The Foot Sweep, aka Deashi harai, is one of the simplest, yet effective takedowns in all grappling-based martial arts. You’ll be able to use it whether you’re into Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, or even Sambo.
You can perform the Deashi harai in many ways. However, there’s one way that seems to work all the time, which we’ll review in this article. Although you might find new, fancy ways of using it to take your opponent down, I’ll still advise you to stick to the way I’m about to teach.
So what will this article cover? We’ll first get into the basics of the Foot Sweep while diving into greater detail. Then, we’ll review some tips and follow through with common mistakes many grapplers make when trying to perform the Foot Sweep. You can follow each link to start reading the topic you want to learn.
However, I’ll advise you to stick to the order I’ve thoughtfully decided to write in because it’ll be the best learning experience for you. So make sure to read everything, and let’s dive into the 1st part of the article.
How to Foot Sweep
The 1st part of this article will be all about execution. The practical material is the most important and the most interesting one. So naturally, it was the one I decided to begin with. Even if you already know the basics of this takedown, I assure you it’ll be worth reading.
The first step is to start standing up. Every fight begins when the two contenders begin standing up, whether it’s MMA, BJJ (which is all about ground grappling), or Judo. That’s why learning to take your opponent down is key to becoming a better grappler.
The second step is to establish proper upper body grips. The best grips you can use will be a collar and sleeve grip, which are common with takedowns.
Once you have done that, you want to observe the opponent. Look for opportunities where he’s slightly off-balanced or allows you to target his leg. If, for instance, both his legs are in line, he allows you to attack and take him down. So utilize these scenarios for your benefit.
Now, you step forward with your lead leg, so it’s as close as possible to the side of the leg you wish to sweep. This should be a rapid move. Hesitating in it—won’t do you any good.
And finally, you kick your leg in the direction of the opponent’s foot and continue by sweeping him, hence the name Foot Sweep. This is the finishing move of the takedown. However, it’s not the final move, especially when you’re doing BJJ or MMA.
In Judo, however, if you manage to get your opponent’s back to the ground, you get an Ippon, which is the highest possible score granted in Judo.
However, in BJJ, you’ll get 2 points for the takedown, which is wonderful. But you want to continue the move by either attaining a more dominant position or attacking with a submission.
And that’s how you Foot Sweep properly. Here’s a visual aid:
Which Martial Arts Teach the Foot Sweep?
The Foot Sweep is widely taught in many grappling martial arts. You’ll be surprised at how many fighting styles have adopted this effective takedown and made a personalized version for their use. Here are the martial arts that teach it:
Some of you might argue that Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo don’t teach many takedowns. Well, that’s only partly true. Slowly but surely, all martial arts are adopting a self-defense approach, as they should.
So in many of their versions and gyms worldwide, they begin teaching takedowns and throws. Therefore, some of them also begin using the Foot Sweep, which allows them to throw their opponents to the ground and gain the advantage, each in their own way.
Foot Sweep Tips
Let’s now dive into the next part of this article. You now have an understanding of how the Foot Sweep plays out. That’s great. However, it’s time we dive into more detail, so you can hone your execution and boost your success rate using it.
So if you want to boost your success chances and skyrocket your takedown skills, this section and the one following it—are critical to read and understand.
Let’s get into the 1st one.
#1 – Timing and Observation
The 1st tip is about timing and observation. When you go hunting, you don’t just run around looking for prey. In fact, you do the opposite. You sit quietly and wait for the prey to come to you (in many cases.) If you run around the forest, all the animals will run away from the sound you’re making.
The best thing you can do in hunting is set up traps that alert you when an animal has gone through them.
The same applies to martial arts. You want to observe your opponent as closely as possible, giving you the ability to attack when he’s least ready for it. If, for example, you move forward when the opponent’s feet are in line, you’ll be more likely to make the Foot Sweep work.
#2 – Practice with Resistance
The best thing you can do for your learning process is to practice like it’s real. You don’t want your training partner to stand up and wait for you to execute unless it’s your first time doing the Foot Sweep. This, by the way, applies to practicing and learning all moves.
For that reason, you want your opponent to move around and give you a hard time. This is how you learn. The best way you can train is by going for an actual fight with your training partner. Make him attack you as well, so you can understand the difficulties in going for a Foot Sweep in a real fight.
