MMA Training – Clinch Fighting for Mixed Martial Arts by Mike Swain and Chuck Jefferson

March 22nd, 2009 |

Author: Zdot

Not surprisingly, Clinch Fighting for MMA looks very much like a judo guide for fighters with no experience in the kind of stand up fighting found in judo, such as throws, sweeps, and trips. It almost made me feel like it was a judo guide for wrestlers.

It features a wide range of judo-based throws and takedowns that, while well-known to most experienced judo fighters, would be brand new for many MMA fighters coming out of a wrestling background.

The photographs are great. There are lots of them and they are very high quality. Many other similar books feature photos that are taken too close, don’t contain enough detail, or make it difficult to distinguish between fighters. There is nothing like this in Clinch Fighting.

If there’s any problem with the book, it’s the inclusion of low percentage moves, such as armlock takedowns. They may be popular among beginners in MMA and grappling, but I have never seen one applied successfully. Still, it’s a pretty good introduction to stand up grappling, and especially worthwhile for those with no experience in judo.