Circular De Ashi Barai Overview

Circular de ashi barai is a more realistic variation of the foot sweep technique commonly seen in actual judo competition and randori. Unlike static setups, this approach involves dynamic circular movement to position the opponent for the sweep.

Circular Movement and Weight Distribution

The practitioner circles their opponent in a controlled manner while maintaining connection. As the opponent moves with this circular motion, their weight shifts onto the front leg, creating the optimal timing for the trailing leg sweep.

Positional Advantage in Setup

Maintaining hand position higher than the opponent during the circular approach reduces the opponent's upper body control and decreases the likelihood of successful counter-techniques such as osoto gari. This positional advantage is critical before committing to the sweep attack.

Same-Side Grip Configuration (Right vs. Right)

In same-side positioning, the practitioner steps and circles while the opponent follows. When the opponent's weight transfers to the front leg, the sweeping leg crosses underneath and the arms elevate or rotate the opponent to complete the technique.

Opposite-Side Grip Configuration (Right vs. Left)

In opposite-side positioning, establishing positional dominance through frame control and shoulder rotation is essential before attempting the circular approach. Without this initial advantage, the opponent can counter with hip throws or knee strikes during the circling motion.

Balance and Body Mechanics

The practitioner must maintain their own center axis and balance while executing the sweep, bringing the leg across without over-committing or throwing the body to the side. The goal is to displace the opponent's balance while preserving one's own stability.

Timing and Sequence of Attacks

Circular de ashi barai is highly timing-dependent and requires proper moment selection. If the initial sweep attempt fails, the resulting off-balancing movement can transition into follow-up power techniques rather than forcing the original technique.

Circular De-Ashi-Barai

Shintaro Higashi
2 min read·7 key moments·PT5M38S video

Key Takeaways

  • Circular De Ashi Barai Overview
  • Circular Movement and Weight Distribution
  • Positional Advantage in Setup
  • Same-Side Grip Configuration (Right vs. Right)

Although it's possible to do de-ashi-barai from a static situation, it's much better to get uke moving. in circular de-ashi-barai, you move uke around in a circle and sweep his trailing leg. This can be done in a similar stance situation (e.g. R vs R) as well as an opposite stance situation (R vs L). Support my dojo which has been hit hard by the pandemic. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-kokushi-budo Judo Basics https://judofanatics.com/products/judo-basics-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=7&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Basic Judo Leg grabs https://judofanatics.com/products/basic-judo-leg-grabs-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=19&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Mastering combinations https://judofanatics.com/products/mastering-judo-combination-concepts-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=20&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Mastering tomoe nage https://judofanatics.com/products/mastering-tomoe-nage-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=9&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Breaking through the stiff arm https://judofanatics.com/products/breaking-through-the-judo-stiff-arm-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=21&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r Low risk Judo for BJJ https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/shintaro-higashi/products/low-risk-judo-throws-for-bjj Demystifying Ashiwaza https://judofanatics.com/products/demystifying-ashi-waza-by-shintaro-higashi?_pos=10&_sid=8b9e0a9a5&_ss=r The complete White Belt curriculum https://www.thedojo.com/channel/6/courses Here is my blog www.ShintaroHigashi.com 💪Follow me on instagram💪 https://www.instagram.com/judoshintaronyc/ Podcast The Shintaro Higashi Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shintaro-higashi-show/id1540600589#episodeGuid=0db3d7bb-c8cd-462f-9f00-5a5508ddb9ba Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l3psqs8OIcWd3YTseCkGF?si=lycHMVy2TP-1V3mNKnU2Aw Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zZWUxNDFhOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw/episode/MGRiM2Q3YmItYzhjZC00NjJmLTlmMDAtNWE1NTA4ZGRiOWJh?sa=X&ved=0CA0QkfYCahcKEwiwo8nrvbLtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about de ashi barai?

This video covers circular de ashi barai overview, circular movement and weight distribution, positional advantage in setup. It provides detailed instruction from Shintaro Higashi.

How long does it take to learn de ashi barai?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing de ashi barai?

The practitioner must maintain their own center axis and balance while executing the sweep, bringing the leg across without over-committing or throwing the body to the side. The goal is to displace the opponent's balance while preserving one's own stability.