| Rather than explaining what you should do if caught in | | | | Don't strike the midsection - Although some may |
| the clinch, the following explains what you should not | | | | disagree with this, it is one open for debate. Some |
| try and do. They are common mistakes people make | | | | people feel that by striking your opponents midsection |
| and ones, if avoided, should keep you out of danger in | | | | with punches you may be able to make them release |
| order to start thinking about an escape. | | | | there grip in order to protect themselves. This may |
| Don't try and move away - Trying to move away | | | | work against beginners but against fighters who have |
| from your opponent when caught in the clinch, will | | | | been training for a long period of time and have |
| extend the distance between the two of you and will | | | | conditioned there midsections to take these blows |
| provide enough space for them to deliver knee strikes | | | | without flinching, all this shall do is annoy your opponent |
| with a full range of motion. You actually want to try | | | | and will probably make them more eager to end the |
| and minimise the space as much as possible so knees | | | | fight quickly. However, an alternative may be to try |
| can not be thrown easily or at all. | | | | and strike there face area with hooks or overhand |
| Don't try and grab your opponents hand to break the | | | | punches. This will give you a better chance of them |
| grip- Many times people actually reach behind, in order | | | | letting go of there grip. |
| to try and pull there opponents hands off the back of | | | | Don't panic - This is the most important point to |
| the head. This has even been attempted while | | | | remember. If you get caught in the clinch the last thing |
| wearing boxing gloves. By doing this you open up your | | | | you want to do is panic, tense up, use up all your |
| midsection and weak ribs to knee strikes. | | | | energy via the tension and find yourself in trouble. Just |
| Don't try and turn your back to your opponent - If your | | | | relax, take your time, concentrate on closing the |
| opponent has a good solid grip of the back of your | | | | distance between you and your opponent and work |
| head with both hands, if you try and turn away, you | | | | towards escaping. |
| shall simply twist your neck which could result in injuring | | | | It takes practise and time to be able to learn what to |
| yourself as well as leaving yourself on the receiving | | | | do when caught in the clinch. It is not something where |
| end of some knee strikes. | | | | one can just do a couple of sessions on it and expect |
| Don't try and swing you head under your opponents | | | | to be able to defend themselves adequately. Clinch |
| elbow - If you try and duck under your opponents | | | | fighting is an art form in itself and something that |
| elbows at the same time he/she delivers a knee strike | | | | requires constant practise. |
| upwards, well you get the picture...hopefully. | | | | |