Introduction to Clinch Fighting Grips

Ramsey Dewey and assistant Eddie demonstrate fundamental grip techniques essential for effective clinch fighting. These foundational grips provide the structural basis for controlling an opponent's posture and positioning.

Collar Tie Grip Mechanics

The collar tie is executed by gripping the back of the opponent's head rather than the neck, providing superior leverage control. Grabbing the neck allows the opponent to maintain postural control, while gripping the head at its terminus creates a mechanical advantage that prevents upward head movement.

Double Collar Tie Positioning

The double collar tie employs one palm stacked over the other without finger interlacing, mimicking a palm-strike salute position. The practitioner drives both elbows inward tightly, creating a scissor-like compression beneath the opponent's neck while maintaining head-to-head contact to minimize striking opportunities.

Head Positioning and Distance Management

Maintaining close head contact is critical to reducing incoming strike damage, as extended distance permits full striking combinations. The practitioner should pull themselves into the opponent rather than attempting to pull the opponent forward, establishing control through shoulder engagement rather than arm strength.

Reverse Collar Tie and Wrist Control

The reverse collar tie utilizes a forearm positioned across the opponent's neck, held with the wrist acting as a hook rather than gripping with the fingers. This configuration enables dynamic pushing and pulling movements to control the opponent's positioning and movement patterns.

Bicep Control Grip

The bicep tie-up is secured with the palm and all five fingers pressed over the biceps, never using the thumb in isolation to block. This grip permits both pushing against the bicep and pulling against the tricep, creating an integrated control mechanism that can elevate the opponent's arm to expose the midsection for strikes.

Underhook Counter Techniques

When an opponent reaches for an underhook, the immediate counter involves sliding the elbow over their incoming arm before the underhook is secured. If the underhook is already achieved, the whizzer grip—wrapping an arm around the opponent's shoulder—neutralizes the control advantage.

Triple Threat Position and Wrist Lock Integration

The whizzer combined with a reverse collar tie and catch-wrestling wrist lock creates a dominant clinch position with multiple offensive options. This configuration breaks the opponent's posture, provides undefended striking opportunities to the head, and enables high-percentage throws.

Over-Under Clinch Applications

The over-under clinch excels at setting up throws and takedowns but presents striking limitations due to underhook vulnerability. Practitioners should target the thighs with strikes in this position, as striking the body risks the opponent catching the leg with their underhook and executing a takedown.

9 Fundamentals of Clinch Fighting

Ramsey Dewey

Standard Wall Pin Position

2 min read·9 key moments·PT16M30S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Clinch Fighting Grips
•Collar Tie Grip Mechanics
•Double Collar Tie Positioning
•Head Positioning and Distance Management

Learn the basics of clinch fighting, specifically the grips. Clinch fighting (or dirty boxing, as it is sometimes called) is one of the fundamental skills of MMA, Muay Thai, and other combat sports. Thanks to my channel sponsors: No-Gi BJJ Gear. Use my code RAMSEY10 for a 10% discount on everything at https://www.nogibjjgear.com/?ref=AyJ_EjPCOXox Relxbit.com makers of fine massage guns. Use my code RAMSEYDEWEY15%OFF for a 15% discount. Shanghai based MMA Coach and Kunlun Fight Combat League ringside commentator Ramsey Dewey answers questions from the viewers. This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ramseydewey/

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard wall pin position?

This video covers introduction to clinch fighting grips, collar tie grip mechanics, double collar tie positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Ramsey Dewey.

How long does it take to learn standard wall pin position?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.