Step 1 of the Muay Thai Clinch

It is important to note that there is more than

one way to grip when setting up the Muay

Thai clinch. This tutorial outlines the basic

clinch.

The first step to setting up the basic Muay

Thai clinch is gripping. In sum, it's important

to grip or grab hold of an opponent's neck

with only one hand to start off. Attempting to

take hold of your opponent with both hands

at the same time will leave you off balance

and susceptible. Begin pulling your

opponent's head toward you.

Step 2 of the Muay Thai Clinch

Now latch on with the second hand and move

closer, pulling your opponent's head in further.

Notice that the applier's elbows are inside of his

adversary's. This is crucial. Competitors

attempting to gain a clinch advantage will often

fight for this position.

Step 3 of the Muay Thai Clinch

This is the final position of the standard or

basic Muay Thai clinch. The applier has

pulled his opponent's head in further and is

readying for a knee strike. His feet are

shoulder width apart, he has moved closer,

and is in a balanced position. His body is

stretched slightly backwards in order to allow

for a possible knee strike. He is on the ball of

his right foot with one hand on the back of

the head and the other placed diagonally

(wrists touching) to help enforce the move.