Foot Sweep
Position Details
Foot sweeps (De Ashi Barai) catch your opponent's foot as they step, using timing rather than power. Mastering foot sweeps gives you a low-energy, high-reward technique.
Key Principles
- Watch your opponent's movement patterns
- Sweep their foot as they're transferring weight to it
- Your sweep should catch the ankle, not the whole leg
- Pull with your grips to assist their fall
Concepts
- Timing Over Power: Sweep at the exact moment of weight transfer
- Light Touch: The sweep can be light if timing is perfect
- Grip Pull: Your hands help by pulling them into the sweep
- Rhythm Reading: Learn to read when they'll step