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 addresses a common problem in judo where loose gi material prevents proper off-balancing during the standard lapel grip execution.
Standard Judo Grip Setup
The instructor establishes the foundational right-handed judo grip: right hand on the opponent's lapel, left hand gripping under the elbow on the sleeve. This conventional grip serves as the baseline for understanding why the modification becomes necessary in practical application.
Problem with Lapel Grip
When executing the standard okuri ashi barai with a lapel grip, excess fabric creates slack that prevents efficient body control. The instructor demonstrates how hand movement does not translate to proportional body movement in the opponent, requiring excessive pulling force to achieve proper off-balancing.
Modified Grip: Under the Armpit
The key modification involves reaching under the opponent's armpit to grip the gi material directly against the torso, rather than the loose lapel. This direct contact point eliminates slack and creates immediate, responsive body movement with minimal instructor effort.
Efficiency Demonstration: Static Position
The instructor demonstrates that with the armpit grip and minimal hand movement, the opponent's entire body tilts immediately. This illustrates the principle of maximum body movement with minimal instructor input, creating superior mechanical advantage.
Side-to-Side Execution
Using the shuffling motion (one, two, three pattern) with the modified armpit grip, the instructor demonstrates how the opponent's body is already destabilized before the foot sweep begins. The pre-existing tilt naturally directs the opponent's feet toward instability.
Circular Motion Application
In realistic grappling scenarios, the okuri ashi barai often occurs during circular or semi-circular movement rather than pure lateral shuffling. The instructor demonstrates timing the body tilt with the foot sweep as the opponent circles, allowing controlled or forceful execution as needed.
Foot Sweep Mechanics
The okuri ashi barai works by sweeping one of the opponent's feet into their other foot, creating a collision that removes both feet from the ground simultaneously. This dual-foot disruption creates the characteristic throwing effect of the technique.
Okuri-ashi-barai with Modified Grip | Takedowns for Jiu-jitsu
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Modified Okuri Ashi Barai
- •Standard Judo Grip Setup
- •Problem with Lapel Grip
- •Modified Grip: Under the Armpit
#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 setup, problem with lapel grip. 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?
In realistic grappling scenarios, the okuri ashi barai often occurs during circular or semi-circular movement rather than pure lateral shuffling. The instructor demonstrates timing the body tilt with the foot sweep as the opponent circles, allowing controlled or forceful execution as needed.
