By Will DeMuth
Published Sep. 20, 2024, 7:32 p.m. ET
Clinch is a close-quarters attack where the opponents are close engaged for traditional punching. Clinch fighting has been considered an intermediary position on the way to a takedown preceding grappling.
It occurs when two opponents are in a stand-up fighting. The opponents have their hands on each other in a clinch. Clinch Fighting techniques have been around for thousands of years. The popularity of MMA has increased the demand and needs to develop refined skills for Clinch Fighting both offensive and defensive.
The strategy of clinching an opponent was brought about to defeat an opponent's ability to use kicks, punches, and other striking weapons while transitioning the fight to the ground.
Many opponents use the clinch strategy as a bridge taking the stand-up fight to the ground with the use of takedowns, sweeps, or throws. Its popularity is seen in;
Wrestling
Catch Wrestling
Judo
Muay Thai
Sambo
Wing Chun
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mixed martial arts.
Grappling Techniques In Clinch Fighting
The clinch position is an effectual medium for grapplers to launch into a commanding position in ground fighting. Many techniques can be applied depending on whether or not the opponents are wearing heavy enough clothing capable of withstanding grips and tugs used to gain leverage or unbalance them to set up throws.
Some fight disciplines do not need clothing at all. The double underhook is a popular move and is considered a favorable position allowing the user to perform throws and takedowns in many combat sports such as jui-jitus and wrestling.
It is considered a dominant position to be positioned behind the opponent commonly known as taking the back. It is very difficult for an opponent to defend from the back position. From the back, the aggressor can move to any number of chokes including the rear-naked choke.
Striking Techniques With Clinch Fighting
There a plethora of strikes that can be thrown effectively from the clinch. Elbows and short looping punches such as hooks and uppercuts can be used effectively from the single collar tie position. Open palm strikes to the head, face, and cup hands strikes to he ears can be useful.
The distance between the opponents in the clinch cancels many kicks to some degree, however, many kicks are still powerful. Foot stomps, shin kicks, and even shorts kick to the knee are effective.
The double collar tie can be used to control an opponent while kneeing the head, ribs, or groin.
Submission Techniques With Clinch Fighting
Submission techniques from the front are few and far between. Very few can be employed effectively from a clinch position. The most well-known technique is the guillotine choke, which can be deployed from a single or double collar tie.
Other possible submissions from the clinch position are the arm triangle, rear-naked choke, Ezekiel choke and baseball bat choke.
Head and Flesh Manipulation From The Clinch Position
The close proximity of the clinch invites gutterfighting tactics such as ear-biting, eye-gouging, and groin claw. The double tie position offers an advantageous hair-head and neck control.
Another sensitive area is the jugular notch or “neck dent”. It is a large, visible dip in between the neck in humans. Drive 1 or 2 fingers in and deep down behind.
Headbutts From The Clinch Position
The clinch position put opponents at the perfect range for a headbutt strike. Targets could include the nose, eyes, face and temple. Headbutts could be deployed incidentally or direct impact.
Clinch Fighting and Weapons
Clinch fighting can thwart the use of impact weapons like sticks and bats however it does put your body in weapons range for edge weapons and must be a consideration. You must remain vigilant checking the opponent's hands and fingers constantly. If they disappear for a second it could mean the pulled out weapons from cover.
More Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources
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Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault.
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