OKURI ASHI BARAI USING A BACK STEP TO DRAW OPPONENT IN
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Standard Okuri Ashi Barai·welcomematstevescott·Added by Admin
This video shows how to apply Okuri Ashi Barai (Sliding Foot Sweep) using Taisabaki (Body Management in a Circular Patte…
Standard Okuri Ashi Barai
Genus送り足払い(Okuri Ashi Barai)
TraditionalTranslation: standard sliding foot sweep
Overview
The Standard Okuri Ashi Barai executes the fundamental sliding foot sweep where the attacker uses hand control (tsurite and hikite) to drive the opponent laterally, then sweeps both feet out from under them at the moment they slide together during the lateral movement. [1] The attacker's sweeping foot contacts the opponent's near ankle and drives it into the far ankle, sweeping both feet in the direction of movement. [1],[2] The timing window is extremely narrow — the sweep must occur at the precise moment the opponent's weight is transitioning between feet during the lateral step. [2] The result is a clean throw where the opponent appears to be swept off their feet with minimal physical effort. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Okuri ashi barai (sliding foot sweep) is highly effective against laterally moving opponents because it catches both feet moving in the same direction. [1] The technique requires exceptional timing to sweep at the precise moment the opponent's weight is transferring between feet during lateral movement. [1] When executed with proper timing, the opponent falls cleanly for ippon. [2]
Lineage
Competition Record
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Penetrating step and level change to attack the opponent's legs — disrupting their base of support
Joints Involved — Attacker's knees and hips (level change), opponent's knee or ankle (controlled point)
Force Vector — Forward and downward — closing distance and driving through the opponent's lower body
Takedown Mechanic — Removing one or both legs from the opponent's base forces them to fall or be driven to the mat
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
JUDO - Vol-25 ASHI-WAZA (Footsweeps)
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Standard Okuri Ashi Barai·MastersMagazine
Buy DVD or Video Download at: https://em3video.com/judo-vol-25-ashi-waza-footsweeps/ JUDO - Vol-25 ASHI-WAZA (Footsweep…
Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu
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Standard Okuri Ashi Barai·Takedowns For Jiu-jitsu
#kumikata #okuriashiharai #footsweep In this video, we demonstrate an armpit grip that will improve your Kuzushi (off b…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The standard okuri ashi barai (sliding foot sweep) is executed through a coordinated shuffling motion combined with precise off-balancing and leg mechanics. WelcomeMattStevescott emphasizes the foundational footwork pattern: stepping backward while turning the body, then executing the sweep in a rhythmic sequence that draws the opponent forward before the technique is applied. The instructor recommends practicing this movement pattern—step back, turn, sweep—repeatedly to develop proper timing and rhythm. Takedowns For Jiu-Jitsu provides a critical grip modification that enhances effectiveness: rather than gripping the lapel, the attacker reaches under the opponent's armpit to control the gi material, which produces superior body tilting and off-balancing with minimal hand movement from the attacker. This grip change creates reactive foot movement from the opponent, making the sweep substantially easier to execute. The sweep itself involves the attacking foot sliding across to collide with the opponent's supporting foot, disrupting their base. Both lateral side-to-side and circular motion patterns are viable, with the circular approach allowing more controlled, adjustable throw intensity. MastersMagazine demonstrates the technique within complex combinations and grip-fighting scenarios, showing how okuri ashi barai integrates into broader judo sequences. The fundamental principle across all instruction is synchronized movement: the attacker's body tilt, foot placement, and timing must coordinate to overcome the opponent's balance before leg contact occurs.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- WelcomeMattStevevScott — OKURI ASHI BARAI USING A BACK STEP TO DRAW OPPONENT IN: Foundational footwork pattern (step back, turn, sweep) and solo drill practice methodology for developing timing and rhythm
- Takedowns For Jiu-Jitsu — Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu: Grip modification technique using under-armpit control instead of lapel grip for superior body tilting; lateral and circular motion variations with controlled throw intensity
