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Deashi Harai | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202511 min read

Deashi Harai

bjjtransitiontakedownjudoashiwazafootsweep

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T233
  • Transition Name: Deashi Harai
  • Alternative Names: Advanced Foot Sweep, Forward Foot Sweep, Advancing Foot Sweep

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty requiring timing
  • Energy Cost: Low - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Instant - duration of transition
  • Risk Level: Low - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Low for sweeping motion
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for leg mobility and balance
  • Coordination Requirements: High for technical precision and timing
  • Speed Requirements: High for timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From standing position with collar and sleeve control, you create forward or lateral movement with your grips, pushing or pulling to induce your opponent to step forward. As they step forward with one foot to maintain their balance or match your movement, you identify the exact moment that advancing foot is about to land but has not yet fully planted. At this precise instant when their weight is transferring onto that advancing foot, you sweep it across its path of travel using the sole of your foot, making contact on the outside or front of their ankle or lower shin. The sweep motion is horizontal and crosses in front of their supporting leg as you simultaneously pull with your grips in the direction of the sweep. The combination of removing their advancing foot mid-step and pulling them forward-sideways creates complete off-balance, causing them to fall in the direction of the sweep. You maintain grip control throughout and follow through to land in a dominant top position such as side control or knee on belly.

Template: “From standing with collar-sleeve grips, create movement to induce forward step. As opponent’s foot advances, sweep it across its path using sole of your foot during landing phase. Pull with grips in sweep direction simultaneously. Follow through to dominant top position maintaining control.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish strong collar and sleeve grips from standing position
  2. Initial Movement: Create forward or lateral movement to induce opponent stepping
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent steps forward with one foot to maintain balance
  4. Adaptation: Identify which foot is advancing and time the sweep
  5. Completion: Sweep advancing foot across with sole of your foot as it lands
  6. Consolidation: Pull with grips in sweep direction to complete takedown

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Strong collar and sleeve control to create and direct movement
  • Base/Foundation: Maintaining own balance while executing sweep
  • Timing Windows: Sweep must contact foot during landing phase before full plant
  • Leverage Points: Sole of foot contact combined with grip pull creates off-balance
  • Common Adjustments: Vary sweep angle based on opponent’s stepping direction

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Creating effective forward movement pattern (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing sweep during exact landing moment (+/-25%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced balance and defensive reactions (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding timing principles (+/-10%)
  • Position Control: Quality of grip control and pulling direction (+/-15%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Quick Plant: Planting advancing foot quickly before sweep → Standing Position (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: anticipation)
  • Step Through: Stepping through sweep with other foot → Clinch Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: good footwork)
  • Counter Sweep: Using sweep momentum for own takedown → Top Position (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: superior timing)
  • Pull Guard: Sitting to guard when off-balanced → Guard Bottom (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: defensive choice)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [sweep timing] is anticipated:
- Execute [[Quick Plant]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [footwork] allows step through:
- Execute [[Step Through]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [defensive option] is available:
- Execute [[Pull Guard]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [momentum can be redirected]:
- Execute [[Counter Sweep]] (Probability: 20%)

Else [optimal sweep execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “Deashi harai is perhaps the most fundamental of all foot sweeps, teaching the core principle of removing base during the most vulnerable moment - mid-step. The advancing foot is inherently weak because weight is transferring onto it but hasn’t yet established a stable platform. Your sweep doesn’t need power because you’re attacking during a moment of inherent weakness. This demonstrates the principle that perfect timing can overcome any amount of strength.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, deashi harai is my go-to foot sweep because it has the highest success rate when timed correctly. I create forward pressure with my grips to force them to step, then sweep the advancing foot. The key is recognizing which foot will advance based on your grip pressure. It’s pattern recognition at high speed - once you learn to see it, the opportunity appears constantly.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Deashi harai works beautifully in no-gi because it doesn’t rely on gi grips for the actual sweep mechanics. The sweep itself is all timing and foot placement. In our system, we use it to create takedown entries or to set up guard pulls when the sweep is defended. The low-risk nature makes it perfect for chaining multiple attacks together without exhausting yourself.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Sweeping too early before foot advances

  • Why It Fails: Foot hasn’t moved yet so sweep has no effect

  • Correction: Wait for advancing foot to be in motion before sweeping

  • Recognition: Sweep misses completely or hits stationary foot

  • Error: Sweeping too late after foot is planted

  • Why It Fails: Weight is already established on planted foot

  • Correction: Time sweep for exact moment of landing before full plant

  • Recognition: Sweep feels heavy and opponent easily maintains balance

  • Error: Not pulling with grips in sweep direction

  • Why It Fails: Lacks coordinated force to complete off-balance

  • Correction: Pull with grips simultaneously with foot sweep

  • Recognition: Opponent recovers balance despite foot contact

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent is moving forward or responding to your pressure
  • Avoid When: Opponent is stationary or moving backward
  • Setup Sequences: After creating forward movement pattern with grips
  • Follow-up Windows: Can chain multiple sweep attempts on successive steps

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Basic standing grip fighting and timing recognition
  • Physical Preparation: Balance and hip mobility for sweeping motion
  • Positional Understanding: Standing position mechanics and movement patterns
  • Experience Level: Beginner-friendly technique, excellent first foot sweep to learn

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What makes deashi harai effective?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When should you sweep the advancing foot?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common timing mistake?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip action induces forward stepping?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust when opponent changes stepping speed?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Traditional collar and sleeve grips for maximum control
  • No-Gi Specific: Adapt to wrist control and collar tie positions
  • Self-Defense: Modified timing for unpredictable stepping patterns
  • Competition: Highest percentage foot sweep for consistent scoring
  • Size Differential: Effective regardless of size due to timing focus

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Sweeping motion and footwork pattern without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner steps slowly for timing development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides natural stepping for recognition
  • Sparring Integration: Implementing sweep during live standing exchanges
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting timing precision

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Push, induce, identify, time, sweep, pull, follow
  • Spatial References: Advancing foot, landing phase, sweep direction, horizontal motion
  • Pressure Dynamics: Light foot contact, grip pull, coordinated timing
  • Momentum Descriptions: Instant execution, flowing motion, precise timing

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Create pressure to make them step forward”
  • Execution Guidance: “Watch the advancing foot, sweep it as it lands”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel the rhythm of their stepping pattern”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Light contact, perfect timing, secure the position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Standing with collar and sleeve grips established
  • Transition Points: Forward pressure, foot advance, sweep contact, pull coordination
  • Ending Position: Top position with opponent on ground
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed sweep leading to continued standing exchange

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Horizontal sweeping force combined with forward-lateral pull
  • Leverage Ratios: Removing base point during weight transfer moment
  • Range of Motion: Controlled foot sweep maintaining own balance
  • Power Generation: Timing precision over physical power

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Foot Sweep Series for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as takedown (2 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Highly effective due to low energy cost and high success rate
  • Self-Defense: Excellent for creating quick takedowns with minimal force
  • MMA Applications: Modified version useful in mixed martial arts striking range

Historical Context

Deashi harai is one of the original 40 throws of Kodokan Judo and is considered the most fundamental foot sweep technique. It teaches core principles of timing and balance disruption that apply to all ashi waza (leg techniques). The technique has been seamlessly integrated into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s standing game as one of the highest-percentage takedowns.

Safety Considerations

  • Landing Control: Maintain grip connection to control opponent’s fall
  • Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for safe completion
  • Training Partners: Practice with appropriate resistance levels
  • Breakfall Skills: Both partners should understand proper falling techniques

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