Clinch Fitness (diary entry)

English: Two Marines from 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) practice Marine Corps Martial Arts Program at Al Asad, Iraq. Here, Corporal Robert Lemiszki performs the shoulder throw technique on Corporal Halie Kennie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

27.11.14

Today’s session was focused on exercises for improving throws and takedowns. We warmed up with some bulling, neck wrestling and pummelling. These movements reinforce the importance of closing gaps, transitioning smoothly as you counter another grappler and general tactile awareness. We brought in some footwork because it important for a fighter not to spend too much time isolating the upper body, but to make sure they integrate the movement and coordinate them correctly.

We then moved onto arm-drags, taking the back and responding to a counter. This led onto working suplex lifts from the back and front. We then covered headlock takedowns, the cross-buttocks throw, the major hip throw, a shoulder throw and the major outer reap throw.