Blending Disciplines: Muay Thai Clinch in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In the evolving landscape of martial arts and self-defense, cross-training between disciplines has become not just common but essential for a well-rounded skill set. A prime example of this is the interplay between Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), two formidable martial arts that, on the surface, might seem worlds apart. However, as explored in a recent video by Hard2Hurt’s Icy Mike, the Muay Thai clinch can have a surprising and significant utility in BJJ scenarios, both competitive and in general training. **The Muay Thai Clinch: An Overview** For those unfamiliar, the Muay Thai clinch involves gripping your opponent in such a way as to control their head and posture, allowing for knee strikes, off-balancing, and control of their movement. It’s a hallmark of Muay Thai, known as the science of eight limbs, indicating the use of hands, feet, elbows, and knees for striking. This clinch is considered one of the most dominant grappling positions in stand-up fighting. **Application in BJJ: Transferring Skills** In BJJ, a discipline that emphasizes ground grappling, one might not immediately see the relevance of a stand-up grappling technique such as the Muay Thai clinch. However, Icy Mike’s exploration with Eli Knight sheds light on the adaptability of this clinch in BJJ scenarios. It emphasizes the overarching principle that controlling an opponent’s head often equates to controlling their entire body, a concept as applicable on the ground as it is standing. **Technique Adaptation and Evolution** The video delves into how the Muay Thai clinch can be modified for BJJ application, proposing novel ideas for grappling and control. The adaptation highlighted is not about forceful domination but about presenting a nuanced understanding of leverage and control, key elements in both Muay Thai and BJJ. Moreover, the clinical experiment with Eli Knight showcases how grappling techniques from different martial arts can blend, creating a hybrid form that’s more flexible and adaptable to various combat scenarios. For example, the clinch can be used not just for control but also to set up submissions or transitions to more dominant positions on the ground, bridging the gap between striking and grappling in a seamless flow. **Realistic Self-Defense Implications** From a self-defense perspective, the ability to blend techniques from different martial arts enriches a practitioner’s toolkit, providing more options for dealing with an assailant in various scenarios. The key takeaway from the video is not the superiority of one technique over another but the enhanced efficacy and versatility that come from understanding and integrating different combat arts. **Never Stop Learning** Perhaps the most vital lesson from Icy Mike’s exploration is the importance of an open mind and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in martial arts. The integration of the Muay Thai clinch into BJJ exemplifies the ongoing evolution of martial arts, where boundaries blur, and new synergies are discovered. It serves as a reminder that martial arts, in essence, is about adaptation, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, no matter the discipline. In conclusion, the exploration of the Muay Thai clinch in BJJ contexts underscores a broader narrative in the world of martial arts and self-defense: the power of cross-disciplinary training. It highlights the significance of maintaining a learner’s mindset, always seeking to understand more deeply and integrate more fully, no matter how experienced one might be. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to the world of martial arts, the journey of learning and integration, as demonstrated by Icy Mike and Eli Knight, offers invaluable insights and inspirations for all.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt, steered by the charismatic Icy Mike, dives into the world of self-defense and martial arts with a blend of humor, practical advice, and hands-on experimentation. Mike’s critiques of martial arts myths, product reviews, and sparring sessions illuminate the effective from the ineffective. His channel serves as a valuable resource for those looking to defend themselves or simply engage with combat sports from a fresh, informative perspective.
Self-Defence Block
Go check out the video we did on Eli's channel https://youtu.be/1B_TiPN0A2Y
Specifically in the closed guard, YES! It's called a can-opener in jiujitsu, and you use it the exact same way; pressuring with your forearms against their shoulders to perform a neck crank and force the legs open.
Eli Knight and Icy Mike would be great in a buddy cop movie
Mike: So tell us why this does or doesn't work
Guest Instructor: Well first off…..
Mike: OK let me talk about something totally different
Anderson Silva taught this at a seminar in SD and I’ve been using the gable grip since then. He showed it as a way to counter a Russian tie.
So you know shit about grappling, you even admit that in this video, but still talking 90% of time and do not let Eli to speak. God damn it Icy! We could learn something.😆
glover did this to jan blachowicz, nasty stuff
I like how you flowed from one technique and concept in conversational way, it was like two classes at once lol (which is great because from a fighting/mma perspective techniques from each style will bleed into/effects the other)
The fact that it didn't make sense barely registered!
⛽🏍️💨✍🏾🧐🥊🦊🥊‼️🔥🎧🔥👊🏾‼️✌🏾🖤Blessed Wishes💨…🪂
Eli looks like Donald Cerrone. Almost thought that was actually Cerrone for a second in the beginning.
