POSITION: STANDING
ORIENTATION: CLINCH
TECHNIQUE: PUmmeling
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The goals of the clinch position is to achieve greater control (i.e., double underhooks), wear out your opponent’s arms, or secure a takedown.
Begin the clinch by positioning your chest against your opponent’s chest with one underhook and one overhook.
Attempt to position your shoulder below your opponent’ shoulder for better leverage.
Keep the underhook high and tight under your opponent’s armpit.
Secure a tight overhook on your opponent’s arm, keeping your elbow tight and close to your body.
Position your lead leg on the underhook side. For example, if you have an underhook with you right arm, place your right leg forward.
After establishing good control, initiate the pummel with the intention of establishing double underhooks by bringing your overhook-side hand towards your chest and swim it under your opponent’s arm, thereby establishing an underhook.
As you are converting your overhook into an underhook, switch your stance so that the lead leg is on the same side on your newly established underhook.
As you are pummeling, your opponent is also pummeling in order to prevent you from establishing double underhooks. Remember to keep your underhook tight to make it more difficult for your opponent to dig in for an underhook.
Don’t wait for your opponent to pummel first. Make your opponent follow your lead. It is more difficult to react than it is to act.
Don’t allow your opponent to drive your back against a wall or cage. If you are overpowered, circle in order to redirect your opponent’s energy.