subject: Mixed Martial Arts Clinch - Effective Striking [print this page] In this video, Stephen Whittier (a.k.aIn this video, Stephen Whittier (a.k.a. The MMA Performance Professor) shows the fundamentals for effective mixed martial arts striking from the common single neck tie position in the clinch.
The first key is correct posture, grip and head position.
If your opponent has a single neck tie as well, this is a neutral position. You must make sure that you have good base with your legs, your head is in tight to your opponent's, and you have a sound grip on his head with one hand (the palm of your hand high on the back of his head, and your elbow tight in, as close to his sternum as possible).
To make slant the odds in your favor, try to be the aggressor rather than trading blows. Key tips for striking:
- Punch with good body mechanics, but keep the elbow of your free arm in tight to your ribcage so your opponent cannot pummel in with his own arms as you strike, and punch from your legs and hips.
- Constantly keep your opponent off balance by popping (or shucking) his head away with your lead shoulder, using the space to strike, then pulling him immediately back in.
- Use your strikes to set up the opportunity to improve your position or setting up other strikes. For example, as your opponent reacts to your strikes, you can follow up with knees, trips, level changes and takedowns, etc.)
In this sequence, Coach Whittier shows how you can pop your opponent away, deliver quick and efficient strikes, then trip your opponent as he pushes back into you by pulling on his head with the neck tie and rolling him over your hip, upper leg. Then, if the opponent catches his balance, you can reverse directions by going to the other side with a windmill takedown.
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