Clinch (stand-up grappling)

Names by art: Boxing: Clinch · Muay Thai: Thai clinch · Kickboxing: Clinch · Wrestling: Collar tie · MMA: Clinch

Appears in 5 arts.

⚠ Train with an instructor. Learn and practise this technique only under a qualified instructor, on a suitable surface and with a cooperative partner. This page explains; it does not replace a teacher.

Biomechanics: what the body does

Standing chest to chest, the fighters control each other with the arms around the head, neck, arms or body. Close range takes away long punches and kicks; from here a fighter can strike with knees or elbows, break the posture, or set up a takedown or throw.

Appears in 5 arts

Art	Name used in this art
Boxing	Clinch
Muay Thai	Thai clinch
Kickboxing	Clinch
Wrestling	Collar tie
MMA	Clinch

More in this category

Front stance Horse stance Back stance Cat stance Hourglass stance (sanchin) Boxing stance (orthodox / southpaw) Sliding step (front foot first) Natural walking step Following step Body evasion by turning (tai sabaki) Entering and turning (irimi / tenkan) Ginga (rocking base of capoeira) Jump-forward (balestra) Back breakfall Side breakfall Forward rolling breakfall Underhook

All techniques across the arts →

Sources

Cite / use this content

You may quote short excerpts with a visible link to this page. Suggested citation:

Wabukan (2026). “Clinch (stand-up grappling)”. https://wabukan.com/tecnicas/clinch (accessed 2026-10-30).

Full rules, ready-made link code and press kit → · Updated: 2026-10-30