Muay Thai Clinch Techniques Every Fighter Should Know

In Muay Thai, the clinch is where fights are often won or lost. While punches and kicks might steal the spotlight, mastering the clinch can give you the upper hand against any opponent. The clinch allows you to control distance, neutralize attacks, and deliver devastating strikes up close. At Thornton Martial Arts, we emphasize clinch techniques because they’re essential for any fighter who wants to level up their skills.

Here are five must-know Muay Thai clinch techniques for fighters of all levels:

1. The Basic Double Collar Tie (Plum Clinch)

The double collar tie—also known as the “plum clinch”—is the foundation of Muay Thai clinching. In this position, you grip the back of your opponent’s head with both hands, elbows tucked in, and pull them toward your chest.

Why it works:

• Controls your opponent’s posture

• Sets up devastating knee strikes

• Makes it hard for your opponent to escape or counter

Pro Tip: Always keep your head close to your opponent’s to avoid elbows or punches slipping through.

2. Inside Control and Hand Fighting

Winning the clinch isn’t just about grabbing your opponent—it’s about fighting for hand position. Inside control, where your arms are on the inside of your opponent’s, gives you leverage to control the fight.

Why it matters:

• Prevents your opponent from locking you up

• Lets you transition into sweeps or knees quickly

• Builds a solid foundation for more advanced clinches

Training Tip: Spend time in partner drills focusing on hand fighting and pummeling to develop quick reflexes for gaining inside control.

3. Knee Strikes from the Clinch

Once you’ve secured the clinch, knee strikes become your best weapon. Alternating between straight knees to the body and diagonal knees to the ribs keeps your opponent guessing.

Why it’s effective:

• Quickly drains your opponent’s stamina

• Scores highly in Muay Thai matches

• Creates openings for sweeps or throws

Pro Tip: Time your knees with a pull of the head for maximum impact.

4. Off-Balancing and Sweeps

Sweeps are one of the most satisfying ways to finish an exchange in the clinch. By turning your opponent’s body or hooking their leg with your foot, you can trip or off-balance them for a clean takedown.

Why it’s a game-changer:

• Disrupts your opponent’s rhythm

• Demonstrates superior control in the ring

• Opens opportunities to dominate the round

Safety Note: In training, practice controlled sweeps to avoid injuries to your partner.

5. The Side Clinch (Single Collar Tie and Overhook)

When you can’t secure the double collar tie, transitioning to a side clinch is crucial. This position gives you an overhook on one arm and control of the opponent’s head with the other.

Benefits:

• Easier to land body knees and elbows

• Allows you to turn your opponent and control the pace

• Keeps you safe from some of their strikes

Take Your Clinch Game to the Next Level

The clinch is a technical, powerful aspect of Muay Thai that requires timing, strength, and strategy. At Thornton Martial Arts, our Muay Thai programs teach students how to control opponents, land effective strikes, and safely execute sweeps. Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, mastering the clinch can take your skills to the next level.

Ready to train? Join one of our Muay Thai Fundamentals or Advanced Muay Thai classes and start developing clinch techniques that every fighter should know.