I have a habit of going to the clinch but when I bring my hips in wrestlers aways get the upper hand on me
10:56 So who's that "Andersen Silas" guy, Icy Mike? Another friend of Sensei Seth?
(Yes, I'm kidding.)
"Get in my guard bro"
Muay Thai Clinch AND Greco Roman Clinch work good for BJJ. Is there any discipline that soley focuses on no gi grappling control of the upperbody specifically other than Greco Roman Wrestling to the extent of Greco Roman Wrestling? I don't think so. Having the upper hand in upperbody manipulation is profound in the application of Jiujitsu.
It may not be often, but I use the can opener. Usually, once I get the hand position, I worry more about the elbows to the chest to create pressure there. Then I use all wrist to slowly bring the crank on the neck. There's been a time when I had to calm someone the hell down, and I brought the pain, but that's only been once. Stack them, then drop down and crank. Definitely not a go to move. Very rare.
Just took an Awesome impromptu Jujitsu class with Eli. What a humble warrior as well as patient and helpful instructor!
You have earned my utmost respect 👊👊💥.
I actually like that grip for wrestling, good shit Mike
A couple guys on a mat discussing and trading technique might be one of my favorite parts of martial arts training
6:40 somoane ith clepeng thes
This video was all over the place but so entertaining. I enjoy both your channel very much!
As one of the 6 jiujitsu players watching this I immediately wanted to try that ‘submission’
1:26 till you get past the intro/plugs? Kinda greedy of you…
He said the opposite about the eggs in the basket 😂😂😂 I love muay Thai Clinch and do BJJ btw
I wanted to make this work for my BJJ. But I always forget. I'm still new at cross training MMA & BJJ. Actually I have less than 18 months experience in either.
So in this concept, striker in general is a dirty fighter. because all striking moves lead to make the opponent unconscious and can be pounded freely until ko
Maybe work on improving your bjj whilst at bjj class???
Damn, let your guest talk man.. You ask a question and as soon as your guest opens his mouth to answer, you interrupt him. You just love to hear yourself talk…
2 things… 1, what did Eli do to his knuckle? 2 man, those guys in the background just got a lot of info IF they would stay off their phones! lol
Get in my guard bro
I always find it weird that some comps ban things like a can opener.
In the Thai clinch I’ve found I’m usually not able to “lock in” anyway, normally I’m pretty satisfied with mostly clenched and throwing knees or over one side and under on the other.
Mike, do you find yourself using the lock when your tired or do you go for it early?
That's good shit right there💩👍 Marines are tought to do the underhand/overhand for holds and strike set-ups aswell😉 I personally think Mike was just feeling huggy though when he made this🫂🥊😅
No reason to attempt to damage the cervical spine of your training partners. Neck cranks and can opener are not ok
Hi Mike hope you don't mind me messaging you, you can do your Thai clinch against the cage and turn it into a choke by putting 1 of your forearms to the side also on the ground in side mount. Do your can opener opponent opens up tries to go left or right your into side mount from there move your forearm onto his neck while keeping the Thai clinch. You can use your Thai clinch to submit people with this choke from side mount from your opponent in half guard. Gable grip forearm to the side absolutely lethal gets fast taps. I feel why learn from scratch when you can work your muay Thai skills and other skills to help each other
That can opener move seems really Effective I wonder why UFC guys don’t use it
lethwei headbutts. the only real reason for a fight is to end it. real world isnt an mma ring its kill only.
never go down. bjj IS useless. stay true to the game(strike)
Good video ,but nope didn't make sense ,but I get it
I have been using the Thai clinch in my takedown game for the last 6 years and it is crazy how well it works, but crazier how much grapplers don’t really use it or know how to defend it (I’m talking about F2W quality opponents in the Purple and lower divisions). I love spamming the crap out of it because it fatigues them after only a few minutes
"Can the Muay Thai clinch be used in jujitsu?"
"Ya, it's grappling"
2:56
"the most effective and efficient use for striking on the ground is to advance position" LMAO! Only if you aren't in a position to knock someone out I guess, otherwise there's no need to further advance position if you're in a position where you can knock someone out.
Bump hips when in the clinch. When you sprawl hips away like that Of Course the Bjj guy has the advantage
Absolutely it can work! Most people at my gym and at other open mats usually have a hard time getting out of it or dont know how to react to it😂 it's definitely my favorite move
Dude you interrupted constantly here.
Mike sounding more condescending than usual lol
Try that clinch on a good Judo guy, you will go for a ride.
My go to is to stand up, to break the guard, gi or no gi. Of course there are more details than simply standing up. But I think a good closed guard player should still drill and learn to deal with can-openers and similar attacks.