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Home»Muay Thai Blog»Clinch in Muay Thai Gloves. Yes or no?
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Clinch in Muay Thai Gloves. Yes or no?

By Muay Thai World Team12. February 2024Updated:24. April 2024No Comments7 Mins Read
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Recently, there has been a shift in training approach towards clinching with gloves. This change was prompted by the realization that certain limitations in development were becoming apparent in fights. While dominating in the clinch is a strong suit, encounters with high-level opponents and those larger in size highlighted areas for improvement.

The decision to incorporate gloves into the training regimen has brought unexpected advantages, particularly when training partners opt not to wear gloves for clinch sessions. This creates a unique dynamic, where one participant wears gloves, while the others go barehanded, introducing an additional challenge that enhances the overall training experience as well as performance in the stadiums. 

The question arises: why do Thais traditionally clinch barehanded? 

It is speculated that this practice may have originated due to a scarcity of equipment in some gyms, especially in outlying areas. The communal concept of equipment in Thailand, where fighters share gloves and other gear, may have contributed to the development of barehanded clinching. While financial constraints could be a factor, the emphasis on barehanded techniques has led to the evolution of various offensive and defensive maneuvers in the clinch.

Advantages of barehand clinching in Muay Thai

Barehanded clinching offers distinct advantages, primarily in terms of maneuverability. Without the encumbrance of gloves, there is increased flexibility to reach through smaller openings, grip more tightly with exposed fingers and thumbs, and have a heightened sense of touch. This freedom of movement facilitates the learning of fine-tuned shifts in grip and position, contributing to a snake-like rhythm and seamless transitions in the clinch.

Transitioning to Muay Thai Gloves in the Ring

One crucial aspect emphasized by barehanded clinching is transitioning. The unrestrained hand allows for more intricate movements, enabling fighters to navigate through smaller spaces, maintain a tighter grip, and react with greater sensitivity. This focus on transition fosters a relentless approach, constantly moving from one advantageous position to another, a skill that is harder to cultivate in glove-only clinch training.

Another notable advantage of barehanded clinching is the ease of arm control. Controlling the arms without gloves provides a greater range of options, allowing fighters to grasp elbows, triceps, forearms, and wrists more effectively. 

This dimension of clinch training, centered around barehanded arm control, contributes significantly to defensive strategies.

Transitioning to gloved clinching, however, introduces a different set of challenges. While gloves limit the ability to lock as tightly as bare hands, they enhance the difficulty for opponents to escape certain holds. Gloved clinching tends to focus more on finding and maintaining a good position, with reduced emphasis on seamless transitions. The use of forearms and elbows becomes more prominent in the absence of barehanded fine-tuned control.

When time is limited, clinch in Muay Thai Gloves

For those not starting their clinch training in childhood and lacking the luxury of traditional methods, adjustments may be necessary. Gloved practice becomes a viable alternative for fighters who cannot dedicate extensive time to develop barehanded clinching skills. It offers a shortcut to understanding principles, especially for those who need to adapt to the limitations imposed by gloved hands during actual fights.

Find symmetry in all training

Gloved clinching underscores the importance of symmetry in training conditions. While the advantages of barehanded clinching are recognized, the asymmetric training approach, where one participant wears gloves and the others do not, provides a valuable opportunity to work from a disadvantaged position. This challenges fighters to adapt to different scenarios, preparing them for the diverse conditions they may encounter in fights.

Muay Thai Clinch

Using laced up Muay Thai Gloves for Cliching

Clinching is a crucial aspect of Muay Thai, requiring precision and control. The choice between laced up gloves and velcro plays a significant role in enhancing or hindering clinch performance. 

Reduced Risk of Scratching: Laced up gloves provide a smoother surface compared to velcro closures, minimizing the risk of scratching your opponent during clinches. The absence of sharp edges on laces reduces skin abrasions, promoting a safer and more controlled clinch experience.

Challenges in Maneuverability: The laced design may limit wrist maneuverability, making certain hand placements and grasping movements more challenging. However, this limitation can be viewed as a positive aspect, forcing fighters to rely on forearm strength and body weight adjustments, mirroring real-fight scenarios.

Forced Reliance on Forearms and Body Weight: The restricted wrist movement encourages fighters to develop stronger forearms, enhancing their ability to control opponents in the clinch. Relying on body weight adjustments becomes essential, promoting a more authentic and effective clinch technique that aligns with the demands of actual fights.

Enhanced Focus on Technique: Laced up gloves necessitate a more precise and refined clinching technique, as every movement requires deliberate execution. Fighters using laced up gloves may find themselves honing their skills to compensate for the reduced flexibility, leading to a more technically sound clinch game.

Preventing Unintentional Glove Opening: Unlike velcro closures, laced up gloves are less likely to accidentally open during intense clinch exchanges, providing a secure fit throughout the fight. This feature ensures uninterrupted focus on clinch strategy without the distraction of adjusting or securing the gloves.

While laced up gloves may present challenges in wrist maneuverability, their benefits in reducing the risk of scratching, promoting forearm strength, and encouraging a more authentic clinching experience make them a valuable choice for Muay Thai practitioners. Ultimately, the decision between laced up and velcro gloves depends on personal preference, fighting style, and the emphasis placed on specific aspects of clinch training.

Clinching in Velcro Thai Gloves

Velcro gloves are by far the more common option out of the two. Both should be experimented with when possible to find a best fit for the individual fighter. Here are a few of the benefits below:

Quick and Easy Adjustments: Velcro gloves allow for rapid adjustments during clinches, facilitating swift changes in hand placement and movement. The ease of securing and releasing the gloves enables fighters to adapt to their opponent’s actions seamlessly.

Enhanced Wrist Maneuverability: Velcro closures provide greater wrist flexibility, allowing for a wider range of hand movements and adjustments during clinching. This increased maneuverability can be advantageous in executing intricate clinch techniques and responding to dynamic situations effectively.

Efficient for Training: Velcro gloves are practical for training purposes, as they streamline the process of putting on and taking off the gloves. This efficiency is particularly beneficial during intense training sessions, enabling fighters to focus more on technique and less on the logistics of glove management.

Adaptability to Different Hand Sizes: Velcro closures offer a customizable fit, accommodating various hand sizes and shapes. Fighters with velcro gloves can easily adjust the tightness to suit their preferences, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for optimal clinching performance.

Versatility in Sparring Sessions: Velcro gloves are versatile and commonly used in sparring sessions, allowing fighters to transition between clinches and striking with minimal disruption. This versatility contributes to a well-rounded training experience, preparing fighters for the diverse challenges they may face in actual fights.

Velcro gloves offer a range of advantages for Muay Thai practitioners engaged in clinching, from quick adjustments and enhanced wrist maneuverability to adaptability and versatility in training. 

While they may lack some of the specific benefits associated with laced up gloves, the convenience and practicality of velcro closures make them a popular choice among fighters looking to optimize their clinch game. Ultimately, the decision between laced up and velcro gloves depends on individual preferences, training goals, and the specific requirements of each fighter’s Muay Thai style.

In conclusion, the choice between barehanded and gloved clinching depends on various factors, including the fighter’s background, training conditions, and goals. Both approaches offer unique benefits and challenges, contributing to the overall development of a well-rounded clinch fighter.

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