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Keys to the Thai Clinch - Add Inputs
Okay this thread is set up to try to help people understand the Thai clinch better. It is open to additional advice/adjustments etc.
I am not the worlds best MT practitioner by any means but I am willing to share what I know, as since Anderson Silva used this technique on Franklin I have seen that a lot of people have little or no knowledge of the position. So here are my tips and keys to an effective Thai clinch.
OFFENCE
1) Hand position: Grab the back of the head just above the neck, not the neck itself. This allows u to manipulate where he goes. Anyone who has wrestled knows the importance of controlling the head since where the head goes the body follows. Think about how to stop takedowns, one of the most important things to do is to push the head away. Same for controlling the clinch.
Also you must not under any circumstances link your fingers. Put one hand over the other. NEVER link your fingers............EVER.
2) Your elbows: Pinch your elbows TIGHT. It should feel like you are flexing your biceps. Pinch your elbows together and dig them into his shoulders, the two grooves just below his traps beside the neck. When you want to move him elbows are also important. For instance you want to move him to the left you step to the left and slightly straighten your left arm while all the time keepin the pinch TIGHT.
3) Footwork: Possibly the most important element. If u use bad footwork u are off balance and the other guy can counter clinch opr take you down. BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE.
4) Throwing knees: Make em count. Say u are throwing your right knee. Step back, you should almost feel a slight stretch on your lower back area and then throw WITH POWER. It should be a very quick and explosive movement. Also remember to open your elbows up a little to make space. DONT LOOSEN THE PINCH. Also do NOT under any circumstances be slack in getting your foot back in position after throwing the knee. When u throw a knee and are slow getting your foot back on the ground you are off balance. Throw off your back leg. Always try to keep one foot forward and one back, never be square. And switch feet. If you only throw a right knee he will recognise this and it makes it easier for him to anticipate what you are doing.
5: Dont forget elbow strikes: If he drops his hands to block your knee attempts keep the clinch with the bottom hand (the hand holding the head) and throw a tight short elbow to the head.
6) Keep him off balance: If he is off balance it is extremely difficult for him to defend. To do this constant movement and control is required. If he tries to bullrush forward, just like if u are standing and trading, step off to one side. twist your hips when you want to move him and really CRANK on his head. Back and to the left!
7) Head position: Keep your head tight against his. Chin down. This again goes back to the importance of head position in grappling. Try to keep your head slightly to the side as I learned early on by getrting inadvertently butted by him because i knee him and his head moved up (this was also due to my own poor technique in controling)
8) Targets: His head isnt the only target. knee his legs, ribs, liver etc. this will keep him guessing and a la Silva/Franklin open up his head for you.
DEFENCE
As regards countering, try to pummell your hands through and get your own clinch. You can defend knees by putting your crotch area against his eliminating the space for him to knee. Also grab his bicep and push your elbow into his to relieve some of the pressure and step away from the knee. (i.e if he throws a knee with his right knee you step away to your right) I believe there is a good video of Chuck Liddell demonstrating defences from within the clinch. Google it. But first and foremost remember to get both his hands off your head. If he has BOTH hands on your head this is very dangerous and you must continue to pummell.
Another good defence is when he initially goes to grab your head push his face away from you, again where the head goes, the body follows.
You could also try this. If his pinch is weak or if your timing is excellent you change levels and take him down with a double or single. Now this is obviously risky as u chance eating a knee and getting ko'd so timing is essential. Push off the underside of his elbows and shoot explosively. I would not attempt this if you hadn't practiced it though.
Another good takedown is if you can reach under his left arm with your right arm and grab his right bicep. This is in Liddells video if i havent explained the position well. If he throws a knee with his right leg and you time it right you can reach under his knee, drive forward and trip his standiung leg for a takedown.
I have heard of Fedor practicing a technique where he gets clinched and takes the back. If anyone has a link or can explain please do.
For more help try watching the likes of Wanderlei, Anderson Silva, Shogun (anyone in Chute Boxe basically), Evan Tanner, Randy (whilst these guys arent traditional Thai style clinch fighters they do have something in their arsenal for you to learn from.
As regards getting into the clinch, use combos and be patient. I am against "walking in" as you put yourself on a platter to be peppered with shots against a good counter fighter.
Now like I said im not an MT expert by any means but i have an ok clinch. Sp if anything ive said here is wrong please correct or if i have left anything out also please feel free to add. Just please dont flame, we're all tryin to learn here so just calm down and make ur point like a man not a child.
Thanks
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The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared.
Last edited by Skyline21; 10-23-2006 at 06:24 AM.
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