Basic Clinch Positions

[Ian]

[dspyrido]

Nice and concise vid.

It's interesting how different rules alter the move and outcome e.g. in wrestling - double collar with gable grip, double underhook on the waist to break the back. Then again wrestlers are not normally as upright as they dont get punched or kicked.

A slight variation in circumstance can have a big impact on how best to perform a move.

[middleway]

nice! the general opinion from people that have never done MT is that there is 'the MT clinch' ... ie hands behind head knees to the body type thing. This shows nicely that its a complex system in and of itself thanks for posting.

[klonk]

The vid is very informative! Thanks.

[mikemantis]

Clinching in MT is an art in itself. There is a lot more to it than people realise.

[Andy_S]

Wot MikeMantis said.

Clinchwork is the "PH" of MT and provides the platform from which the most destructive techniques - the knees - are fired. Also, it is a real equalizer: I have seen a lot of little Thais throw much larger opponents unfamiliar with the neck clinch around and down. And it is possibly the best neck strengthening exercise out there.

My sense is that the MT clinchwork and knee work would be excellent for basic and ladies SD classes/workshops as:
It is close range;
Knees are highly effective weapons, particularly if you modify the MT a little and include the sack as a target; and
Knees don't need much conditioning - unlike shins or knuckles.

But I sense that most people who teach SD classes teach either aikido-type locks 'n leverages (good luck with those, ladies) or "deadly" commando-style rips, pokes and chops (Again: good luck, ladies. Few civilized people have the fortitude to deliver such nasty moves to soft, squishy targets).

[zrm]

For those interested in this Greg Nelson does a great series on the Muay Thai and Wrestling clinch. That last clinch (the cross lock) can be extremely effective when you apply lots of pressure into their neck with your forehead. It's become a bit of a go-to for me.