Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi (propping drawing ankle throw) is a classic judo foot sweep technique that has been successfully adapted into modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for standing exchanges. This technique exploits forward momentum and circular movement, using precise timing to block the opponent’s ankle while simultaneously lifting and pulling their upper body. The beauty of Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi lies in its minimal force requirement - when executed with proper timing, the opponent’s own movement and weight distribution do most of the work. Unlike power-based takedowns, this technique relies on kuzushi (off-balancing) and precise placement of the blocking foot. The throw is particularly effective against opponents who step forward aggressively or maintain an upright, forward-leaning posture. In BJJ competition, this technique offers a clean takedown that can lead directly to dominant positions, making it valuable for competitors who prefer technical entries over wrestling-heavy approaches.
Starting Position: Standing Position Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
Key Principles
- Create circular movement through grip manipulation to generate rotational momentum
- Break opponent’s balance forward and to the side before applying the foot block
- Time the sweep to coincide with opponent’s forward step or weight shift
- Block the ankle at the moment of maximum commitment to forward motion
- Maintain strong pulling action with the hands throughout the technique
- Keep your blocking leg’s toes pointed upward to create stable barrier
- Follow opponent’s falling trajectory to secure dominant landing position
Prerequisites
- Establish strong collar and sleeve grips with proper hand placement
- Create initial kuzushi by breaking opponent’s upright posture
- Generate circular movement pattern through grip manipulation
- Position yourself at appropriate angle (approximately 45 degrees to opponent)
- Identify opponent’s weight distribution and forward commitment
- Ensure adequate space for safe execution and landing
- Maintain balanced stance throughout setup phase
Execution Steps
- Establish grips: Secure a high collar grip with your right hand, controlling the opponent’s left lapel near the collarbone. Your left hand grips their right sleeve at the elbow or just above. These grips provide the leverage needed for both off-balancing and the lifting action that follows. (Timing: Initial contact phase)
- Create circular motion: Pull with your left hand (sleeve grip) while pushing slightly with your right hand (collar grip), initiating a circular stepping pattern. Move to your right, encouraging the opponent to follow and step forward with their right foot. This circular movement is critical for generating the momentum that makes the sweep effective. (Timing: Setup phase, 1-2 seconds)
- Break balance forward: As the opponent steps forward with their right foot, pull sharply upward and forward with both hands, breaking their balance toward their front right corner. Their weight should shift onto the balls of their feet, with their center of gravity moving beyond their base of support. This kuzushi moment is the key to the entire technique. (Timing: Just before foot placement)
- Place blocking foot: Step forward with your left foot, positioning it directly in front of the opponent’s right ankle. Your foot should be placed with toes pointing upward, creating a solid barrier with the sole of your foot against their ankle. The placement must be precise - too high and they can step over, too low and they can step through. (Timing: Simultaneous with kuzushi)
- Execute lifting pull: Pull upward and around in a circular arc with both hands, lifting the opponent’s upper body while their ankle is blocked. The collar hand pulls upward and across, while the sleeve hand pulls in a wide circular motion. This combined action rotates them around the blocked ankle, removing any remaining base. (Timing: Immediately after foot placement)
- Complete the throw: Maintain your grips throughout the throw, controlling the opponent’s descent to the mat. As they fall backward and to their left, pivot your body to face them, keeping your blocking leg stable. Your grip control allows you to determine landing position and immediately transition to top position or guard passing. (Timing: Through to completion)
- Secure top position: Follow the opponent down, using your grip control to establish side control, mount, or begin a guard pass depending on how they land. Maintain pressure and connection throughout the landing to prevent them from recovering guard or escaping. The transition from standing to top control should be seamless. (Timing: Immediate follow-up)
Opponent Counters
- Opponent steps over or around the blocking foot (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately switch to a different foot sweep (Kouchi Gari or Deashi Harai) using their altered stepping pattern, or transition to an upper body throw if they overcommit to avoiding the foot
- Opponent pulls back and retracts their foot (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their backward movement to execute Osoto Gari or Kouchi Gari, attacking the leg they’ve loaded their weight onto when retreating
- Opponent grips your blocking leg and defends (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Their grip on your leg typically requires them to break posture and bend forward, creating opportunities for Uchi Mata, Harai Goshi, or snap down to front headlock
- Opponent maintains low, defensive posture (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Switch to wrestling-based attacks like ankle picks or single leg entries, which are more effective against low postures; alternatively, work to elevate their posture through grip fighting before attempting the sweep again
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the most critical timing element for Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi to be effective? A: The blocking foot must be placed at the exact moment when the opponent is committed to their forward step and their weight is shifting beyond their base of support. Placing it too early allows them to adjust, while placing it too late means they’ve already established their new base.
Q2: Why is the circular movement pattern important in the setup for this technique? A: The circular movement creates rotational momentum that makes the opponent naturally want to step forward to maintain balance. This momentum, combined with the foot block, makes the throw require minimal force. It also disguises the attack by making the setup look like normal grip fighting and movement.
Q3: How should the blocking foot be positioned to create maximum effectiveness? A: The toes should be pulled back toward the shin, creating a solid barrier with the sole of the foot against the opponent’s ankle. The foot should be placed at approximately mid-ankle height, perpendicular to their leg’s direction of movement, creating an immovable obstacle.
Q4: What is the primary difference between Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi and Deashi Harai in terms of mechanics? A: Sasae uses a blocking action where your foot creates a stationary barrier, while Deashi uses a sweeping action where your foot actively sweeps their ankle. Sasae emphasizes the upward pulling action more, while Deashi emphasizes the sweeping timing. Sasae typically works better against forward movement, Deashi against lateral movement.
Q5: If your opponent consistently steps over your blocking foot, what technical adjustments should you make? A: First, ensure you’re creating proper kuzushi before placing the foot - if they can step over, they’re not truly off-balance. Second, place the block lower (closer to the floor). Third, consider switching to combination attacks, using their step-over as an entry for Kouchi Gari or switching to an upper body throw like Uchi Mata when they lift their leg high.
Q6: What role do the hands play during the actual execution of the throw? A: The hands perform a lifting and circular pulling action. The collar hand pulls upward and across, while the sleeve hand pulls in a wide arc. This combined action lifts the opponent’s upper body and rotates them around the blocked ankle, completing the throw. The hands do most of the actual throwing work, while the foot simply blocks.
Q7: Why is it important to maintain grips through the landing phase of this technique? A: Maintaining grips allows you to control how the opponent lands, preventing them from recovering guard or scrambling to safety. The grips enable you to immediately establish top position (side control, mount, or knee on belly) and begin passing or advancing position. Without grip control, the opponent can turtle, create distance, or pull guard during the landing.
Safety Considerations
Controlled application is paramount when practicing Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi. The thrower must maintain grips throughout the technique to control the opponent’s descent and prevent uncontrolled falls that could result in head, shoulder, or back injuries. During drilling, start with slow, cooperative repetitions to build proper mechanics before adding speed or resistance. Ensure adequate mat space is available in all directions, as the throw can create unexpected rotation. Partners should practice breakfall techniques (ukemi) before being thrown at full speed. When learning, the blocking foot should be placed gently at first to avoid ankle injuries to either person - the blocking leg can be vulnerable to knee torque if planted too rigidly. Never practice this technique near walls, equipment, or other practitioners. As with all standing techniques, both partners should be aware of their surroundings and communicate clearly about resistance levels. Gradually progress from static drilling to dynamic application over several weeks, allowing the body to adapt to the forces involved. If either partner feels uncomfortable with the speed or intensity, immediately reduce the pace and return to controlled drilling.
Position Integration
Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi serves as a fundamental entry point into the top game for BJJ practitioners who prefer technical takedowns over wrestling-heavy approaches. Within the broader BJJ system, this technique bridges the gap between standing exchanges and ground control, offering a reliable method to secure top position without expending excessive energy. The throw integrates seamlessly with guard pulling strategies - if the opponent defends by pulling back, the created distance and off-balance make them vulnerable to guard pulls into De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva positions. When successful, the throw typically lands the opponent on their back or side, allowing direct transition to side control, mount, or immediate guard passing positions. This technique is particularly valuable in the modern BJJ meta-game where many practitioners lack traditional judo or wrestling backgrounds, making timing-based foot sweeps less expected than common wrestling shots. The circular movement pattern used in the setup also creates entries for other techniques in the ashi-waza (foot technique) family, including Deashi Harai, Kouchi Gari, and Osoto Gari, allowing development of a complete foot-sweep based game. For competitors focused on points, the clean takedown provides 2 points under IBJJF rules, and the controlled landing often leads to quick advancement through positions. The technique also teaches fundamental concepts of kuzushi, timing, and leverage that transfer to all aspects of BJJ, from guard passing to submission entries.
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi represents a perfect example of using minimal force to achieve maximum effect through precise application of biomechanical principles. The technique succeeds not through strength, but through understanding human balance and the physics of rotation around a fixed point. When you block the ankle at the moment of maximum forward commitment, you create a fulcrum around which the opponent’s own momentum and your hand action combine to generate the rotational force needed for the throw. The key technical detail that most practitioners miss is the quality of kuzushi - the off-balancing must be genuine, meaning the opponent’s center of gravity must actually move beyond their base of support before you block. Without proper kuzushi, you’re trying to overcome their stability with force, which defeats the entire purpose of the technique. The hands perform the majority of the actual work in this throw; the foot simply removes the possibility of recovery. Practice this technique slowly and deliberately, focusing on the sensation of when the opponent’s balance truly breaks - that split-second of genuine off-balance is when the technique becomes effortless.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi works best against opponents who fight from upright postures or come forward aggressively trying to establish grips. I use it primarily as part of a combination system rather than as an isolated attack - threaten it to make them step back, then hit singles or guard pulls, or set it up by making them defend other attacks first. The biggest mistake I see is people trying to force this throw without creating real movement and momentum first. You need to get them actually moving in a circle, actually stepping forward, before the technique has any chance. Against high-level guys, you’re not going to just walk up and hit a perfect Sasae - you need setups, you need to make them think about other threats first. What makes it valuable in modern BJJ is that most people don’t train takedowns seriously, so timing-based techniques like this catch them by surprise. They’re worried about wrestling shots or guard pulls, not foot sweeps. The other huge advantage is that when it works, you land in excellent position to immediately start passing or taking the back, unlike some throws where you have to scramble for position afterward.
- Eddie Bravo: From the 10th Planet perspective, we’ve adapted Sasae into our no-gi standing game by modifying the grips and emphasizing the combination with guard pulls. Instead of traditional collar and sleeve, we use overhooks, underhooks, or head control combined with wrist control. The principle stays the same - create circular movement, break balance, block the ankle - but the grip variations make it work without the gi. What I really like about this technique is how it flows into our guard pulling game. If they defend the sweep by pulling back, that’s perfect - use that momentum to pull them into Mission Control or Rubber Guard. The foot sweep becomes a setup for the guard pull, and the guard pull becomes a backup if the sweep fails. We also drill it in combination with snap downs - threaten the foot sweep low, when they pull their leg back and lift up, snap them down to front headlock or guillotine. It’s all about creating reactions and having answers ready. The other thing we emphasize is using it in scrambles, not just from clean standing positions. When you’re both standing up from the ground or resetting, that’s when people are most vulnerable to foot sweeps because they’re focused on getting their grips, not on protecting their feet.