De-Ashi-Barai – See how to do this judo throw

De-Ashi-Barai

De-Ashi-Barai is an ashi-waza (foot technique) suitable for beginners to learn. For more judo throws see the full Gokyo.

How to throw with De-Ashi-Barai

1. Break Balance. Make uke step forwards with one foot by pulling sharply on the sleeve

2. Use the sole of your foot to sweep uke’s foot out smoothly. Attack just before uke places his foot on the tatami.

3. Continue the movement, pulling upwards with your arms, and controlling uke’s fall.

De-Ashi-Barai Tutorial

Find a fully illustrated step-by-step tutorial on page 9 and 10 throw in Fifty Throws and Holds. You can buy this book in our shop.

Suzuki Ashi-waza Video

To watch an ashi-waza master, Keiji Suzuki perform this technique take a look at this taster video.  Suzuki, twice world champion and an olympic champion is well know for his skilful footwork.

Combinations

This ashi-waza is the perfect technique to use to destabilise your opponent. Use this judo throw to change uke’s stance, attack their forward leg and make them step backwards.

As they move, and are forced to react follow up with a second attack.

3 classic combinations:

1. De-Ashi-Barai into Tomoe-Nage. Force uke to retreat, and as they do swing under for the tomoe-nage. Do not place your foot on the mat between the first and second attack.
2. De-Ashi-Barai into Osoto-Gari. Attack the same leg with both techniques, first get uke to step backwards, now follow this movement into Osoto-Gari. See the video.
3. De-Ashi into Uchi-Mata (we feature this in our Advanced Judo). Attack with the footsweep, to get a reaction. As uke avoids your first throw, use this movement to enter for uchi-mata.

Counters

By learning how to counter a throw, you understand its weaknesses better. The best way to counter this foot-sweep is to anticipate it. Be ready for it, so you can keep your balance on the other foot, and use the foot under attack to attack with yourself.

3 possible counters:

1. De-Ashi-Barai countered by Ko-uchi-Gari. As your partner attacks you with the footsweep, counter by attacking their opposite leg with ko-uchi-gari. Aim to attack just as uke lifts their leg to attack, and is stood vulnerably on one leg.
2. De-Ashi-Barai countered by Tsubame-Gaeshi. Be ready for the attack. As uke sweeps, lift your leg clear of the attack, bending at the knee. Now counter with your own footsweep.
3. De-Ashi-Barai countered by Uchi-Mata. Allow uke to attack your forward leg, as they do use the forward movement, to turn in quickly and throw forwards with uchi-mata.