Hitmonlee

The Kicking Pokémon
#106 - Hitmonlee
Pre-Evolve	Tyrogue
Debut	Pokémon: Red Version Pokémon: Green Version
Species Info
Type	+
Height	1.5 m (4'11")
Weight	49.8 kg (109.8 lbs.)
Color	Brown
Gender Ratio	Only ♂
Ability	Limber / Reckless
Hidden Ability	Unburden
Egg Group	Humanshape
Icon		Sprite
		File:106sprite.png
Footprint
30px
Base Statistics
Hit Points	50	Speed	87
Attack	120	Sp. Attack	35
Defense	53	Sp. Defense	110
Training Info
Catch Rate	045	Hatch Steps	6,400
Base Exp.	139	Effort Points	Att
Happiness	70		Att
To Lv.100	Normal

Kanto #	Johto #	Hoenn #	Sinnoh #
< 106 >	< 144 >
Unova #	Johto (IV) #
	< 146 >

Hitmonlee is a special fighting Pokémon introduced in the first generation fighting games which specializes in kicking attacks. Having no evolution line at first, during the second generation games it was discovered that both Hitmonlee and its rival Hitmonchan (as well as new Pokémon Hitmontop) were alternate evolutions of the baby form Tyrogue.

Information

Hitmonlee is one of the three potential evolution paths that Tyrogue undergoes upon reaching Level 20. Tyrogue will evolve into Hitmonlee if its Attack is higher than its Defense, thus indicating that Hitmonlee is the physically strongest of the three Hitmon Pokémon.

It specializes in kicking moves, to the point where some call it "the kicking master". It can repeatedly kick enemies with its springy legs that can freely stretch and contract to double length, allowing it to hit faraway enemies. It can execute every known kick and can kick in succession from any position due to its amazing sense of position. By kicking repeatedly, it will eventually stretch both legs to strike a fleeing foe with the Double Kick move.

The sole of its foot hardens to diamond thickness upon impact, which destroys foes. After battle, it rubs down its legs and loosens its muscles to ease off its fatigue. Its legs also lengthen when it is in a hurry, allowing it to run smoothly with extra long, jumping strides.

Appearances

Mainstream Games

In Pokémon: Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed and LeafGreen, the Karate Master will reward the player for defeating him by offering a choice of either Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan. In all following games from the second generation onwards, Hitmonlee could only be obtained through trades or by evolving Tyrogue.

Other Games

In Pokémon Pinball, Hitmonlee could be found in Saffron City on the Blue table. In Pokémon Stadium, Hitmonlee was one of the Pokémon that could be randomly distributed as a prize for completing the Gym Leader Castle and could then be transferred to any of the first generation games. In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, a Shadow Hitmonlee could be snagged from Cipher Peon Petro at Citadark Island. After being purified, this Hitmonlee could be transferred to any of the third generation color versions.

In Pokémon Channel, Hitmonlee was found in the Front Yard on rainy mornings, days and nights as well as clear days. In Pokémon Trozei!, it coould be found at Phobos Walker and Mr. Who's Den. A living statue of Hitmonlee appeared as a boss of Aegis Cave in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness, but the only way to obtain a Hitmonlee in these and the previous games was by evolving Tyrogue. In Pokémon Rumble, Hitmonlee could be found in the Fiery Furnace. In Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, Hitmonlee appeared at Sky Fortress and Fire Temple. It also appeared in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure at Cavern Zone.

Other Appearances

Video Games

• In the Super Smash Bros. series, Hitmonlee initially appeared in the original Super Smash Bros. as one of the Pokémon that could be summoned at random from the Poké Ball item. When summoned, it would leap forward while performing a Hi-Jump Kick toward opponents. Although it has not reappeared as a Poké Ball Pokémon, it made a cameo appearance among a group of other Pokémon during the intro sequence of Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Hitmonlee has also been represented by a trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and an Advanced-rank Primary Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. When fought against in a Spirit battle, Hitmonlee's Spirit would possess Captain Falcon and fight with stronger kicks and knee strikes.

Other Media

• Hitmonlee was featured in an episode of the Pokémon anime, where Team Rocket stole one to use in the P1 Grand Prix, and used cheating to have it win most of the fights, including against Anthony's Hitmonchan, but Ash's Primeape was eventually able to beat it. Other Hitmonlee have since made smaller appearances throughout the series, including one belonging to Barry.
• In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Hitmonlee was featured as one of Bruno's main Pokémon during the Yellow arc, and its extending legs were often emphasized. A Hitmonlee was also later shown as one of Chuck's Pokémon.

Trivia

• The "hitmon" part of its name (shared with alternate evolutions Hitmonchan and Hitmontop) seems to be a shortened way of indicating that it is a hitting monster. As with Hitmonchan, the last part of its name is named after a real life martial artist, Bruce Lee.
• Although the Pokédex claims that Hitmonlee can perform any kick, it is actually incapable of learning the Triple Kick move.