Introduction to Modified Okuri Ashi Barai
Instructors Larry Keith and Brian Powers demonstrate a grip modification that significantly improves the effectiveness of the okuri ashi barai (sliding foot sweep). This technique adjustment addresses a common problem practitioners encounter when executing the standard version with a lapel grip.
Standard Judo Grip
The fundamental right-handed grip consists of the right hand on the opponent's lapel and the left hand gripping underneath the opponent's elbow on the sleeve. This traditional grip position serves as the baseline for understanding why the modification becomes necessary.
The Lapel Grip Problem
When executing okuri ashi barai with a standard lapel grip, loose or baggy gi material creates excessive slack, causing the practitioner's hand to move significantly while the opponent's body remains relatively stationary. This disconnect forces the practitioner to exaggerate the pulling motion, reducing efficiency and making proper off-balancing difficult.
Modified Armpit Grip Technique
Rather than gripping the lapel, the practitioner reaches underneath the opponent's armpit, securing the material directly under the arm. This positioning eliminates slack and creates an immediate mechanical advantage, causing the opponent's body to react directly to hand movements with minimal effort from the practitioner.
Off-Balancing Mechanics
The armpit grip achieves maximum body movement with minimal input from the practitioner. By focusing on proper body angle rather than muscular power, the technique creates optimal conditions for the sweep, with the opponent's feet naturally wanting to slide out from underneath them during the shuffling motion.
Linear Execution
When practicing the side-to-side shuffling pattern, the practitioner establishes the armpit grip, moves laterally in three rhythmic steps, and executes the sweep with the left foot against the opponent's right foot. The built-in tilt from the grip modification ensures the sweep connects cleanly with minimal additional force required.
Circular Application in Live Training
During realistic grappling exchanges, okuri ashi barai may be executed using circular or semi-circular footwork rather than purely lateral movement. The practitioner uses the armpit grip to control the opponent's rotation, timing the body tilt with the foot sweep to maintain control and execute a smooth, controllable throw.
Foot Collision Principle
Okuri ashi barai works by sweeping one foot into the opponent's other foot, causing their feet to collide and disrupt their stance. The armpit grip amplifies this effect by ensuring the opponent's body is already tilted in the direction of the sweep, making the foot collision naturally complete the takedown.
Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Modified Okuri Ashi Barai
- •Standard Judo Grip
- •The Lapel Grip Problem
- •Modified Armpit Grip Technique
#kumikata #okuriashiharai #footsweep In this video, we demonstrate an armpit grip that will improve your Kuzushi (off balancing) for your Okuri-ashi-barai (sliding foot sweep). The standard lapel grip sometimes has too much slack to get good Kuzushi. The armpit grip has limitations, but creates a good response from the Uke. Blend this grip with good timing and you will be able to easily execute this throw. 0:00--Introduction 0:23--standard grip 1:31--modified grip 2:10--lateral movement 2:47--circular movement 3:37--takedown breakdown 4:03--Thank you Thank you for watching! If you find value in this video, please be sure to give it a thumbs up. Please subscribe to this channel and click on the notification tab to make sure you do not miss any future videos. Be sure to watch for the "Takedown Confidence Summit" coming this summer. It is a 3-day FREE event that has 10 speakers each day. These Jiu-jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling experts share their philosophies and theories on takedowns for BJJ, MMA, and Self-defense. They also offer advice on how to overcome hesitation to learn takedowns and how to improve your takedown game. Some of the speakers include Carlos Machado, Robert Drysdale, Chris Haueter, Vlad Koulikov, Eli Knight, Keith Owen, Ari Knazan, Tom Davey, Reilly Bodycomb, Steve Scott, Rick Hawn, Dan Camarillo, and more. You don't want to miss this chance to get 20+ hours of interview time with these experts. An "All Access Pass" will also be available for purchase with takedown techniques from each of the speakers and more. Until my "Judo for Jiu-jitsu" book becomes available (in progress), here are a few recommendations for your takedown reference materials: "Kodokan Judo Throwing Techniques" by Toshiro Daigo https://amzn.to/3upJZp7 "Effortless Combat Throws" by Tim Cartmell https://amzn.to/34nPIRL "Guerrilla Jiu-jitsu" by Dave Camarillo https://amzn.to/3oLYVNm "Dynamic Judo: Throwing Techniques" by Kazuzo Kudo https://amzn.to/3vmuCPO "Canon of Judo" by Kyuzo Mifune https://amzn.to/3fJQVZ8 --Like the music in our videos? Want access to copyright free music? Use my referral link to get a 30 Day FREE Trial with Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/n16pzd/ As a 50+ year-old Judo and Jiu-jitsu black belt instructor, it is vitally important that I maintain healthy habits. I have been using Advocare products for over 10 years and have always been very satisfied with the quality and service. Use this link to get 10% off your first Advocare order. https://referral.advocare.com/x/SnclDE DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard okuri ashi barai?
This video covers introduction to modified okuri ashi barai, standard judo grip, the lapel grip problem. It provides detailed instruction from Takedowns For Jiu-jitsu.
How long does it take to learn standard okuri ashi barai?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard okuri ashi barai?
During realistic grappling exchanges, okuri ashi barai may be executed using circular or semi-circular footwork rather than purely lateral movement. The practitioner uses the armpit grip to control the opponent's rotation, timing the body tilt with the foot sweep to maintain control and execute a smooth, controllable throw.
