Hitmonlee: The Complete Pokémon Biography (Pokédex #106)

Hitmonlee, known as the "Kicking Fiend" Pokémon, is one of the most iconic Fighting-type Pokémon in the franchise. With its distinctive, spring-like legs and relentless martial prowess, Hitmonlee stands out both in battle and in the hearts of trainers worldwide. This comprehensive biography delves into everything you need to know about Hitmonlee, including its stats, evolution, lore, and trading card history.

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Hitmonlee's Basic Information

• Pokédex Number: #106
• Type: Fighting
• Category: Kicking Pokémon

First introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue, Hitmonlee quickly became a favorite for fans seeking a powerful Fighting-type addition to their team. Its design is inspired by Bruce Lee, reflecting speed, agility, and martial arts mastery.

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Hitmonlee Stats: Battle Potential

In the main series Pokémon games, Hitmonlee is recognized for its exceptional physical prowess. Here are the typical Hitmonlee stats as seen in modern games (base stat totals may vary slightly by generation):

• HP: 50
• Attack: 120
• Defense: 53
• Special Attack: 35
• Special Defense: 110
• Speed: 87

These stats make Hitmonlee a formidable physical attacker. With a sky-high Attack stat and decent Speed, it excels at delivering powerful physical moves like High Jump Kick, Close Combat, and Blaze Kick. Its Special Defense is surprisingly robust, allowing Hitmonlee to withstand special attacks better than many Fighting-types.

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Hitmonlee Evolution: From Tyrogue to Kicking Master

Hitmonlee’s evolution chain is both unique and fascinating. It begins with Tyrogue, a versatile Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. Tyrogue’s evolution is determined by its stats:

• Tyrogue evolves into Hitmonlee when its Attack is higher than its Defense at level 20.
• If Tyrogue’s Defense is higher, it evolves into Hitmonchan.
• If both are equal, Tyrogue evolves into Hitmontop.

This system makes Hitmonlee the embodiment of offensive martial arts, setting it apart from its siblings in the Hitmon family.

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Hitmonlee Lore: Legends and Inspiration

Hitmonlee's lore is deeply rooted in martial arts tradition. Its flexible legs can stretch and contract like springs, allowing it to unleash devastating kicks from unexpected angles and distances. According to various Pokédex entries:

• Its legs freely contract and stretch. The stretchy legs allow it to hit a distant foe with a rising kick.
• After battle, it rubs down its legs to loosen the muscles, ensuring it’s always ready for the next fight.

This dedication to training and discipline is a hallmark of Hitmonlee’s character. Its design is a tribute to Bruce Lee, much like Hitmonchan pays homage to Jackie Chan. Together, they represent two sides of martial arts: punching and kicking.

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Hitmonlee in the Pokémon Trading Card Game

Hitmonlee has appeared in multiple expansions of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Its very first appearance was in the Fossil set, where Hitmonlee was a popular choice due to its unique move, Stretch Kick, which could hit benched Pokémon. Over the years, Hitmonlee trading cards have showcased a variety of powerful kicking attacks and have often been sought after by collectors for their dynamic artwork and competitive potential.

Key Hitmonlee trading card appearances include:

• Fossil Expansion (1999): The original Hitmonlee card featuring Stretch Kick and High Jump Kick.
• EX Ruby & Sapphire, EX Sandstorm, and other sets: Variations that highlight Hitmonlee’s agility and power.

Collectors value Hitmonlee cards for their history, artwork, and nostalgic appeal, making them a must-have for fans of Fighting-type Pokémon.

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Hitmonlee in Competitive Play

Thanks to its high Attack and access to strong moves, Hitmonlee has maintained a presence in various competitive Pokémon formats. Its Limber and Unburden abilities further enhance its speed and flexibility in battle, making it a wildcard against unsuspecting opponents.

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Hitmonlee's Pop Culture and Anime Appearances

Hitmonlee has starred in several episodes of the Pokémon anime, most famously as one of the Pokémon used by the villainous Team Rocket or by the Fighting Dojo’s Master in Saffron City. Its dynamic kicks and martial arts prowess have made it a memorable part of the Pokémon universe.

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Conclusion: Why Hitmonlee Remains a Pokémon Favorite

With its rich lore, impressive stats, and unique evolution method, Hitmonlee continues to capture the imagination of Pokémon fans old and new. Whether you’re training a Tyrogue to evolve into Hitmonlee, seeking out its rare trading cards, or using it as a powerhouse in your team, Hitmonlee stands as a testament to the power and discipline of martial arts in the Pokémon world.

Looking for more information on Hitmonlee stats, evolution, lore, or trading cards? Explore the world of Pokémon and discover why Hitmonlee is still kicking strong after all these years!