaments, which allow its legs to contract and extend with spring-like precision. This extraordinary flexibility enables Hitmonlee to execute devastating kicks from virtually any position, and the Pokédex notes that the sole of its foot becomes as hard as diamond upon impact. After intense battles, Hitmonlee demonstrates sophisticated self-care behavior by rubbing down and loosening its leg muscles to overcome fatigue and maintain optimal physical condition.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Hitmonlee Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Hitmonlee exists as an exclusively male species with 100% male gender ratio and zero female representation, making it one of the most unusual cases in Pokémon reproduction biology. This 100% male species belongs to the Human-Like Egg Group, allowing it to breed with a small selection of female Pokémon possessing compatible genetics, though the mechanics of how a completely male species produces viable offspring remain scientifically intriguing within the Pokémon universe. The base friendship value of 70 indicates moderate bonding potential with trainers, though historically this varied—it was 50 in Generation 1 before being adjusted to 70 in Generations 2-7. Hitmonlee requires 25 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 6,169-6,425 steps in the overworld, making it moderately accessible for breeders seeking to obtain competitive specimens. The masculine-exclusive nature of this species has led to interesting competitive and narrative implications, as all Hitmonlee encountered in gameplay and media are invariably male, potentially suggesting a species adaptation or mystical property unknown to modern Pokémon science.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
+615 more TMs/HMs
hitmonlee's Evolution Chain
Hitmonlee Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Hitmonlee evolves from Tyrogue when the creature reaches level 20 with its Attack stat being higher than its Defense stat, creating a clear evolutionary branching point that rewards trainers for developing Tyrogue's offensive capabilities. This evolution represents one of three distinct paths available to Tyrogue—the other two being Hitmonchan (when Defense exceeds Attack) and Hitmontop (when Attack equals Defense). The specialization of Hitmonlee emphasizes physical striking power and speed, with base stats of 120 Attack and 87 Speed that distinguish it sharply from its sibling evolutions. Notably, Hitmonlee does not receive a Mega Evolution in any generation, remaining a standard evolutionary form without further transformation mechanics. However, the introduction of its Hidden Ability, Unburden, in later generations provided new strategic depth by doubling its Speed stat upon using or losing a held item, opening innovative competitive possibilities for trainers seeking to maximize its velocity in battle.
Where to Find
saffron city
kanto
+6 more
kanto victory road 1
kanto
Hitmonlee Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Hitmonlee exhibits remarkable balance and coordination, evidenced by its ability to perform rapid successive kicks from any conceivable position—a testament to its exceptional proprioceptive awareness. When in a hurry, its legs lengthen progressively, allowing it to traverse distances with smooth, elongated strides that cover substantial ground with minimal effort. The Pokédex reveals that when Hitmonlee begins executing repeated kicks, both of its legs stretch even further to pursue fleeing opponents, demonstrating its predatory instincts and combat persistence. This Pokémon's behavior suggests a solitary, disciplined nature focused on perfecting its martial arts mastery. While specific habitat preferences are not extensively documented across Pokédex entries, the existence of Hitmonlee as an exclusively male species indicates a unique reproductive strategy within the Pokémon ecosystem, raising intriguing questions about its breeding mechanisms and evolutionary pressures that resulted in a single-gender species.
Pokedex Entries
When in a hurry, its legs lengthen progressively. It runs smoothly with extra long, loping strides.
When kicking, the sole of its foot turns as hard as a diamond on im pact and destroys its enemy.
This amazing POKé MON has an awesome sense of balance. It can kick in succession from any position.
If it starts kick ing repeatedly, both legs will stretch even long er to strike a fleeing foe.
It is also called the Kick Master. It uses its elastic legs to execute every known kick.
HITMONLEE’s legs freely contract and stretch. Using these springlike legs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens the muscles to overcome fatigue.
Its legs freely stretch and contract. Using these springlike limbs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its tired legs.
The legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
When in a hurry, its legs lengthen progressively. It runs smoothly with extra-long, loping strides.
Its legs can stretch double. First-time foes are startled by its extensible reach.
This amazing Pokémon has an awesome sense of balance. It can kick in succession from any position.
If it starts kicking repeatedly, both legs will stretch even longer to strike a fleeing foe.
Its legs can stretch double. First-time foes are startled by its extensible reach.
Its legs can stretch double. First-time foes are startled by its extensible reach.
The legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
If it starts kicking repeatedly, both legs will stretch even longer to strike a fleeing foe.
Hitmonlee’s legs freely contract and stretch. Using these springlike legs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens the muscles to overcome fatigue.
Hitmonlee’s legs freely contract and stretch. Using these springlike legs, it bowls over foes with devastating kicks. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens the muscles to overcome fatigue.
When kicking, the sole of its foot turns as hard as a diamond on impact and destroys its enemy.
This amazing Pokémon has an awesome sense of balance. It can kick in succession from any position.
The legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
Hitmonlee Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name "Hitmonlee" is a clever linguistic construction derived from the combination of "Hitmon," shared across the Tyrogue evolutionary line's specialist forms, and "Lee," a direct reference to martial arts legend Bruce Lee, whose iconic kicking techniques and flexible, athletic physique clearly inspired this Pokémon's design. In Japan, Hitmonlee is known as Sawamular (サワムラー), a combination of "sawa" (a reference to a martial art style) and the suffix "mular" that further emphasizes its leg-focused combat expertise. The design itself reflects the silhouette and movement patterns of a martial artist specializing in kicking disciplines, with the segmented limbs suggesting both the flexibility and segmented appearance of traditional martial arts uniforms. The yellow pads on its feet reference the callouses and reinforced soles developed through years of rigorous kicking training in martial arts, while the diamond-hard feet are an exaggerated testament to the legendary durability and power of a master martial artist's strikes. The overall aesthetic successfully captures the essence of a dedicated, disciplined warrior devoted entirely to the perfection of lower-body combat techniques.
Learnable Moves
Hitmonlee can learn 89 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aura sphere | fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| blaze kick | fire | Physical | 85 | 90 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| feint | normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| foresight | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| high jump kick | fighting | Physical | 130 | 90 | 10 |
| jump kick | fighting | Physical | 100 | 95 | 10 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mach punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| meditate | psychic | Status | — | — | 40 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mind reader | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rapid spin | normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rolling kick | fighting | Physical | 60 | 85 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Hitmonlee Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Hitmonlee serves as a focused physical attacker leveraging its base 120 Attack stat and base 87 Speed to execute powerful kicking moves before opponents can respond. Its movepool includes signature techniques such as High Jump Kick and Close Combat, complemented by coverage moves like Stone Edge, Earthquake, and Low Sweep that allow it to address various threats in the competitive metagame. The Limber ability provides protection against paralysis, a common tactical disadvantage for Speed-focused physical attackers, while the Reckless ability amplifies recoil moves to 1.2× their power, making techniques like High Jump Kick even more devastating at the cost of recoil damage. The Hidden Ability Unburden, available through specific breeding or event distributions, transforms Hitmonlee's tactical depth by doubling its Speed upon item consumption or loss, potentially allowing it to outpace normally faster opponents after consuming a held berry or Choice item. However, Hitmonlee's modest defenses—base Defense of 53 and base Special Defense of 110—leave it vulnerable to priority moves and special attacks, requiring careful play and strategic prediction to maximize its effectiveness in competitive environments.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hitmonlee
What type is Hitmonlee?
Hitmonlee is a fighting type Pokemon.
What does Hitmonlee evolve into?
Hitmonlee evolves into hitmonchan, then into hitmontop.
What are Hitmonlee's weaknesses?
Hitmonlee is weak to flying, psychic and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Hitmonlee?
Hitmonlee can be found in saffron city (kanto) and kanto victory road 1 (kanto).
Hitmonlee Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Hitmonlee has maintained substantial cultural prominence since its introduction in Generation I, establishing itself as the archetypal martial arts Pokémon specializing in kicking techniques. Its design as a Bruce Lee homage resonated strongly with fans and has inspired countless discussions about martial arts representation in media, particularly regarding the celebration of legendary Asian martial artists in Pokémon's diverse creature roster. The species has appeared consistently across anime series, making memorable appearances in the main series where its distinctive fighting style and aerial prowess have impressed both viewers and characters alike. The character design influenced subsequent fighting-type Pokémon development, establishing visual and thematic precedents for how martial arts specialists should be represented in the Pokémon universe. Trading Card Game implementations of Hitmonlee have occasionally featured stunning artwork highlighting its dynamic kicking poses, making it a collectible of interest to both competitive players and aesthetic collectors. The exclusivity of Hitmonlee as an all-male species created an unusual narrative space in Pokémon lore, differentiating it from most other species and providing trainers with a truly unique partner that cannot produce female offspring, contributing to its mystique.
Where to Find Hitmonlee in Every Pokémon Game
Hitmonlee's availability has varied significantly across Pokémon games, with initial availability in the original Red, Blue, and Yellow versions where it occupied National Pokédex slot #106 and could be obtained as a Tyrogue evolution. Subsequent generations maintained its presence, though specific availability locations differed—in Gold and Silver it received local Pokédex number #144, in HeartGold and SoulSilver it was #146, and in Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee it remained #106. The species appeared in Sword and Shield with National Pokédex number #108, later appearing in the Indigo Disk DLC with number #093, reflecting the ongoing curation of available Pokémon across different generation releases. Special event distributions have occasionally made Hidden Ability Hitmonlee available to trainers, providing competitive players access to the Unburden ability outside of breeding mechanics. The catch rate of 45 (approximately 11.9% with a standard Poké Ball at full health) indicates moderate difficulty in capturing wild specimens, encouraging trainers to utilize status conditions or weaken targets before attempting capture. Modern Pokémon HOME integration and Sword and Shield's expansions have consolidated availability, making Hitmonlee consistently accessible to contemporary players while maintaining the species' presence as a reliable fighting-type option across generations.