Attaining Clinch

[Water Dragon]

I'm noticing that I do really well in the outside range. I have a good jab and can fire off my combos with no worry.

I'm also a Shuai Chiao guy so my throws and clinch work is good when we are wearing jackets.

But I'm having problems attaining a good clinch in sparring. If I play defense and let you come to me, I can clinch well and maintain good balance to throw you, but when I try to force the clinch offensively, everything falls apart.

If I do get my clinch, I'm usually too unbvalanced to capitalize on it. I'm looking for hints, strategies, combos and ESPECIALLY drills for attaining clinch.

Thanks guys!

[phaderlanx]

since you have ring time- or at least sparring experience, it seems you are more experienced than I, but since no one has responded- i think ill throw out my .o2

I think the best bet is to practice the clinch/plum with a partner. Ive done it a few times, but dont practice it as much as i would like to/should..... It really is a usefull skill to poses (really broadens the options) but striking is just so much more fun... hahha, but really i think if you go easy-- practice one on one with someone and work at it... it will come... also remeber to go relaxed and slow, thats how they do it in thailand and they are the best at it.
imho the thai clinch is the most complex and incredibly adroit tecnique that requires focus and true skill .. i am sure it takes lots of time and patience

and thats all i got- good luck