Introduction & Instructional Context

Ray White of the Mooshian Academy in Battle Creek, Michigan introduces a shoulder bump series derived from dirty boxing, Kali, wrestling, and MMA clinch work. This technique is specifically designed for contested grappling scenarios where practitioners need to create striking opportunities while maintaining close-range control.

Fundamental Clinch Position Setup

The instructor establishes the baseline clinch position where both fighters are shoulder-to-shoulder with their heads protected. A pad is placed on the opponent's shoulder blade to provide resistance and simulate realistic clinch pressure before executing the shoulder bump.

Single Shoulder Bump with Uppercut Follow-Up

The defender drives with hips and legs to create minimal space—just enough for an uppercut to penetrate the guard. The key is generating sufficient force to separate the bodies while immediately striking through the opening created by the bump.

Double Bump Technique with Combination Strikes

Two consecutive shoulder bumps are executed to progressively loosen the clinch and create cumulative space for striking combinations. The first bump initiates separation while the second bump provides the impact window for hook and cross combinations.

Side-to-Side Variations

The shoulder bump can be applied to either side of the opponent's head depending on which shoulder they're hiding behind. Practitioners can switch stances, remain orthodox, or square up—the critical element is timing the strikes precisely after the bump creates opening.

Advanced Angle: Forward and Upward Drive

An advanced variation incorporates an upward shoulder drive to displace the opponent's chin when they're pushing into center. This forward-then-upward motion exploits the opponent's natural resistance and creates an opening for striking combinations.

Three-Beat Rhythm Combination

A three-count sequence of forward-up-forward shoulder drives creates a rhythmic pattern that progressively breaks down the opponent's clinch structure. This tempo variation is followed immediately by rapid striking combinations while the opponent is destabilized.

Application Considerations & Safety

The instructor notes that proper execution of shoulder bumps generates significant force and may require protective equipment. In sport settings this technique may draw fouls, but in self-defense scenarios, the forward-and-upward driving motion is a legitimate close-range disruption method.

Dirty Boxing: Shoulder Strike For Clinch, MMA, Muay Thai and Self Defense. (Conor McGregor UFC 246)

Coach Ray

Standard Dirty Boxing TD

2 min read·8 key moments·PT15M19S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction & Instructional Context
•Fundamental Clinch Position Setup
•Single Shoulder Bump with Uppercut Follow-Up
•Double Bump Technique with Combination Strikes

You may have seen Conor McGregor vs Donald Cerrone UFC 246. Here is how we’ve been training it at my gym. We pull this method of shoulder striking from Filipino Martial Arts and Silat that I learned from Rick Faye at the MInnesota Kali Group and modified for MMA and boxing. Dirty Boxing is using secret or rare techniqes that are outside the rules of standard sport competition. The shoulder bump is one of those nasty techniques that few practice, and even fewer practice well. In this video I show you how to safely drill the shoulder bump for use in MMA, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai or for self defense. Please subscribe to our channel if you would like to see more of our curriculum and training ideas. Ray White has been training, competing and teaching Kali, Muay Thai, BJJ, JKD and MMA since 1998. Now located in Midwest Michigan he teaches, trains and coaches students, athletes and fighters from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Find our website at www.theMushinAcademy.com More videos to come, Subscribe to see more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard dirty boxing td?

This video covers introduction & instructional context, fundamental clinch position setup, single shoulder bump with uppercut follow-up. It provides detailed instruction from Coach Ray.

How long does it take to learn standard dirty boxing td?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.