Hand & Arm Manipulations: Framing, Posts, Measure, Etc.
0
Standard FramingΒ·fightTIPS
Train with me in Singapore this August: http://bit.ly/FightTIPSinSingapore Your hands and arms don't only have to be useβ¦
Translation: standard framing
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Standard Framing subfamily covers the fundamental frame position where the attacker places one or both forearms against the opponent's chest, throat, or shoulders, using the rigid forearm structure to maintain distance and prevent the opponent from closing to a tighter clinch. [1] The frame operates on the principle of using bone structure rather than muscular strength β the forearm is braced against the opponent's body with the elbow at approximately 90 degrees, creating a strut that is difficult to collapse. [1],[2] Standard framing is the first defensive response taught in clinch fighting for maintaining distance against an advancing opponent. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Standard framing techniques have been used instinctively in fighting since antiquity and were formalised into systematic instruction through wrestling and boxing training methodologies. [1] Modern MMA coaching has developed detailed framing curricula as part of comprehensive clinch defence systems. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilMMA
- USAMMA
- EnglandBoxing
- GreeceBoxing
- ThailandMuay Thai
Effectiveness
Standard framing positions the forearms against the opponent's chest, shoulders, or neck to maintain distance in the clinch. [1]
Lineage
Framing is taught across BJJ, MMA, and wrestling as a fundamental defensive skill. [1]
Competition Record
Standard framing is a fundamental defensive clinch technique seen in every MMA event, used to manage distance and prevent takedowns. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Establishing a controlling connection with the opponent at close range
Joints Involved β Upper body contact points β head, arms, and torso used for control and balance disruption
Force Vector β Varies by clinch type β downward (collar tie), lateral (arm drags), or forward (chest pressure)
Control Mechanic β Inside position and head control are the dominant factors in clinch superiority
Position & Entry
From striking range β Close the distance and establish a controlling grip or tie on the opponent
From hand fighting β Win the grip exchange by swimming inside or securing the dominant tie position
From defensive reaction β When the opponent advances, establish the clinch to control their movement and energy
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Head/neck control positions create cervical strain; Muay Thai plum is primary striking platform
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
WBC/Boxing β Holding is technically a foul β referee breaks clinch, excessive holding results in point deduction {srcβ WBC Rules of Boxing}
K-1/GLORY β One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks {srcβ K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
β WAKO β Clinch generally broken by referee β limited or no...
WAKO Competition RulesPDFLegal
β Unified MMA β Legal β clinching is integral to MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ grip fighting
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ IBJJF β Legal β standing grip fighting and clinch work pe...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ IFMA β Legal β the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai,...
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFβ UWW β Legal β clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the pri...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFTraining Notes
βPlace your forearm or palm against the opponent's shoulder, chest, throat, or hip β creating a rigid barrier
βAlign your arm bones to bear the load β wrist, forearm, and upper arm in a straight structural line
βKeep your elbow close to your body β a flared elbow collapses under pressure
βUse your core and back muscles to support the frame β the arm structure transfers load to your torso
βFrom bottom position, frame to create space, then use that space to shrimp (hip escape) or stand up
βFrom top position, frames can be used to control distance and prevent the opponent from closing
βDrill framing under progressively increasing pressure β start with a partner leaning lightly, increase to full weight
Common Mistakes
!Pushing instead of framing β a frame holds position; pushing wastes energy and creates openings
!Bending the elbow under pressure β keep structural alignment to bear the load
!Framing with the hand flat instead of using the forearm β the forearm provides a longer, stronger barrier
!Not connecting the frame to the hip escape β framing creates space, the hip escape uses it; they're paired
!Keeping the frame static when the opponent moves around it β adjust the angle and position continuously
!Using only one frame β multiple frames (e.g., forearm on throat + hand on hip) are more effective
!Framing aggressively on the face in training β target the jaw, neck, or shoulder for safe practice
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Pummeling β fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's gripsFrame and Push β create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neckGrip Break β systematically strip the opponent's controlling gripsPosture Up β straighten the spine and drive the hips forward to break clinch control
Setup Chain
1Close Distance β bridge the gap using footwork, strikes, or a level change
2Establish Primary Grip β secure the initial controlling grip on the opponent
3Position the Hips β align hips to maximize leverage and control angle
4Apply Pressure β use the grip to control posture and create offensive opportunities
Sources & References
Primary Source
Freestyle Wrestling: A Complete Guide for Coaches and Wrestlers (Petrov, 1977)
1BookMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources β [1] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011) [2] MMA Instruction Manual (UFC, 2008) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
2BookFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Alias sources β [1] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011) [2] MMA Instruction Manual (UFC, 2008) [3] Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus & Kraitus, 1988)
5CitationFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip strength, upper body endurance, balance under pressure
Favours
strong arms and shoulders, stable base
Key muscles
forearms, deltoids, core, hip muscles
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does β not its name
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β or compare equivalents across styles.
