Originally posted by yenhoi
I would like to keep Trapping, Clinching, Infighting, Takedowns, and Throws separate from striking. This leaves three Ranges: “STANDING”; “CLINCH”: and “GROUND.” Remember that these ‘terms’ will refer to very broad interrelated topics.
The clinch
IMO this is the area of real fighting. we are in eachother's faces and control can go either way. This is the area I like to operate in, as I can throw, takedown, knee, elbow and punch from the clinch.
One thing to consider is position. While in the clinch, I want to completely control you, allowing myself the ability to launch whatever attack I wish. I like the plomb that we use in MT, and I also like the good ole collar and elbow. By maintaining control of the head, I can determine where your body goes.
I want to keep my hands behind the crown of your head, and my elbows in as close to your neck as possible. This makes it harder for an opponent to lift his head and easier for me to control him. clinch training is essential practice as that's how you will learn how to regain good position and keep things in your favor. In judo, this is referred to as kumikata, or grip fighting.
When I have a gi to grap onto, I like to hold both lapels, as I can launch most of my main attacks from there. your grip can establish dominance here also, so I want to control your grip when possible. let's say, you are grabbing my lapel and I don't like it - I break the grip. But, instead of just letting the arm free, I hold onto it - now, I control your arm and I have my other arm on your lapel/other elbow, etc. I now have an advantage because I have more control of you than you do of me. When I am ready to attack, I will throw the arm out of my way, hopefully giving me the space and time I need to attack.
While you are getting jerked around in the clinch, it can be easy to lose track of your base, making it easier for you to be swept. hiza guruma, de ashi barai, sasae tsuri komi ashi, etc. are all very usable techniques here can be a quick way to get your opponent down, giving you a chance to run, face the next attacker, etc.
I guess we can touch on knees and elbows later.