Become Fighter
Framing out and clinch exits: Muay Thai guide
Leaving the clinch cleanly or breaking it before the referee does.
A frame is a stiff arm that holds the opponent at a distance. It stops them from locking in. The best clinch fighters escape before the plum is complete and finish with a strike that gets them out of range.
A good exit is a three-part action: frame, turn and step. You can exit with an elbow, a push or a pivot. In a bout the referee separates fighters who stall, so be ready to leave and attack.
Key points
- Frame on the chest or bicep with a stiff arm.
- Turn the shoulders so you are not square to the plum.
- Step out on a diagonal, not straight back.
- Leave with a strike so they do not re-clinch.
- Keep your chin tucked while exiting.
- Break early. Late exits are knees to the head.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Backing in a straight line. Diagonal steps are harder to follow.
- Soft frames. Stiff arms hold space. Floppy arms collapse.
- Escaping without a strike. A short strike stops them re-tying.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Advanced clinch module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Advanced clinch
- Off-balancing from the plum: Muay Thai guide
- Dumps and sweeps from the plum: Muay Thai guide
- Knee entries and combinations: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.