Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi

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

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Placing the blocking foot too early before establishing kuzushi
- Consequence: Opponent easily steps over or around the block, wasting energy and telegraphing the technique
- Correction: Focus on breaking balance first; only place the blocking foot at the exact moment when opponent is committed to their forward step and off-balance
Mistake: Insufficient upward pull with the hands during execution
- Consequence: Opponent can base out with their free leg or post their hand, preventing the completion of the throw
- Correction: Emphasize the lifting action with both grips, particularly the collar hand; the pull should be upward and circular, not just backward
Mistake: Blocking with the toes pointing downward or sideways
- Consequence: Weak barrier that the opponent can push through or that collapses under pressure, potentially injuring your own foot
- Correction: Keep toes pulled back toward your shin, creating a solid surface with the sole of your foot against their ankle; practice the foot position in drilling
Mistake: Standing too close or too far from opponent during setup
- Consequence: Improper distance prevents effective leverage and makes the circular motion awkward or impossible
- Correction: Maintain approximately one arm’s length distance; adjust positioning through footwork while maintaining grip control throughout the setup
Mistake: Releasing grips during or immediately after the throw
- Consequence: Lose control of opponent’s landing, allowing them to recover guard or escape to a neutral position
- Correction: Maintain at least one grip (preferably both) throughout the entire technique and landing; use grips to guide them to the mat and establish top position
Mistake: Attempting the technique from static position without movement
- Consequence: No momentum to work with, making the technique require excessive force and becoming easy to defend
- Correction: Create circular movement first through grip manipulation and footwork; the technique works best when opponent is already in motion

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Static drilling - Grip placement, foot positioning, and basic mechanics Partner stands statically while you practice proper grip establishment, circular stepping pattern, and placement of blocking foot. Focus on correct body positioning and hand action without resistance. Repeat 20-30 times per training session. (Resistance: None)

Week 3-4: Motion drilling - Timing against forward steps Partner takes deliberate forward steps while you practice timing the sweep to their movement. Work on recognizing the moment of weight commitment. Partner offers minimal resistance, allowing completion of the throw. Progress from slow, predictable steps to faster, more varied stepping patterns. (Resistance: Light)

Week 5-8: Reactive drilling - Kuzushi creation and combination work Practice creating the off-balance through grip manipulation rather than relying on partner’s cooperation. Begin chaining with other techniques - if Sasae fails, immediately flow to Kouchi, Osoto, or snap down. Partner provides moderate resistance and actively defends some attempts. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 9-12: Live scenarios - Application in controlled sparring Attempt technique during positional sparring starting from standing. Partner provides full but controlled resistance. Focus on recognizing genuine opportunities rather than forcing the technique. Track success rate and analyze failed attempts to refine timing and setup. (Resistance: Full)

Week 13+: Competition preparation - Integration into complete standing game Use Sasae as part of complete takedown system during regular sparring. Combine with guard pulls, other throws, and wrestling entries. Practice against different body types and styles. Develop setups specific to common defensive reactions in your gym. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Sasae from Opposite Grips: Execute the technique with left collar, right sleeve grips, blocking with the right foot against opponent’s left ankle. Same mechanics apply but mirror-imaged. (When to use: When opponent’s grip fighting or stance makes traditional grips difficult to establish; also valuable for developing ambidextrous capabilities)

Sasae to Guard Pull Combo: If the foot sweep fails because opponent retracts their leg, immediately use the created space and their backward momentum to pull guard, securing De La Riva or Reverse De La Riva control. (When to use: Against opponents with excellent takedown defense who habitually pull back; particularly effective in BJJ competition where guard pulling is allowed)

Low Sasae (Ankle Height): Instead of blocking at mid-ankle, place your foot at the very bottom of their ankle, nearly sweeping the floor. Creates a lower, harder-to-avoid block. (When to use: Against shorter opponents or those who keep their weight low; also effective when opponent is actively trying to step over your blocks)

Sasae with Underhook: Replace the collar grip with an underhook, maintaining the sleeve grip. Block the same way but use the underhook to lift and rotate them over the blocking foot. (When to use: In no-gi situations or when in over-under clinch position; the underhook provides strong lifting power but requires closer range)

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.