Category
Distance
Body target
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the proper hand technique for posting to create distance?
Use your lead arm with the palm of your hand, similar to throwing a jab. According to fightTIPS, you can use the part of the glove where your thumb meets your finger for better traction. Hit with a palm strike rather than jamming yourself up close.
How should I generate power when framing or posting?
Pop your hips and straighten out your arm rather than using a push-up motion that drains your muscles. fightTIPS emphasizes coordinating your hip movement with arm extension to knock your opponent back before following up with your attack.
How do I set up a follow-up attack after framing?
Keep your hands close together and tight rather than reaching out to pull down and then throw, as this gives your opponent time to counter. fightTIPS teaches breaking tempo with light touchesβ'touch, touch, touch, boom'βto set up bigger punches or pulls while maintaining control.
What's the proper elbow position when framing?
Use your lat and maintain outside 90-degree elbow positioning to frame effectively. From this position, fightTIPS explains you can follow up with an uppercut, overhand right, or create an angle to pull down on the head.
How does the Standard Framing work?
The Standard Framing subfamily covers the fundamental frame position where the attacker places one or both forearms against the opponent's chest, throat, or shoulders, using the rigid forearm structure to maintain distance and prevent the opponent from closing to a tighter clinch. The frame operates on the principle of using bone structure rather than muscular strength β the forearm is braced against the opponent's body with the elbow at approximately 90 degrees, creating a strut that is difficult to collapse.
Where does the Standard Framing come from?
Standard framing techniques have been used instinctively in fighting since antiquity and were formalised into systematic instruction through wrestling and boxing training methodologies. Modern MMA coaching has developed detailed framing curricula as part of comprehensive clinch defence systems.
Is the Standard Framing legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal β Legal β clinching is integral to MMA; IJF: legal β Legal β kumi-kata (grip fighting) is fundamental to judo; IBJJF: legal β Legal β standing grip fighting and clinch work permitted; IFMA: legal β Legal β the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai, clinch dominance is highlyβ¦; WBC/Boxing: restricted β Holding is technically a foul β referee breaks clinch, excessive holding resuβ¦; K: restricted β 1/GLORY β One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks; WAKO: restricted β Clinch generally broken by referee β limited or no clinch fighting in most foβ¦; UWW: legal β Legal β clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the primary position in Greco-Roman
How dangerous is the Standard Framing?
Danger rating 5/10. High β head/neck control positions create cervical strain; Muay Thai plum is primary striking platform
How do I set up the Standard Framing?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance β Establish Primary Grip β Position the Hips β Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Standard Framing?
Standard counters include: Pummeling β fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's grips / Frame and Push β create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neck / Grip Break β systematically strip the opponent's controlling grips / Posture Up β straighten the spine and drive the hips forward to break clinch control.
What are the variants of the Standard Framing?
Common variants: Standard variation (primary clinch configuration from the most common entry); Gi variation (adapted with collar and sleeve grips for gi-based grappling); No-gi / MMA variation (modified for no-gi or cage fighting conditions); Offensive variation (configured to set up strikes, takedowns, or submissions fβ¦).
How effective is the Standard Framing in competition?
Standard framing is a fundamental defensive clinch technique seen in every MMA event, used to manage distance and prevent takedowns.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Framing?
Top errors to watch for: Pushing instead of framing β a frame holds position; pushing wastes energy and creates openings / Bending the elbow under pressure β keep structural alignment to bear the load / Framing with the hand flat instead of using the forearm β the forearm provides a longer, stronger barrier / Not connecting the frame to the hip escape β framing creates space, the hip escape uses it; they're paired.
What are other names for the Standard Framing?
The Standard Framing is also known as SutandΔdo FurΔmingu, Standard Frame, Basic Clinch Frame, Posting Frame.