In this article we look at De Ashi Harai (also spelled De Ashi Barai), it is a classic foot-sweep technique in Japanese martial arts which relies entirely on timing and unbalancing your opponent rather than using raw physical strength
1. The Relaxed Grip
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Establish a standard jacket hold with one hand on the lapel collar and the other controlling the outer mid-sleeve.
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Keep the hands, wrists, and shoulders relaxed; avoid a rigid, stiffened grip that reveals your intent or resists the opponent’s movement.
2. The Neutral Engagement Stance
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Stand in a balanced, upright posture opposite your opponent while maintaining the relaxed grip.
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Use light footwork to step forward and bait the opponent into stepping, setting up the timing for their forward movement.
3. The Leg Sweep / “Leg-Blow” Timing
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Catch the opponent’s leading leg precisely as their forward foot is about to touch the ground.
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Drive the sole of your foot against the outside of their ankle or lower leg in a sweeping motion before their weight settles onto the foot.
4. The Upper-Body Side-Pull
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Combine the foot sweep with a sudden, sharp lateral jerk using both arms to break their remaining balance.
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Pull sideways and downward in the direction of the sweep to take their base completely out from under their upper body.
5. Completion and Control
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Follow through with the sweep, driving the opponent’s legs into the air and dropping them flat onto the mat.
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Retain sleeve control as they land to keep them pinned and prevent an immediate counter-attack.
Original Source Information
The Fine Art of Jujitsu - page 7
The Text Book of Jujitsu - Page 46
The Game of Jujitsu - Page 27
Learn More About Bartitsu
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