De ashi barai
A basic foot sweep in Judo and Danzan Ryu.
De ashi barai (出足払), also known as de ashi harai, is a forward foot sweep and one of the original 40 throws of Judo developed by Jigoro Kano. It is classified as an ashi waza (foot technique) and belongs to the first group, Dai-Ikkyo, of the traditional throwing list Gokyo-no-Nagewaza of Kodokan Judo. It is also part of the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo and appears in Danzan Ryu's Nagete list.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Nage waza (throwing techniques)
- Sub Class
- Ashi waza (foot techniques)
- Kodokan
- Yes
- Romaji
- De ashi barai, or de ashi harai
- English
- Forward foot sweep or advancing foot sweep
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
De ashi barai is one of the basic foot sweeps learned in the martial arts, with numerous variations. In Danzan-ryu Jujitsu, a common method is the outside-in method, where the attacker moves their foot to the opposite side of the opponent to sweep the opponent's opposite leg. The upper body complements this with a push-pull motion, generating power from hip rotation.
Reader's Guide
De ashi barai is significant as one of the foundational foot techniques in Judo, included in the original 40 throws developed by Jigoro Kano and retained in the current 67 throws of Kodokan Judo. Its presence in Danzan Ryu's Nagete list shows its cross-system importance. The technique sweeps a foot that is not in contact with the ground and does not support weight, distinguishing it from similar techniques like ko soto gari (which sweeps a planted, weight-bearing foot) and sasae tsurikomi ashi (a blocking action). Its basic nature and numerous variations make it a key learning point for students of Judo and jujitsu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is De ashi barai?
De ashi barai (sometimes written as de ashi harai) is a forward foot sweep that Jigoro Kano included among the original 40 throws of Judo. It is a fundamental technique used to unbalance an opponent by sweeping their supporting foot as you step in.
How is De ashi barai classified within Judo?
It belongs to the ashi waza category, meaning it is a foot technique rather than a hip or body throw. Within the traditional Gokyo-no-Nagewaza syllabus, it is placed in the first group, Dai-Ikkyo.
What is De ashi barai's significance in Judo history?
As one of the original 40 throws established by Kano, it carries deep historical weight in the Kodokan curriculum. It has remained in the art's official list and is still included in the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo.
How is De ashi barai executed?
The practitioner steps forward while sweeping the opponent's planted foot to disrupt their balance and drop them to the mat. It is considered a basic sweep that students typically encounter early in their Judo training.
Is De ashi barai found in martial arts outside of Judo?
Yes, the technique also appears in Danzan Ryu's Nagete (throwing) list, showing its cross-style relevance. Its presence in multiple Japanese martial traditions highlights its effectiveness as a foundational foot-sweeping principle.
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