The Foot Sweep Series represents a collection of highly technical standing techniques derived from Judo’s ashi-waza (foot techniques) that have been adapted and refined for BJJ competition and training. These sweeps exploit opponent’s weight distribution, timing, and movement patterns to off-balance and take down opponents with minimal energy expenditure. Unlike explosive takedowns that rely on strength and power, foot sweeps emphasize precise timing, proper positioning, and reading opponent’s movement to create opportunities for clean, controlled takedowns that often land directly into dominant positions like side control or mount.
The primary techniques in this series include Deashi Harai (advancing foot sweep), Kosoto Gari (small outer reap), Kouchi Gari (small inner reap), and Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi (propping drawing ankle throw). Each technique targets specific weight distribution patterns and movement directions, making the series highly adaptable to different opponent styles and reactions. The beauty of foot sweeps lies in their ability to be chained together—when one sweep is defended, the opponent’s reaction often creates an opening for another sweep in the series.
Mastering foot sweeps requires developing exceptional timing, balance, and sensitivity to opponent’s weight shifts. These techniques are particularly effective in gi competition where grips provide better control and feedback, but they can also be adapted for no-gi with proper hand fighting and body positioning. The foot sweep series forms a complete standing system that can be combined with other takedowns and guard pulls to create a well-rounded approach to starting the match on your terms.
Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
Key Principles
- Time sweeps with opponent’s forward or lateral movement—never against static stance
- Maintain strong upper body control through collar and sleeve grips to manipulate opponent’s posture
- Target the weight-bearing leg while opponent is in transition between steps
- Use pulling and lifting actions with hands to off-balance opponent onto targeted leg
- Keep your own base wide and stable while executing sweep to prevent counter-attacks
- Chain multiple sweep attempts together as opponent reacts and shifts weight
- Follow opponent to the ground maintaining connection and pressure for immediate top position
Prerequisites
- Establish fundamental grips: cross-collar grip with one hand and same-side sleeve grip with the other
- Maintain proper standing posture with bent knees and hips, never standing upright or stiff
- Position yourself at optimal distance—close enough to control but far enough to have sweep angle
- Read opponent’s weight distribution and identify which leg is bearing more weight
- Create or anticipate forward, backward, or lateral movement from opponent
- Establish grip fighting dominance to prevent opponent from controlling your movement
- Maintain hip positioning slightly lower than opponent to generate upward lifting power
Execution Steps
- Establish dominant grips: Secure a strong cross-collar grip with your right hand, fingers inside the collar at the back of opponent’s neck. Your left hand controls opponent’s right sleeve at the elbow or wrist level. Pull down slightly with collar grip and out with sleeve grip to break opponent’s posture forward and create initial off-balance. (Timing: During initial grip exchange or after grip fighting sequence)
- Create movement and read weight distribution: Use your grips to create circular or forward-backward movement patterns. Pull opponent forward and slightly to their right side with your collar grip while simultaneously pulling their sleeve across their body. This movement causes opponent to step forward with their right leg to regain balance. Identify the moment when their weight commits to the advancing leg. (Timing: 1-2 seconds of grip manipulation)
- Execute primary sweep (Deashi Harai example): As opponent’s right foot makes contact with the mat during their forward step, immediately sweep your left foot across the mat surface in a sweeping arc that contacts the outside of their right ankle. Your sweeping foot should make contact just as their weight is transferring onto that leg but before it’s fully planted. Simultaneously pull strongly with both grips—up and to your right with the collar, across and down with the sleeve—to lift and rotate opponent’s upper body. (Timing: The moment opponent’s foot touches down)
- Complete the off-balance and takedown: Continue the sweeping motion of your foot through opponent’s ankle, driving it across and slightly upward. Your upper body actions must synchronize perfectly—as you sweep the leg, pull opponent’s upper body in the opposite direction to create a powerful rotational force. Drop your weight slightly and step through with your sweeping leg to drive opponent backward and down to the mat. (Timing: 0.5-1 second sweeping motion)
- Follow to the ground: Maintain your grip connections as opponent falls, using your collar grip to control their upper body and prevent them from turning into you. As they land, immediately step your right leg over their body and drive your chest pressure down onto their torso. Your left hand releases the sleeve and posts on the mat to support your weight as you establish side control position. (Timing: Immediate follow-through during fall)
- Establish top control position: Secure side control by driving your chest across opponent’s chest, controlling their near hip with your right hand and maintaining head control with your left arm. Your right leg extends back as base while left knee comes up near their hip. Distribute your weight heavily onto their chest and establish crossface control with your left forearm across their face, completing the transition from standing sweep to dominant top position. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to stabilize position)
Opponent Counters
- Opponent widens base and drops weight to create stability (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Switch to different sweep in series—if they defend Deashi Harai by widening stance, immediately attack with Kouchi Gari to inside of same leg or Kosoto Gari to rear
- Opponent times their step to avoid sweep and counters with their own technique (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use feint sweeps to draw reactions without committing fully, then attack when opponent overreacts or creates opening with their counter-movement
- Opponent establishes dominant grips and prevents your grip setup (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Improve grip fighting skills and use hand fighting sequences to break opponent’s grips before establishing your own, or adapt to different grip configurations
- Opponent pulls guard as you attempt sweep (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Recognize guard pull initiation early and either follow into their guard with immediate passing pressure or disengage and reset to standing
- Opponent sprawls backward as they feel sweep initiated (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use their backward movement to chain into different forward-driving takedown like single leg or body lock, or follow with Sasae technique that punishes backward movement
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the most critical element of timing for foot sweeps—when should you make contact with opponent’s leg? A: Contact should occur the instant opponent’s foot touches the mat during their step, before their weight fully settles onto that leg. This timing catches them in the vulnerable transition moment between steps when their base is compromised but their weight is already committing to the targeted leg, making it impossible for them to quickly adjust or withdraw the leg.
