Saffron City · Permanent choice
Pokemon Yellow Fighting Dojo
Defeat the Karate Master, then choose Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan (Lv.30)—only one gift ball per save. Compare stats, learnsets, and team fit before you touch either Poké Ball.
Fast answer
One ball · Lee for power · Chan for coverage
Clear the Dojo, beat the Karate Master, then take one Lv.30 gift. Hitmonlee hits harder and faster with kicks. Hitmonchan has better Defense, but its elemental punches use the Special stat in Gen I, where it has only 35.
Permanent lock
You cannot take both on one save
After you open either gift ball, the other is gone for that file (unless you trade from another cart or use glitches). Save before you pick if you are still undecided.
Interactive tool
Hitmonlee vs Hitmonchan picker
Tap a fighter to mark your pick. Verdict and highlight stay saved on this device.
Compare both cards, then lock a choice before you touch a gift ball in-game.
Route
Dojo clear tracker
Mark each stage done.
Psychic answers
Kadabra/Alakazam or strong special attackers delete Fighting types. Flying STAB also resists Fighting hits.
Before or after Silph
You can clear the Dojo whenever Saffron is reachable. Silph Co. still wants a Water answer for Lapras-era routing and Rocket fights.
Not a badge
The Dojo is not a gym. Sabrina’s Marsh Badge is a separate building with teleporters—see the Sabrina guide.
Gen 1 punches
Fire, Ice, and Electric are Special types in Gen I, so all three punches use Hitmonchan’s 35 Special, not its 105 Attack. Their type coverage is broad but their damage is weak.
Stats
Side-by-side base stats
| Stat | Hitmonlee | Hitmonchan | Edge |
|---|
Both total 345 BST. Same HP and Special. The split is Attack/Speed (Lee) vs Defense/coverage (Chan).
Battles
Dojo trainers
| Trainer | Max Lv | Team | Reward | Link |
|---|
Tips
Decide faster
Already have Primeape?
If Route 22/23 Fighting is covered, Hitmonchan’s punches add more unique value than another pure kicker.
Nuzlocke / one Fighting slot
Lee is the cleaner “best stats” Fighting mon. Chan is the “one mon, three types of chip” pick.
Dex completion
You need a trade or second save for the other Hitmon. Same FOMO pattern as Dome vs Helix fossils.
TM support
Both learn useful physical TMs such as Body Slam, but neither Hitmonlee nor Hitmonchan can learn TM26 Earthquake in Yellow. Check compatibility before spending a one-use TM.
Checklist
Dojo completion
FAQ
Fighting Dojo questions
Hitmonlee or Hitmonchan?
Lee for Attack/Speed and stronger Fighting damage; Chan for Defense and novelty coverage, with the warning that its elemental punches use its low Special. Only one Lv.30 gift per save.
Where is the Fighting Dojo?
Saffron City—separate from Sabrina’s Gym. Clear the Karate Master to unlock the gift balls.
What level are the gifts?
Both Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are Lv.30 when received.
Can I get both?
Not on one normal playthrough. Trade from another game or a second save if you need both for the dex.
Is the Dojo required?
No. Skip it if you already have Fighting coverage or want to avoid the FOMO choice.
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