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Front Foot Sweep (De Ashi Barai) – Beginner’s Guide

The front foot sweep (De Ashi Barai) is one of the most fundamental takedowns in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s low risk, high percentage, and teaches core takedown concepts like timing, balance breaking, and directional control.

This is a basic beginner’s guide to the common front foot sweep aimed at helping the new BJJ practitioner incorporate Judo into their stand-up game. Following the instructions of Professor Matt Davis, we have broken down this proven technique into actionable steps to ensure you can land a proper foot sweep.

The Purpose of the Front Sweep

The goal of De Ashi Barai is to catch your opponent at the exact moment their weight is transferring onto their leading foot, but before it is planted. By sweeping the foot out from under them, you use their own momentum to make them “slip” on the mat.

  • Energy Efficiency: A perfect sweep requires almost zero calories.
  • Set-ups: Even if the sweep fails, it forces the opponent to move, opening them up for bigger throws like Uchi Mata or Ouchi Gari.
  • Psychological Edge: Nothing demoralizes an opponent faster than being “tripped” effortlessly.

The goal is not to kick the leg out – it’s to remove the post while they’re stepping or weightless.

Watch: Professor Matt Davis De Ashi Barai

Hand Grips & The “Steering Wheel”

Standard Kumikata (grips) apply: one hand on the lapel, one hand on the sleeve (just below the elbow).

  • The Steering Wheel: Think of your hands as turning a massive steering wheel. If you are sweeping their right foot, your left hand (sleeve) pulls down and across your body, while your right hand (lapel) pushes/steers them over their own tripping foot.
  • The Connection: Your arms must stay rigid enough to transmit your body’s rotation. If your arms are “noodly,” the opponent’s upper body won’t move when you sweep their feet.

Where to Strike (The Contact Point)

Precision is better than power here.

  • The “Spoon”: Curve your sweeping foot like a spoon.
  • The Target: You want to hit the back or side of their ankle/heel with the arch of your foot.
  • The Timing: Strike just as their foot is moving but before their heel touches the mat. If their weight is already down, you’re just kicking a pillar, and that hurts you more than them.

Transition to Dominant Position

In Judo, the throw doesn’t end when they hit the mat. To maintain dominance:

  • Keep the Sleeve: Never let go of the sleeve grip as they fall. Pulling upward on their arm as they land controls their rotation and prevents them from rolling away.
  • Follow Down: Drop your weight immediately into a pin (like Mune Gatame or Kesa Gatame).
  • The “Knee Cut”: As they fall, step over their legs quickly so you don’t end up stuck in their guard.

Possible Counters to Face

Be careful if you miss the timing, you are standing on one leg and are highly vulnerable.

  • The “Step-Over”: The most common counter. Your opponent simply lifts their leg over your sweep and sweeps your standing leg instead (Tsubame Gaeshi).
  • The Re-Counter: If you sweep too late, they might use your momentum to hit a Tanisotoshi (Rear Throw) by dropping behind you.
  • Stiff-Arming: If they keep their arms locked straight, you won’t be able to “steer” their upper body, leaving you swinging at air.

Pro Tip: Don’t look at their feet. If you look down, your posture breaks. Use your grips to “feel” where their weight is shifting.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Front Foot Sweep is a helpful tool for BJJ and Judo players alike. If you’re ready to learn more, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

Front Foot Sweep (De Ashi Barai) – Beginner’s Guide

The front foot sweep (De Ashi Barai) is one of the most fundamental takedowns in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s low risk, high percentage, and teaches core takedown concepts like timing, balance breaking, and directional control.

This is a basic beginner’s guide to the common front foot sweep aimed at helping the new BJJ practitioner incorporate Judo into their stand-up game. Following the instructions of Professor Matt Davis, we have broken down this proven technique into actionable steps to ensure you can land a proper foot sweep.

The Purpose of the Front Sweep

The goal of De Ashi Barai is to catch your opponent at the exact moment their weight is transferring onto their leading foot, but before it is planted. By sweeping the foot out from under them, you use their own momentum to make them “slip” on the mat.

  • Energy Efficiency: A perfect sweep requires almost zero calories.
  • Set-ups: Even if the sweep fails, it forces the opponent to move, opening them up for bigger throws like Uchi Mata or Ouchi Gari.
  • Psychological Edge: Nothing demoralizes an opponent faster than being “tripped” effortlessly.

The goal is not to kick the leg out – it’s to remove the post while they’re stepping or weightless.

Watch: Professor Matt Davis De Ashi Barai

Hand Grips & The “Steering Wheel”

Standard Kumikata (grips) apply: one hand on the lapel, one hand on the sleeve (just below the elbow).

  • The Steering Wheel: Think of your hands as turning a massive steering wheel. If you are sweeping their right foot, your left hand (sleeve) pulls down and across your body, while your right hand (lapel) pushes/steers them over their own tripping foot.
  • The Connection: Your arms must stay rigid enough to transmit your body’s rotation. If your arms are “noodly,” the opponent’s upper body won’t move when you sweep their feet.

Where to Strike (The Contact Point)

Precision is better than power here.

  • The “Spoon”: Curve your sweeping foot like a spoon.
  • The Target: You want to hit the back or side of their ankle/heel with the arch of your foot.
  • The Timing: Strike just as their foot is moving but before their heel touches the mat. If their weight is already down, you’re just kicking a pillar, and that hurts you more than them.

Transition to Dominant Position

In Judo, the throw doesn’t end when they hit the mat. To maintain dominance:

  • Keep the Sleeve: Never let go of the sleeve grip as they fall. Pulling upward on their arm as they land controls their rotation and prevents them from rolling away.
  • Follow Down: Drop your weight immediately into a pin (like Mune Gatame or Kesa Gatame).
  • The “Knee Cut”: As they fall, step over their legs quickly so you don’t end up stuck in their guard.

Possible Counters to Face

Be careful if you miss the timing, you are standing on one leg and are highly vulnerable.

  • The “Step-Over”: The most common counter. Your opponent simply lifts their leg over your sweep and sweeps your standing leg instead (Tsubame Gaeshi).
  • The Re-Counter: If you sweep too late, they might use your momentum to hit a Tanisotoshi (Rear Throw) by dropping behind you.
  • Stiff-Arming: If they keep their arms locked straight, you won’t be able to “steer” their upper body, leaving you swinging at air.

Pro Tip: Don’t look at their feet. If you look down, your posture breaks. Use your grips to “feel” where their weight is shifting.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Front Foot Sweep is a helpful tool for BJJ and Judo players alike. If you’re ready to learn more, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: