Deashi Harai

Deashi Harai, also known as the advanced foot sweep, is a foundational Judo technique that has been successfully integrated into modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standup game. This technique exploits the opponent’s forward momentum and weight transfer, using precise timing to sweep their leading leg as it advances. Unlike more forceful throws, Deashi Harai relies on perfect synchronization between grip control, body positioning, and the sweeping action of your foot against the opponent’s ankle or lower shin.

The technique is particularly effective in BJJ because it requires minimal strength and maximum timing, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes. When executed correctly, Deashi Harai creates an immediate off-balancing effect that sends the opponent backward and to the side, allowing the thrower to maintain superior grips and establish dominant top position as they follow through to the ground. The beauty of this technique lies in its subtlety—rather than forcing the opponent down, you’re simply removing their base at the exact moment they commit their weight forward.

In the BJJ context, Deashi Harai serves as both a scoring takedown and a strategic tool for controlling the pace of engagement. It works exceptionally well against opponents who use aggressive forward pressure or attempt to establish collar-and-sleeve grips, as these actions naturally create the weight transfer necessary for the sweep to succeed. The technique also chains effectively with other foot sweeps and throws, creating a comprehensive standup system that keeps opponents defensive and hesitant.

Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%

Key Principles

• Execute the sweep when opponent’s weight commits forward onto their lead leg
• Maintain strong grip control to direct opponent’s upper body backward while sweeping their base
• Use minimal force on the sweeping action—timing and placement matter more than power
• Create the proper angle by positioning your body at 45 degrees to your opponent
• Follow through completely to establish top position rather than just achieving the takedown
• Coordinate upper body pulling action with lower body sweeping action simultaneously
• Keep your base stable and weight centered to avoid being countered during execution

Prerequisites

• Establish standard grips: one hand controlling opponent’s sleeve, other hand on collar or lapel
• Maintain upright posture with stable base and centered weight distribution
• Position yourself at approximately 45-degree angle to opponent’s stance
• Ensure opponent is moving forward or has weight on their lead leg
• Keep constant tension in your grips to control opponent’s upper body movement
• Maintain appropriate distance—close enough to sweep but far enough to have sweep angle

Execution Steps

1. Establish and test grips: Secure a same-side sleeve grip with your lead hand and a collar or lapel grip with your rear hand. Apply light pulling pressure to test opponent’s reaction and weight distribution. Your sleeve grip should be firm but not telegraphing, positioned near the elbow or mid-forearm for maximum control. (Timing: Initial engagement phase)
2. Create forward movement: Use subtle pulling motions with both grips to encourage your opponent to step forward with their lead leg. This can be achieved through small circular movements or by taking a slight backstep yourself, inviting them to pursue. The goal is to get them to commit weight onto their advancing foot without making your intention obvious. (Timing: Setup phase, 1-2 seconds)
3. Position for sweep angle: As opponent steps forward, pivot slightly on your rear foot to create a 45-degree angle to their centerline. Your body should be positioned so your sweeping leg (typically the leg on the same side as your collar grip) has a clear path to their advancing ankle. Maintain upright posture throughout this adjustment. (Timing: As opponent commits weight forward)
4. Execute coordinated sweep: Simultaneously pull upward and backward with your collar grip while driving their sleeve grip across their body. At the exact moment their lead foot makes contact with the mat and begins accepting weight, sweep the sole or edge of your foot across their ankle or lower shin in an arc-like motion. The sweep should feel like brushing their leg away rather than kicking through it. (Timing: Moment of foot plant, explosive but controlled)
5. Break opponent’s structure: Continue the upward and backward pulling motion with your grips as your sweeping foot removes their base. Your collar hand should lift while your sleeve hand drives downward and across, creating a rotational force that prevents them from posting or recovering balance. Keep your own base solid by maintaining weight on your support leg. (Timing: Immediately following sweep contact)
6. Control the fall: Maintain grip connection as opponent falls backward. Your grips allow you to control the speed and direction of their fall while positioning yourself to land in a dominant position. Keep your feet mobile and ready to adjust your base. (Timing: During opponent’s fall)
7. Establish top position: Follow opponent to the ground while using your grips to prevent them from recovering guard. As they land, immediately work to secure side control by driving your shoulder into their chest, controlling their near hip, and establishing crossface pressure. Your grips transition from standup controls to ground control points. (Timing: Landing phase, transition to ground)
8. Consolidate position: Once on top, distribute your weight properly across their torso, secure your grips into side control configurations (crossface and hip control), and establish stable base with your legs spread wide. This completes the transition from standing to dominant ground position. (Timing: Immediate stabilization, 1-2 seconds)

Opponent Counters

• Opponent pulls their lead leg back as you attempt sweep (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately transition to alternative foot sweep (Kosoto Gari or Kouchi Gari) on their now-weighted rear leg, or follow their backward movement with forward pressure to break their balance backward
• Opponent sprawls and drops weight down as they feel sweep (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Abandon the sweep and immediately transition to front headlock position, using their lowered posture to secure guillotine control or snap them down to turtle position
• Opponent steps through with opposite leg to recover base (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain grip control and either execute a second sweep on the recovery leg (Deashi Harai on opposite side) or use their forward momentum to pull them into closed guard
• Opponent breaks your sleeve grip before sweep execution (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Do not attempt the sweep without proper grip control—instead, immediately re-establish grips or switch to collar drag or arm drag to take the back
• Opponent counters with their own throw as you commit (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: If you maintain proper posture and don’t overcommit, counter-throws are difficult—if sensed early, release grips and establish defensive posture or pull guard to reset

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Sweeping too hard or kicking through opponent’s leg with excessive force
  • Consequence: Telegraphs your intention, allows opponent to adjust their base, and can result in you losing your own balance or getting countered
  • Correction: Focus on timing over power—the sweep should be a light brushing motion that catches the ankle just as weight transfers onto it. Think of removing a support rather than knocking it away
• Mistake: Attempting sweep when opponent’s weight is not committed forward
  • Consequence: Sweep has no effect as their leg is already light and mobile, wasting energy and exposing your intention for future attempts
  • Correction: Be patient and create the weight transfer through grip manipulation—pull them forward slightly or take a backstep to invite their advance, then sweep as their foot plants
• Mistake: Poor upper body control during sweep execution
  • Consequence: Opponent can post with their hands, recover balance mid-throw, or even counter-attack effectively
  • Correction: Your grips must actively lift and pull backward throughout the sweep—the upper body control is what prevents them from adjusting once their leg is swept
• Mistake: Standing too far away or too close during setup
  • Consequence: Incorrect distance makes the sweeping angle impossible or causes you to overreach and lose balance during execution
  • Correction: Maintain optimal distance where your sweeping leg can reach their ankle with a comfortable arc motion while keeping your support leg stable—approximately one step away
• Mistake: Failing to follow opponent to ground or releasing grips after throw
  • Consequence: Opponent can recover quickly, potentially pulling guard or scrambling back to feet, negating your successful takedown
  • Correction: Maintain grip connection throughout the entire technique and actively follow them down, using your grips to guide yourself into side control or other dominant position
• Mistake: Sweeping with toes instead of sole or edge of foot
  • Consequence: Creates point contact instead of surface contact, making sweep less effective and potentially injuring your toes
  • Correction: Use the sole or inside edge of your foot to make broad contact with opponent’s ankle/lower shin—this provides better control and more effective base removal
• Mistake: Leaning or falling backward during sweep execution
  • Consequence: Compromises your own base, makes it impossible to follow through to top position, and creates counter-throw opportunities
  • Correction: Maintain upright posture throughout the technique—your grips should pull them backward while you remain balanced and ready to advance forward into top position

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Static Drilling - Basic mechanics and foot placement Partner stands in static position while you practice grip establishment, footwork pattern, and sweeping motion. Focus on finding correct angle, proper foot contact point, and coordination between upper and lower body. Repeat 20-30 repetitions per training session, alternating sides. (Resistance: None)

Week 3-4: Movement Drilling - Timing the sweep with partner’s steps Partner takes slow, deliberate forward steps while you practice timing your sweep to their weight transfer. Partner provides minimal resistance, allowing you to develop feel for when their weight commits. Focus on reading their movement and executing at optimal moment. Practice 15-20 successful repetitions per session. (Resistance: Light)

Week 5-6: Active Response Drilling - Dealing with basic defensive reactions Partner now actively tries to maintain balance by pulling back leg or adjusting base, but doesn’t counter-attack. Practice creating setups, feinting, and adjusting your timing based on their reactions. Begin chaining with other foot sweeps when primary attempt is defended. Execute 10-15 attempts with varied reactions. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 7-8: Live Stand-up Sparring - Application in dynamic environment Attempt technique during positional sparring focused on takedowns (standup only, reset when someone goes to ground). Partner provides realistic resistance and attempts their own takedowns. Focus on recognizing opportunities, setting up technique through grip fighting, and maintaining safety. Success rate less important than recognition of proper moments. (Resistance: Full)

Month 3+: Competition Integration - Combining with complete BJJ game Integrate Deashi Harai into your overall standup strategy, using it as part of combination attack with other throws and guard pulls. Practice transitioning smoothly from successful takedown into ground control and submission attacks. Use in regular sparring and eventually competition when opportunities arise naturally. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

No-Gi Deashi Harai: Executed with overhook and underhook controls or collar ties instead of gi grips. Requires closer distance and more reliance on head position and underhook control to create the backward breaking of balance. The sweeping mechanics remain identical, but upper body control is achieved through wrestling-style ties. (When to use: In no-gi training, MMA contexts, or when opponent has strong grip-breaking skills in gi)

Deashi Harai into Guard Pull: Rather than following opponent to establish top position, use the off-balancing effect to facilitate a controlled guard pull. As you sweep their leg and break their balance backward, sit to your guard position while maintaining sleeve control. This creates immediate attacking opportunities from guard. (When to use: When you prefer guard play over top position, or when opponent’s takedown defense makes completing the throw to top position difficult)

Combination Deashi Harai: Chain multiple Deashi Harai attempts in succession as opponent adjusts their stance—sweep lead leg, when they recover with opposite leg forward, immediately sweep that leg. This creates a continuous off-balancing effect that eventually results in successful takedown or creates openings for other techniques. (When to use: Against opponents with excellent balance and footwork who can recover from single sweep attempts)

Deashi Harai from Failed Guard Pull: When your guard pull attempt is stuffed and opponent maintains standing position, immediately transition to Deashi Harai as they step forward with pressure. Your already-established grips and their forward momentum create ideal conditions for the sweep. (When to use: As backup option when guard pull is defended and opponent pursues you to ground)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the most critical timing element for successful execution of Deashi Harai? A: The most critical timing element is catching the opponent’s lead foot at the exact moment it plants and begins accepting their weight. If you sweep too early (while the foot is still in the air), there’s no base to remove. If you sweep too late (after weight is fully settled), they can adjust and maintain balance. The optimal moment is the instant of contact when their commitment is irreversible but their structure is still vulnerable.

Q2: Why is the 45-degree angle positioning important for Deashi Harai execution? A: The 45-degree angle is crucial because it creates the optimal mechanical advantage for both the sweeping action and the directional control with your grips. This angle allows your sweeping leg to move in a natural arc across their ankle while your grips can pull them backward and slightly to the side, creating a rotational force they cannot counter. Being square to them (0 degrees) or perpendicular (90 degrees) makes the sweep mechanically awkward and less effective.

