Double Collar Tie

The Double Collar Tie, often referred to as the "Muay Thai Clinch" or "Plum Clinch" in striking arts, is a grappling grip where both hands are placed on the back of the opponent’s neck or head. It provides strong control over their posture and head, which is crucial for dictating their movement and setting up attacks. While it is most commonly associated with Muay Thai, it is also applicable in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi grappling contexts to control posture and disrupt balance.

Key Features of the Double Collar Tie

Hand Placement

Both hands are placed on the back of the opponent’s head or neck, with the fingers interlaced or overlapping for added control.

Elbow Position

Elbows are kept tight and pointed downward, close to your own chest to create a strong frame and prevent counters.

Head Position

Your forehead or temple is typically positioned against the side of the opponent’s head to maintain Pressure and dominate the Center Line.

Uses in BJJ and Grappling

Posture Control

The Double Collar Tie forces your opponent’s head downward, breaking their Posture and limiting their ability to defend or counter.

Takedown Setups

Allows you to transition to techniques like the Snap-Down to Front Headlock or Duck Under by manipulating their head and balance.

Striking Setup

In MMA or self-defense, the Double Collar Tie is used to control the opponent while delivering effective knees or strikes.

Guard Work

When in Closed Guard or Butterfly Guard, the Double Collar Tie can be used to break the opponent’s posture and set up sweeps, submissions, or transitions.

Advantages

Dominates the opponent’s Center of Gravity and balance.
Disrupts their ability to establish grips or offensive connections.
Creates opportunities for takedowns, submissions, or strikes.

Tips for Effective Use

Apply Constant Pressure

Use your hands and forearms to consistently pull down on their head while keeping your elbows tight.

Maintain Close Contact

Avoid creating space between your chest and their upper body, as this reduces control.

Use Your Hips and Legs

Combine the grip with proper Hip Movement and footwork to off-balance the opponent and generate angles.

Transition Smoothly

Be ready to switch to other grips like an Underhook or Snap-Down to Front Headlock if the Double Collar Tie grip is broken.

Common Mistakes

Loose Grip

Failing to apply downward Pressure allows the opponent to regain posture or counter.

Flared Elbows

If your elbows are not tight to your body, the opponent can pummel inside for Underhooks or escape.

Head Positioning Errors

Keeping your head too far away exposes you to counters like Snap-Downs or Takedowns.

Overcommitment

Holding the Double Collar Tie for too long without advancing can leave you vulnerable to grip fighting and escapes.

Variations and Combinations

Single Collar Tie with Wrist Control

Transitioning to a single collar tie while controlling the opponent’s wrist for additional setups.

Double Collar Tie to Guillotine

If the opponent counters by posturing up, transitioning to a Guillotine can create submission opportunities.

Double Collar Tie and Arm Drag

Combining the tie with an arm drag to expose their back or set up takedowns.

The Double Collar Tie is a dominant grip for controlling Posture, Distance Management, and the opponent’s ability to attack or defend. It’s an essential technique for grapplers who want to impose control and create offensive opportunities in both striking and grappling scenarios.