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Clinch
Clinch Knee Strikes
Delivering knee strikes while controlling an opponent in the clinch, a core Muay Thai weapon.
Key Points
- •Timing the pull with the knee strike multiplies the impact
- •Keep your base foot flat for balance and power
- •Watch your posture to avoid being off-balanced in return
Instructions
- 1Establish control with a collar tie or underhook to manage the opponent's posture.
- 2Pull their upper body down and toward you as you drive your knee up.
- 3Strike with the point of the knee into the midsection or thigh.
- 4Alternate knees while maintaining your clinch control.
- 5Stay balanced on your base leg throughout each strike.
More Clinch Techniques
Muay Thai Plum (Double Collar Tie)
A dominant clinch position controlling both sides of the opponent's neck, used to land knees and elbows.
Underhooks
Controlling an opponent's clinch by wrapping your arm under theirs, a strong defensive and offensive position.
Overhook (Whizzer)
Wrapping your arm over an opponent's arm to control the clinch and defend against being taken down.
Clinch Elbow Strikes
Short, sharp elbow strikes delivered at extreme close range while controlling an opponent's head or arm.
Breaking the Clinch
Creating space to exit a clinch safely, avoiding strikes or takedowns on the way out.