#3 – Coordinate Your Upper Body
The last tip we’ll review is to coordinate your upper body. When you go for the Foot Sweep, you should have established upper body grips. In that case, you can use them as added momentum, giving you a higher chance of making this takedown work.
I like to think of it as a clock. Whenever you apply outward pressure with your feet, you can add inward pressure with your upper body to ensure you take your opponent down.
Implement all three tips—and your Foot Sweep skills will skyrocket!
Common Foot Sweep Mistakes
And now, let’s dive into the last major part of this article. This is one I highly recommend you write somewhere, as it’ll help you in the future of your learning journey.
If you want to master the Foot Sweep takedown, you must take your training and yourself seriously. Therefore, I hope you wrote down some key points you want to implement in your training. If you haven’t, it’s time you do.
You can also bookmark this article to return to it whenever you want to refresh your memory of what you learned today. Whatever you do, take your training seriously and it’ll take you seriously.
#1 – Not Finishing
The 1st mistake is not finishing the move. Now, when I say finish, I mean not attaining a dominant position after sweeping the opponent. Your opponent is already on the ground, which is great.
However, if you’re doing either BJJ, MMA, Karate, or Sambo, you also want to continue fighting, as the fight isn’t over yet. You might have gained a few points, but you still need to win the fight.
I’ll discuss BJJ since that’s what I’m most knowledgeable about. You want to attain a more dominant position, like the Full Mount and Side Control. You can also get into North-South or even go for a Back Take to Back Mount. These are all viable options.
Other options will be to attack immediately, such as with using the Kimura, Guillotine Choke, Triangle Choke, or even the North-South Choke. These are all feasible options you can use to finish the fight.
#2 – Improper Timing
The next point people go wrong with is improper timing. We all know how it feels to go for a move at the worst possible time. When you do that, you’ll be left holding the bag while your opponent will start attacking you.
The same applies to Foot Sweeps. You want to observe your opponent and start walking sideways and forward. Avoid moving backward unless necessary. Eventually, this will force your opponent to move and make mistakes. Even the most advanced grapplers will get their feet wrong when they constantly move.
#3 – Neglecting Defense
The 3rd point is neglecting defense. I’ve already discussed adding resistance to your training. These two points closely correlate with each other. Neglecting defense will allow your opponents to come after you. You might be focused on Foot Sweeping your opponent to the point you don’t pay attention to your feet placement and upper body usage. Therefore, your opponent will commence his attacks and try to take you down as well.
#4 – Overreliance on Arm Strength
The last mistake we’ll review is an overreliance on arm strength. This is more common than all the other ones I’ve mentioned, so pay attention.
Foot sweeps should involve coordinated movements of the entire body, including the arms, torso, and legs. Relying solely on arm strength without engaging the lower body or utilizing proper body mechanics can limit the power and effectiveness of the sweep. Focus on generating power from your core and coordinating your upper body with the sweeping motion.
Should I Learn the Foot Sweep? Is It Effective?
The Foot Sweep is a highly effective takedown in all grappling-based martial arts, so you should learn it regardless of the fighting style you’re practicing. It allows you to take your opponent to the ground and leave him vulnerable to more attacks, such as attaining a more dominant position or going for a submission.
Final Words
A Foot Sweep, however, isn’t the most effective takedown out there. Follow this link to read about the nine best takedowns in BJJ and how to execute each one. You’ll be able to take your takedown game and amp it up a notch; so it’ll be worth it to give it a read!
So you now know everything you need to know to start executing the Foot Sweep takedown. This should be exciting for you, as you’ll be able to take your opponents down swiftly and start attacking more often.
This article was the result of many hours of research and writing. If you enjoyed reading it, it would be helpful and motivating to me if you sign up for Blinklift’s Email Newsletter to get notifications every time a new article comes out. Thank you!
And here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:
Arm Drag Takedown – Complete Fighting Breakdown
Seoi Nage – Takedown Breakdown (BJJ & Judo)
BJJ 101 – Double Leg Takedown (Variations & Finishes
Single Leg Takedown 101 – BJJ Comprehensive Guide
Ankle Pick 101 (BJJ) – How to Execute Properly
Pull Guard BJJ – Everything You Need to Know