- MastersMagazine — JUDO - Vol-25 ASHI-WAZA (Footsweeps): Demonstration of okuri ashi barai within complex grip-fighting scenarios and combination sequences
- The Judo Way of Life — Gokyo-no-Waza - 80 Throws In 4 Minutes || Left And Right Versions: Minimal substantive content provided in transcript
Learn This Technique
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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
✓Use both hands to push the opponent laterally, making them slide sideways with shuffling steps
✓As the trailing foot slides toward the lead foot, sweep both feet out from under them in the direction they're already moving
✓The sweep is a smooth lateral motion using the sole of your foot across their ankles
✓Your hands pull upward and in the direction of the sweep at the moment of contact
✓The timing window is brief — the instant the feet are closest together, sweep
✓Practice with a partner shuffling laterally, sweeping every 3-4 shuffles to develop feel
Common Mistakes
!Sweeping when the feet are wide apart — zero effect because their base is strong
!Not generating enough lateral movement with the hands before attempting the sweep
!Sweeping in the wrong direction (against their movement) — always sweep with their momentum
!Bending your sweeping knee, turning it into a kick that lifts instead of sweeps
!Hands static during the sweep — the lift-and-pull with the hands is half the technique
!Trying to muscle the sweep instead of timing it — this technique is 90% timing
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 basic footwork pattern for executing an okuri ashi barai?
The standard okuri ashi barai uses a lateral shuffling motion side to side, then you execute the sweep. Takedowns For Jiu-jitsu also notes that the motion can be circular—as you step in, you maintain close contact, then sweep your opponent's foot into their other foot to bring them down.
How can I improve my control and power when throwing with okuri ashi barai?
Takedowns For Jiu-jitsu recommends modifying your grip by reaching underneath and grabbing under the armpit instead of just the lapel, which gives you more control and more rotational force on the opponent's body. This allows you to control the throw gently or execute it with power depending on your intention.
What's the key to timing the sweep correctly?
Time the tilt of your opponent's body with your sweep by coordinating your foot movement against theirs—for example, your left foot versus their right foot. This timing combined with pulling your opponent in a circular path around you rather than straight in front allows better control of the throw.
How does the Standard Okuri Ashi Barai work?
The Standard Okuri Ashi Barai executes the fundamental sliding foot sweep where the attacker uses hand control (tsurite and hikite) to drive the opponent laterally, then sweeps both feet out from under them at the moment they slide together during the lateral movement. The attacker's sweeping foot contacts the opponent's near ankle and drives it into the far ankle, sweeping both feet in the direction of movement.
Where does the Standard Okuri Ashi Barai come from?
Standard okuri ashi barai has been practised in judo since the art's creation and is one of the most frequently attempted ashi-waza in Olympic judo competition. Mastery of this technique is considered a hallmark of advanced judo skill.
Is the Standard Okuri 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 Okuri Ashi Barai?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — timing-based sweep; lower force than trips
How do I set up the Standard Okuri Ashi Barai?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Standard Okuri 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 Okuri 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 Okuri Ashi Barai in competition?
Okuri ashi barai is one of the most commonly scored ashi-waza (foot techniques) in Olympic and World Championship judo, appearing across all weight categories. Mifune's demonstrations of the technique remain legendary in judo's historical record.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Okuri Ashi Barai?
Top errors to watch for: Sweeping when the feet are wide apart — zero effect because their base is strong / Not generating enough lateral movement with the hands before attempting the sweep / Sweeping in the wrong direction (against their movement) — always sweep with their momentum / Bending your sweeping knee, turning it into a kick that lifts instead of sweeps.
What are other names for the Standard Okuri Ashi Barai?
The Standard Okuri Ashi Barai is also known as Okuri Ashi Barai, Standard Sliding Foot Sweep, Okuri Ashi Harai, Lateral Foot Sweep.