De-Ashi-Harai Tips | Riki Judo Dojo
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Standard De Ashi Barai·Riki Judo Dojo
Riki sensei showed us the fundamental way of doing de-ashi-harai / de-ashi-barai (advancing foot sweep) during judo clas…
Standard De Ashi Barai
Genus出足払い(De Ashi Barai)
TraditionalTranslation: standard advancing foot sweep
Overview
The Standard De Ashi Barai executes the fundamental advancing foot sweep where the attacker pulls the opponent forward with the hands (tsurite and hikite), and as the opponent steps forward and their advancing foot touches the mat, the attacker sweeps that foot laterally with the sole of their own foot. [1] The hand pull creates the forward momentum, the weight transfer loads the advancing foot, and the sweep removes the loaded foot at the critical moment. [1],[2] The opponent falls in the direction of the sweep, typically landing on their back or side. [2] The technique requires the attacker to read the opponent's stepping rhythm and anticipate the precise moment of weight commitment. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
De ashi barai is considered one of the most important techniques in judo because it teaches timing and kuzushi (balance breaking) principles that underpin all throwing techniques. [1] The technique is highly effective when the opponent is stepping forward, as the sweep catches the advancing foot at the moment of maximum weight commitment. [1] Its minimal physical effort and reliance on timing make it effective regardless of size or strength differences. [2]
Lineage
De ashi barai is one of the original 40 throws of the Kodokan Gokyo no Waza, classified as the first technique in the Dai Ikkyo (first group) by Jigoro Kano in 1895. [1] It has been taught as a fundamental technique at the Kodokan since judo's founding in 1882. [1] The technique appears in virtually every judo curriculum worldwide and is often the first throw taught to beginners. [2]
Competition Record
De ashi barai is one of the most frequently attempted techniques in international judo competition, appearing at every Olympic Games since judo's inclusion in 1964. [1] Statistical analysis of World Championship and Olympic judo matches shows foot sweeps among the highest-frequency attack techniques across all weight divisions. [2]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Obstruction of the opponent's supporting leg while applying upper body force in the opposite direction
Joints Involved — Opponent's ankle or knee (blocked or swept), opponent's upper body (pushed or pulled off-balance)
Force Vector — Two opposing forces — upper body pushed/pulled one way while the support leg is swept or blocked the other
Takedown Mechanic — Removing the support leg while simultaneously applying directional force creates rotation around the blocked point
Position & Entry
From clinch range — Establish upper body control (collar tie, underhook, or body lock), obstruct the support leg with a trip or sweep, and drive the opponent to the mat
From grip fighting — Use push-pull action to shift the opponent's weight, then attack the loaded leg with the trip
Variants
Standard trip — blocking or sweeping the support leg while driving the upper body
Combination trip — chaining an inside trip with an outside trip when the opponent adjusts
Counter trip — using the trip as a counter when the opponent attacks
Clinch trip — executing the trip from a tight clinch position
Videos
Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu
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Standard De Ashi Barai·Takedowns For Jiu-jitsu
#kumikata #okuriashiharai #footsweep In this video, we demonstrate an armpit grip that will improve your Kuzushi (off b…
De Ashi Barai and Harai Tsuri Komi Ashi
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Standard De Ashi Barai·Seiryoku Zenyo
Mark Gilston, 4th degree judo black belt, discusses and demonstrates uses for two basic foot sweeps in judo and BJJ. htt…
Deashi Harai No gi
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Standard De Ashi Barai·daniel barnett
Here are 2 examples with a simple breakdown of deashi harry that I hit in competition years ago. This is a low risk trip…
How to Do a Perfect De Ashi Harai | Gordon Ryan
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Standard De Ashi Barai·Gordon Ryan
Brand New Inside Camping Instructional Here: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/new-releases/products/systematically-at…
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5 videosWhat Instructors Say
De Ashi Barai (also written Deashi Harai), meaning 'advanced foot sweep,' is one of judo's most frequently used but often ineffectively executed techniques. The core principle, emphasized across all four instructors, is timing the sweep to catch the opponent's foot as it leaves the ground during a step forward, rather than when planted. Gordon Ryan stresses creating movement to off-balance the opponent before executing the sweep, using a specific drill progression: mirroring footsteps with hand placement on hips, then locking hands while monitoring foot movement, then adding hip pop with proper hand positioning (right elbow rising, left cracking down), resulting in full-body mechanics that leave the opponent's hips between the attacker's knees for immediate positional control. Riki Judo Dojo emphasizes kazushi (off-balancing) through proper hand mechanics—the hikite (pulling hand) coming down to bend the opponent while the tsunite (following hand) turns the body—and maintaining a straight leg throughout the sweep to preserve energy transfer, achieved by adjusting distance (ma'i) correctly; the instruction warns against the common mistake of stopping the sweep early rather than following through. Takedowns for Jiu-Jitsu demonstrates grip modification for okuri ashi barai (sliding foot sweep), replacing lapel grips with underarmpit control to achieve superior body tilt and easier off-balancing, using side-to-side or circular movement patterns. Daniel Barnett provides no-gi application, executing the sweep with minimal grip control while timing weight transfer, characterizing it as low-risk and highly practical for competition. All instructors agree the technique requires precise timing, proper off-balancing, and follow-through rather than explosive power.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Gordon Ryan — How to Do a Perfect De Ashi Harai | Gordon Ryan: Progressive drilling methodology for de ashi barai from rear control: mirroring footsteps, catching elevated feet, adding hip pop, and full-body integration; emphasis on creating movement first, catching the foot mid-step rather than planted, and maintaining control post-takedown for scoring.
- Riki Judo Dojo — De-Ashi-Harai Tips | Riki Judo Dojo: Fundamental mechanics of kazushi through hikite and tsunite hand positioning, importance of maintaining straight leg geometry to preserve sweep power, proper distance (ma'i) management, and distinction between effective and ineffective execution; notes the technique's combative power and high frequency of use in judo.
- Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu — Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu: Grip modification from lapel to underarmpit control for superior body tilt and off-balancing; application of okuri ashi barai (sliding foot sweep variant) using side-to-side and circular movement patterns; emphasis on maximum body movement from minimal hand movement.
- daniel barnett — Deashi Harai No gi: No-gi application with minimal grip structure; timing based on opponent's weight transfer and footwork patterns; characterization as low-risk, high-reward 'jab' of judo; practical tournament examples demonstrating effectiveness against larger opponents and crossing/hopping footwork.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Timing-based sweep; lower force than trips
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— leg-to-leg contact prohibited
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFLegal
— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓From a standard grip (lapel and sleeve, or collar tie and wrist), pull the opponent forward to get them stepping
✓As their front foot advances and touches the mat, sweep it laterally with the sole of your foot on their ankle
✓Your hands pull them forward and slightly to the sweep side simultaneously
✓Your sweeping leg stays almost straight but relaxed — power comes from the hip, not the knee
✓The follow-through continues in the direction of the sweep; don't stop at contact
✓Drill with a walking partner: step-step-sweep rhythm until the timing becomes instinctive
Common Mistakes
!Pulling the opponent forward but sweeping too early (foot still in air) or too late (foot already planted)
!Bending the sweeping knee, turning it into a kick instead of a sweep
!Hands pulling in a different direction than the sweep — they must coordinate
!Standing on the ball of your supporting foot instead of the full foot — unstable base
!Trying to power-sweep a planted foot instead of timing it during the weight transfer
!Not continuing to pull with the hands after the sweep contact, reducing the throwing force
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence
Setup Chain
1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
1BookKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing/takedown terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing/takedown terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Community
Athletics
Requires
timing, balance, upper body control for push-pull
Favours
good coordination and sense of opponent's weight distribution
Key muscles
core stabilisers, hip adductors/abductors, calves
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to setting up a successful de ashi barai?
Gordon Ryan emphasizes that you need to create movement first—either pulling your opponent backwards or pushing them forward to get them off balance. Your opponent should be focused on not falling over, not on defending their hands, which makes them vulnerable to the sweep.
When should I sweep the foot during de ashi barai?
Gordon Ryan stresses that you don't want to catch the foot when it's weighted, because you'll have no effect. Instead, time your sweep to catch the foot as your opponent is moving and shifting their weight.
How should I position my foot when executing the sweep?
According to Seiryoku Zenyo, keep your legs straight and point your toe to make that part of your foot stronger and generate more power. Always sweep with the sole of your foot (the bottom) to avoid injuring your shin or your opponent's shin.
What's the role of the pulling hand in de ashi barai?
Riki Judo Dojo explains that the hikite (pulling hand) should come down and bend your opponent, while you maintain proper distance. Keeping your arm straight requires you to adjust your distance from your opponent correctly.
How can I use de ashi barai in competition?
Daniel Barnett describes de ashi barai as 'the jab of judo'—you can use it to probe and test your opponent, and if it works, great. If not, you can use the reaction to set up other throws.
How does the Standard De Ashi Barai work?
The Standard De Ashi Barai executes the fundamental advancing foot sweep where the attacker pulls the opponent forward with the hands (tsurite and hikite), and as the opponent steps forward and their advancing foot touches the mat, the attacker sweeps that foot laterally with the sole of their own foot. The hand pull creates the forward momentum, the weight transfer loads the advancing foot, and the sweep removes the loaded foot at the critical moment.
Where does the Standard De Ashi Barai come from?
Standard de ashi barai has been practised since judo's founding and remains one of the most commonly attempted throws in judo competition at all levels. Its influence extends into wrestling and MMA, where timing-based foot sweeps are increasingly incorporated.
Is the Standard De Ashi Barai legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal (ashi-waza) — trips executed without grabbing opponent's legs are permi…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle, restricted in Greco-Roman (leg-to-leg contact prohibited); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Standard De Ashi Barai?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — timing-based sweep; lower force than trips
How do I set up the Standard De Ashi Barai?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Standard De Ashi Barai?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.
What are the variants of the Standard De Ashi Barai?
Common variants: Standard trip (blocking or sweeping the support leg while driving the up…); Combination trip (chaining an inside trip with an outside trip when the opp…); Counter trip (using the trip as a counter when the opponent attacks); Clinch trip (executing the trip from a tight clinch position).
How effective is the Standard De Ashi Barai in competition?
De ashi barai is one of the most frequently attempted techniques in international judo competition, appearing at every Olympic Games since judo's inclusion in 1964. Statistical analysis of World Championship and Olympic judo matches shows foot sweeps among the highest-frequency attack techniques across all weight divisions.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard De Ashi Barai?
Top errors to watch for: Pulling the opponent forward but sweeping too early (foot still in air) or too late (foot already planted) / Bending the sweeping knee, turning it into a kick instead of a sweep / Hands pulling in a different direction than the sweep — they must coordinate / Standing on the ball of your supporting foot instead of the full foot — unstable base.
What are other names for the Standard De Ashi Barai?
The Standard De Ashi Barai is also known as De Ashi Barai, Standard Advancing Foot Sweep, De Ashi Harai, Lead-Foot Sweep.