Q3: How should the sweeping action feel during proper execution? A: The sweeping action should feel like a light brushing or wiping motion rather than a forceful kick. You’re using timing and placement to remove their base at the vulnerable moment, not overpowering their structure with force. Many practitioners describe it as feeling effortless when timed correctly—the opponent almost seems to fall on their own because you’ve simply removed the support their weight was committing to.

Q4: What should you do with your grips if the opponent successfully defends the sweep by pulling their leg back? A: Maintain your grips and immediately flow to an alternative technique that capitalizes on their backward movement and now-weighted rear leg. Options include Kosoto Gari or Kouchi Gari on the rear leg, or using their backward momentum to break their balance directly backward with forward pressure from your grips. The key is not to abandon your grips and start over, but to maintain connection and adapt to their defensive movement.

Q5: How does Deashi Harai differ from more forceful Judo throws in terms of technical execution? A: Deashi Harai relies on precise timing, minimal force, and perfect synchronization rather than explosive power or body commitment. Unlike throws like Seoi Nage or Harai Goshi where you turn in and load the opponent onto your body, Deashi Harai keeps you in a relatively upright, balanced position throughout. This makes it safer for BJJ practitioners who may not have extensive ukemi (breakfall) training and allows easier transition to ground control after the takedown.

Q6: What are the primary grip responsibilities during the execution phase of Deashi Harai? A: The collar grip’s primary responsibility is to lift upward and pull backward, creating elevation that prevents the opponent from lowering their center of gravity or posting with their hands. The sleeve grip drives downward and across their body, creating rotational force and preventing them from using that arm for balance recovery. These actions must occur simultaneously with the foot sweep, creating a coordinated three-point disruption of their structure that makes recovery impossible.

Safety Considerations

Deashi Harai is generally one of the safer takedown techniques for both the thrower and the person being thrown, but several safety considerations remain important. First, maintain grip connection throughout the entire technique to control the speed and direction of your partner’s fall—never execute the sweep and then release grips, as this can result in uncontrolled backward falls that risk head injury. Second, ensure adequate mat space behind the opponent before attempting the technique in training. Third, both practitioners should have basic understanding of breakfall techniques (ukemi), particularly the backward breakfall, as this is the primary falling pattern from this throw. When first learning, practice on soft mats or crash pads until the mechanics are reliable. For the person being thrown, resist the urge to post backward with your hands during the fall, as this can result in wrist or elbow injuries—instead, execute proper breakfall by slapping the mat with your arms. Finally, when drilling with newer partners, control the speed and force of the throw to match their skill level and falling ability.

Position Integration

Deashi Harai serves as a fundamental component of a complete BJJ standup system, bridging the gap between pure Judo throwing techniques and the ground-focused strategy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Unlike more physically demanding throws, Deashi Harai’s minimal strength requirement makes it accessible across all body types and ages, fitting perfectly into BJJ’s emphasis on technique over athleticism. The technique integrates seamlessly with guard pulling strategies—practitioners can use the threat of Deashi Harai to create defensive reactions that make guard pulls more successful, or execute the sweep partially to facilitate controlled guard entries. In the broader context of position hierarchy, Deashi Harai represents an offensive takedown option that scores points in competition while establishing the top position that BJJ strategy prioritizes. The technique chains naturally with other foot sweeps (Kosoto Gari, Kouchi Gari, Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi) creating a comprehensive ashi-waza (foot technique) system where each technique sets up the others. Additionally, failed Deashi Harai attempts often create opportunities for front headlock positions, arm drags, or snap-downs, meaning it remains productive even when not completed successfully. For practitioners building a complete game, Deashi Harai fills the critical niche of a high-percentage, low-risk takedown that doesn’t require extensive Judo background or exceptional athletic ability to execute effectively.