Q2: Why must upper body manipulation synchronize with leg sweeping action, and what happens if they’re not coordinated? A: Upper body manipulation creates the off-balance that makes the leg sweep effective—pulling and lifting with grips in the opposite direction of the sweep creates rotational force that multiplies the sweeping power. Without coordinated hand actions, the leg sweep alone merely contacts opponent’s ankle without generating sufficient force to disrupt their overall balance, allowing them to remain upright and potentially counter-attack.
Q3: How do you chain different sweeps in the series together, and why is this chaining important? A: Chaining works by recognizing opponent’s defensive reaction to your initial sweep attempt and immediately attacking with the sweep that exploits their new weight distribution. For example, if Deashi Harai is defended by widening stance and sitting back, immediately switch to Kosoto Gari which attacks the rear leg position they’ve created. Chaining is essential because high-level opponents will defend individual techniques, but their defensive movements create new vulnerabilities that other sweeps in the series specifically target.
Q4: What grip configuration provides optimal control for executing foot sweeps in gi competition? A: The fundamental grip is cross-collar grip with one hand (fingers inside collar at back of neck) combined with same-side sleeve grip at elbow or wrist level with the other hand. This configuration allows you to pull opponent forward with collar while controlling their arm to prevent posting and create rotational off-balance. The collar grip also provides strong feedback about opponent’s weight distribution and allows you to manipulate their posture effectively.
Q5: What body positioning must you maintain while attempting foot sweeps to prevent being countered? A: Maintain bent knees and hips with center of gravity low and stable, never standing upright with straight legs. Your base should be wider than normal, and your weight should be slightly back on your rear leg to prevent being driven backward. Hip positioning should be slightly lower than opponent’s to generate upward lifting force with grips. This stable, athletic stance allows you to generate power for sweeps while remaining defensively sound against counter-attacks.
Q6: How should you follow opponent to the ground after successful sweep, and why is this follow-through critical? A: Maintain at least your collar grip throughout opponent’s fall and step forward aggressively as they go down, keeping close connection with their body. As they land, immediately step over into side control position, driving chest pressure down onto their torso while establishing crossface and hip control. This follow-through is critical because a sweep without position is merely returning both fighters to neutral—only by securing dominant top position do you gain tactical advantage and scoring points in competition.
Q7: What are the key differences between Deashi Harai, Kosoto Gari, and Kouchi Gari in terms of direction and target? A: Deashi Harai sweeps opponent’s advancing foot forward in the direction they’re stepping, targeting the outside ankle with a horizontal sweeping motion. Kosoto Gari attacks the outside/rear of the leg by placing your leg behind theirs and driving backward, more of a reap than sweep. Kouchi Gari hooks inside of opponent’s leg from the inside, scooping their heel backward while driving their body over the hooked leg. Each targets different weight distributions and movement directions, making them complementary in a series.
Safety Considerations
When practicing foot sweeps, both partners must understand proper breakfall techniques to land safely. The person being swept should tuck their chin, round their back, and slap the mat with their arm to dissipate impact force. Begin all training with crash pads or soft mats until proper falling mechanics are developed. The person executing sweeps must maintain grip connection to control opponent’s fall and prevent uncontrolled impact—never release grips mid-fall. Progress resistance gradually, as explosive sweeps on unprepared partners can cause ankle, knee, or impact injuries. In competition, be aware of mat boundaries and ensure adequate space exists for safe completion of the technique. Partners with ankle, knee, or lower back injuries should modify training or avoid foot sweep practice until cleared by medical professionals.
Position Integration
The Foot Sweep Series forms the foundation of a complete standing game that integrates seamlessly with other takedown systems and guard pulling strategies. In competition, foot sweeps serve multiple tactical purposes: they can be used aggressively to secure early takedowns and points, defensively to counter opponent’s forward pressure, or strategically to create action and avoid stalling penalties. Foot sweeps chain naturally with other standing attacks—failed sweeps often create opportunities for single leg or double leg entries, body lock positions, or front headlock scenarios. The series also integrates with guard pulling by serving as threat that forces opponent to respect your standing game, making guard pulls more effective when opponent is defending sweep attempts. Defensively, understanding foot sweeps improves your takedown defense, as you learn to recognize weight distribution vulnerabilities and movement patterns that create sweep opportunities, allowing you to avoid these positions. Mastering this series develops essential attributes for all of BJJ: timing, balance, sensitivity to opponent’s movement, and the ability to chain techniques based on reactions—skills that translate directly to ground fighting and submission chains.
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The foot sweep series represents the most technically refined approach to standup grappling, derived from Judo’s centuries of development in ashi-waza. What makes these techniques systematically superior to wrestling-based takedowns is their reliance on timing and leverage rather than explosive athleticism—attributes that remain effective as we age and that work against larger, stronger opponents. The key systematic principle underlying all foot sweeps is the concept of ‘kuzushi’ or off-balancing: you never sweep a balanced opponent, you create or exploit existing imbalance through precise manipulation of their upper body while simultaneously attacking the weight-bearing leg during transition moments. The most common error I observe is students attempting to make the leg sweep do all the work, when in reality the leg contact is merely the final element of a chain that begins with grip dominance, continues through posture manipulation, and culminates in targeting the compromised leg. Study the interconnection between all sweeps in the series—Deashi, Kosoto, Kouchi, Sasae—and you’ll discover they form a complete system where each technique’s defense creates the exact vulnerability that another technique exploits. This systematic approach to chaining techniques based on opponent reactions is the fundamental principle that separates effective grapplers from those who know isolated techniques but cannot apply them against resistance.
- Gordon Ryan: In high-level competition, foot sweeps are absolutely critical for several strategic reasons that go beyond just scoring takedown points. First, they allow you to engage in standup exchanges without burning huge amounts of energy like you would wrestling—you can attempt multiple sweeps throughout a match without gassing out because they’re technique-based not strength-based. Second, foot sweeps give you legitimate takedown threat which forces opponents to respect your standing game, making your guard pulls way more effective because they can’t just stand comfortably waiting for you to pull. I use Kouchi Gari constantly because it works perfectly with my preferred collar tie and underhook positions, and when guys defend it by stepping back, I immediately hit them with Deashi Harai going the other direction. The competition meta has evolved where everyone pulls guard immediately, so having actually functional takedowns makes you extremely dangerous—opponents don’t train takedown defense as much anymore because they’re so focused on guard work. My advice is pick two or three sweeps that fit your grips and body type, drill them until the timing is completely automatic, and use them aggressively in the first thirty seconds of matches to establish dominance and score points. Even if you don’t finish the sweep, attacking standup sets the pace and puts psychological pressure on opponents who wanted to control the standup phase. The transition to top position after the sweep is where most people fail in competition—you must follow them down aggressively and immediately establish heavy pressure and crossface, or they’ll recover guard and you’ve wasted the sweep.
- Eddie Bravo: Foot sweeps are criminally underutilized in modern no-gi and that’s a huge opportunity for innovation. Everyone’s focused on wrestling shots and guard pulls, but the timing-based nature of sweeps catches people completely off guard—literally. We’ve adapted several Judo sweeps for 10th Planet system by modifying the grips to work with collar ties, underhooks, and wrist control instead of gi grips, and they’re devastatingly effective because nobody expects them. The key innovation is understanding that no-gi sweeps require slightly different timing—you can’t feel weight distribution through gi grips, so you have to read it through body contact and visual cues. We drill sweeps constantly with our warm-up flows, having partners move in different patterns while we time the sweeps with their natural rhythm, almost like dancing. This develops the intuitive timing that makes sweeps work in live rolling without thinking. Another innovation we’ve developed is using failed sweep attempts to set up our rubber guard or lockdown entries—when you go for Kouchi Gari and they defend by sprawling back, you can immediately pull them into closed guard and attack. Or if they stuff your sweep by driving forward hard, you’ve got perfect double leg opportunity. The creative approach is viewing sweeps not as isolated techniques but as entries into your entire ground system. Don’t just drill the sweep—drill sweep to top position to submission sequence, or sweep attempt to guard pull to guard attack. This systems-based thinking is how you make techniques like foot sweeps truly functional in real competition where nothing works in isolation and everything has to flow together into your personal game.