5 Techniques For The Muay Thai Clinch

Muay Thai Wednesday

Muay Thai is widely regarded as one of the best and most effective martial arts in the world. Allowing the use of all the weapons available to the human body in kicking range, punching range, and the clinch, it is one of the only martial arts that is effective in all ranges of standup fighting.

Of the many things that this ancient art offers, the clinch is perhaps one of the biggest aspects that separates Muay Thai from all other martial arts. Clinching isn’t just purely for offense and defense. It also plays a part in improving a Muay Thai practitioner’s balance, body conditioning, endurance, and overall strength.

Facing a Muay Thai fighter in close range without any knowledge of the clinch could mean an elbow to the face, a crushing knee to the ribs, or a painful lesson in sweeps and throws. Having good knowledge and skill in the clinch can go a long way in making you the ultimate fighting machine.

And there’s no better man to help you get familiarized with the realm of clinching than three-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.

Dejdamrong’s technique and ferocity in the clinch has made him a terrifying nightmare for all of his opponents in the Muay Thai ring and the Mixed Martial Arts cage. In this video, he demonstrates 5 Techniques For The Muay Thai Clinch.

As you can see, these particular techniques are used to either throw your opponent off balance or provide a transition into a better position. From the different positions, knee and elbow techniques and combinations can be executed accordingly.

Watch as Dejdamrong performs the different techniques to perfection. Pay close attention to his overall posture and where he places his arms and feet in each position. Also, take note of the overall movement and direction of his hips, arms and legs when he throws his partner off balance.

And as it is with all martial arts, the key to perfecting this technique is constant practice. These Clinching techniques will require you to be calm, smart, technically competent, and have near perfect timing in order to execute well. So be sure to focus on perfecting the technique first before proceeding on to the combinations.

Finally, practice the positions during clinch work to make sure they come naturally to you when the opportunity to use them presents itself and you’re good to go!