Untangling the Myths and Learning Effective Self Defence: A Review of Muay Thai Clinch
Icy Mike, a recognized figure in the self-defence world, recently posted an insightful video on his Hard2Hurt Youtube channel, dispelling myths about the Muay Thai Clinch and delivering an enlightening tutorial on its effective use. A tap into this engaging content promises an in-depth look at modern self-defence techniques, particularly the elements of the widely used but often misinterpreted Muay Thai Clinch. Bearing the straightforward title: “How to Do The Muay Thai Clinch”, Mike demystifies this critical technique, delivering practical tips and strategies in his down-to-earth and easy-going style. Mike starts by shattering preconceived notions about what the Muay Thai Clinch is, emphasizing that it is not exclusive to a double collar tie position as commonly believed. Instead, he points out that any clinch can be a Muay Thai clinch, and there are, in fact, other equally efficient versions better suited for landing knees. Next up is the common mistake by beginners of grabbing the neck instead of the crown of the opponent’s head. Mike explains that this misplacement might give your opponent a chance to break the clinch since they can overpower you by simply lifting their heads. It becomes much harder for them if your hold is higher up, right at the crown of their head – an effective use of moment arms in physics. Mike also shares the appropriate positioning of the hands and arms in the clinch. According to him, he prefers using a Gable grip for the hands and positioning his arms like scissors, squeezing against the opponent’s carotid arteries. These are meant to increase control and minimise your opponent’s potential movements. In Mike’s version of the perfect clinch, he uses his head as a lid on the other person’s head. This added control from the top restricts their movement further, making the clinch even harder to break. This is especially handy when you’re up against an opponent skilled at escapes. Maintaining this dominant position isn’t just about power; it’s also about the right timing and unpredictability. The tutorial rounds off with Mike offering combat situations and demonstrating the subtle actions that can unbalance an opponent, create openings for attacks, and ultimately take control of the fight. He reaffirms that the effectiveness of the clinch is not in brute strength, but the timely moment – a push, a pull, an off-beat action; a mix of yin and yang. Mike’s detailed run-through of the Muay Thai clinch is a much-needed corrector for common myths and misconceptions about this crucial self-defense tactic. It digs into the grit of actual fight situations, underpinning the significance of understanding your opponent’s movements and reactions, and employing unpredictability in your actions – a masterclass in modern self-defence. Despite its wealth of detailed instruction and real-world practicality, Mike’s video is not just for the advanced martial artist. It’s designed with a casual and friendly style, making it an excellent resource for beginners or anyone interested in the art of self-defence. Moreover, his straight-to-the-facts dialogue and humorous quips make it a fun and engaging watch. So, whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or new to the world of self-defence, Icy Mike’s “How to Do The Muay Thai Clinch” is undoubtedly a must-watch as it provides an insightful, practical, and entertaining look into the intricate and often misunderstood world of the Muay Thai Clinch. Understanding these techniques could prove invaluable in a self-defence scenario, so don’t miss out on this essential learning opportunity.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, a self-defense expert and former law enforcement officer. Icy Mike’s videos offer practical self-defense techniques with an element of humor. The channel brims with crucial fitness and fighting tips, real-world combat drills, equipment reviews, and personal security advice.
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@Natalia, Try gripping the skin of the under arm with the thumb an 2nd knuckle of 1st finger
Triangle – she needs to press her head into your chest and double leg u pushing forward fast and hard before you can turn her. Don’t you think thats a really dangerous street move? Maybe ok if just trying to control but not hurt a drunk
I think mike should probably have someone else to show the clinch escape. Lol.
Stood up and danced for joy seeing this in my recommended
Great video and very detailed.
As a side note/anecdote: I found the open hands not to be as common as some "muay thai nerds" may wanna make us believe. It's often taught like that especially in the west (and probably the most common one in the west like you said) but most Thais I've seen and trained with will immediately go for a gable grip or another hand lock once they get both arms on the inside. Back during the golden age the open hands were more common as clinch was generally more of a flow while exchanging knees and elbows. Nowadays they lock up pretty quickly and refs separate fighters much quicker as well.
3:57 why is that the best one?
Grabbing testicles is the best escape from this 😂
Funnily enough, my instant reaction was, that is a muay thai clinch, wtf!!! But then, yeah, took a split second to think, and you're right. The "traditional" idea of a muay thai clinch is rarely utilised by pros. You see the back of the neck clinch in amateur fights a lot, and it usually descends into a sh*t show, but the pros control the arms through underhooks and overhooks etc., to land knees.
Yeah man! a Muay Thai clinch is any clinch while doing Muay Thai! LOL
She's a man.
Oooooiiiiiweeeeee
0:23 I Know what you thinking – nope that's not I was thinking I was thinking she's so beautiful and I love to be the one hugging her….. you know for practice purpose only lol. All jokes aside that was good because in movies that what they use. Great that you showed us the correct way.
When you close the lid and your opponent is trying to escape, it's a great opportunity to compliment them on their shampoo.
Love all your students/demo partners, but Natalia is definitely my favourite. I think it's something about her sweet looks and personality but also being a total badass who could beat most of our asses 😅
I can't wait for the what to do with your hands video.
Can confirm. Just started muay thai and by the second class we were doing double collar drills. It is extremely hard to come up with a plan when you're staring at somebody's t-shirt while you're getting shaken around and kneed in the liver.
“You motor boating SOB” lol
Mike! You never get someone in a clinch after they laid their edges. That's just disrespectful 😥
I've been waiting for no nonsense detail oriented clinch video like this for a while to complement my judo ashiwaza (foot trips) game as and potentially set up even a throw. The reason is because I'd love to incorporate knees and elbows in tty o my no gi judo and to be able to make this a really it need the kasushi (off balance) ! Thanks icy m..
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Why did this video take so long. Great info.
"Plaam" is the Thai word for wrestling…
Mike, as a shorter dude, don’t you prefer the top of the head underneath pressed against their jaw/face then gable grip to close it clinch? Equally as hard to escape from, less effort to get, easier to make and take space with the hips AND it turns their head sideways so they don’t have access to much of their strength anymore PLUS they literally cannot move up or down. I don’t like this one pulling people down to that finishing posture is hard+they have access to my lower back and legs with their arms.
The only downside is it fucking hurts on your training partner. Am I just too stupid or am I onto something here?
She should just go to the body.😂
I need a sparing partner like that 😂
Dude this is disrespectful. You can't put "skull de sac" and "angle of moment" in the same video.
I'm trapped between which deserves the most recognition.
Just walk around with a fly in your hair…..