Related Techniques

• Kosoto Gari - Alternative sweep targeting rear leg when Deashi Harai is defended
• Kouchi Gari - Combination technique that works inside while Deashi Harai works outside
• Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi - Similar foot sweep with blocking action rather than sweeping motion
• Foot Sweep Series - Comprehensive system that includes Deashi Harai as primary component
• Osoto Gari - Follow-up technique when opponent steps back to defend Deashi Harai
• Single Leg Takedown - Alternative takedown when foot sweeps are consistently defended
• Snap Down - Setup technique that creates forward pressure for Deashi Harai opportunity
• Guard Pull - Alternative engagement strategy that can be facilitated by Deashi Harai off-balancing
• Side Control - Primary position to establish after successful Deashi Harai execution
• Front Headlock - Backup position when opponent sprawls in defense of sweep
• Takedown Defense - Understanding defensive principles helps recognize when opponent is vulnerable to Deashi Harai
• Timing and Rhythm - Core concept that determines success or failure of this timing-dependent technique

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: Deashi Harai represents one of the purest expressions of timing-based technique in all of grappling. The mechanical principle is elegantly simple: you remove the supporting base at the precise moment maximum weight commits to it, creating an irrecoverable loss of balance. What makes this technique particularly valuable for BJJ practitioners is that it requires zero strength advantage—a smaller, weaker practitioner can execute it against larger opponents with perfect effectiveness if the timing is precise. The key technical detail that most people miss is the coordination between the upper body pulling action and the lower body sweeping action. These must occur in perfect synchronization, creating what I call a ‘three-point structural disruption’: the collar grip lifts, the sleeve grip rotates, and the sweeping foot removes base, all at the same instant. When these three actions converge with proper timing against an opponent whose weight is committed, success is virtually guaranteed regardless of strength differentials. From a systematic perspective, Deashi Harai should be trained as part of a comprehensive ashi-waza system where each foot sweep sets up the others based on opponent’s defensive reactions.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, Deashi Harai is one of my go-to techniques for scoring takedown points without expending significant energy or taking major risks. The beautiful thing about it is that even a failed attempt doesn’t put you in a bad position—you’re not committed with your hips like in a throw, so if they defend, you’re still in a good place to either try again or switch to something else. I use it particularly against opponents who like to pressure forward aggressively, because they’re essentially giving me the exact weight transfer I need for the sweep to work. The timing feels almost automatic once you’ve drilled it enough—you can feel their weight shift forward and your body just reacts with the sweep. One adaptation I’ve made for no-gi is using overhook control combined with the sweep, which works exceptionally well because people post less effectively without gi grips. In my competition strategy, I view Deashi Harai as a ‘penalty-free’ attacking option—high success rate when timed correctly, minimal consequence when defended, and it chains perfectly into my other standup attacks. For anyone serious about competition BJJ, having at least one reliable foot sweep in your arsenal is essential, and Deashi Harai is the perfect choice because it doesn’t require years of Judo training to become effective.
• Eddie Bravo: What I love about Deashi Harai for the 10th Planet system is that it’s one of those old-school Judo techniques that translates perfectly to no-gi and even MMA contexts with almost no modification. We teach it using wrestling ties and underhooks instead of gi grips, and it works just as well—sometimes even better because people aren’t expecting traditional ashi-waza in no-gi environments. The creativity comes in how you set it up and what you transition to afterward. I’ve had students use Deashi Harai to create off-balancing effects that make their Rubber Guard entries way smoother, or use it to set up the Twister Side Control entry by sweeping the leg and following through with a specific grip configuration. The no-gi version with the overhook is particularly nasty because you can use head control to break their posture while sweeping, creating this double-impact effect. We also drill it as a counter to failed shot attempts—when someone shoots and you sprawl, as they stand back up there’s often a perfect moment to catch them with Deashi Harai since their weight is transitioning forward. From an innovation standpoint, don’t just think of it as a standalone throw—think of it as a off-balancing tool that creates opportunities for your entire ground game. The amount of times I’ve seen someone use a foot sweep to facilitate a guard pull or create the angle for a better takedown is endless. It’s all about being creative with these traditional techniques and adapting them to modern grappling contexts.