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.
From Position: Standing Position (Top) Success Rate: 60%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 60% |
| Failure | Standing Position | 25% |
| Counter | Standing Position | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Create circular movement through grip manipulation to genera… | Maintain low center of gravity with bent knees and hips slig… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Create circular movement through grip manipulation to generate rotational momentum
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Break opponent’s balance forward and to the side before applying the foot block
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Time the sweep to coincide with opponent’s forward step or weight shift
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Block the ankle at the moment of maximum commitment to forward motion
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Maintain strong pulling action with the hands throughout the technique
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Keep your blocking leg’s toes pointed upward to create stable barrier
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Follow opponent’s falling trajectory to secure dominant landing position
Execution Steps
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Establish grips: Secure a high collar grip with your right hand, controlling the opponent’s left lapel near the colla…
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Create circular motion: Pull with your left hand (sleeve grip) while pushing slightly with your right hand (collar grip), in…
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Break balance forward: As the opponent steps forward with their right foot, pull sharply upward and forward with both hands…
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Place blocking foot: Step forward with your left foot, positioning it directly in front of the opponent’s right ankle. Yo…
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Execute lifting pull: Pull upward and around in a circular arc with both hands, lifting the opponent’s upper body while th…
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Complete the throw: Maintain your grips throughout the throw, controlling the opponent’s descent to the mat. As they fal…
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Secure top position: Follow the opponent down, using your grip control to establish side control, mount, or begin a guard…
Common Mistakes
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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
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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
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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
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Maintain low center of gravity with bent knees and hips slightly back to resist forward kuzushi
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Fight grips aggressively to deny the collar-and-sleeve configuration needed for the lifting pull
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Recognize circular movement patterns early as a precursor to the sweep attempt
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Keep weight centered over your base rather than allowing it to shift onto the balls of your feet
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React to the pulling force direction rather than focusing solely on the foot placement
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Use counter-gripping to disrupt the attacker’s pulling mechanics before the block is set
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Maintain awareness of combination attacks that follow a defended Sasae attempt
Recognition Cues
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Opponent establishes a high collar grip and begins pulling upward while simultaneously creating circular stepping movement to one side
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You feel a distinct forward-and-upward pulling force through both grip points that shifts your weight toward the balls of your feet
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Opponent’s lead foot begins moving toward your ankle or lower shin while their hands lift and rotate your upper body
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Circular movement pattern accelerates as opponent positions at a 45-degree angle relative to your centerline
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Opponent’s sleeve grip hand pulls wide in an arc while their collar grip hand drives upward, creating a rotational force on your torso
Defensive Options
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Retract the targeted foot and circle away from the blocking attempt while breaking the collar grip - When: Early in the attack sequence, when you feel the initial forward pull and circular movement but before the blocking foot is placed
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Lower your hips and widen your base while driving forward into the attacker’s space to kill the circular momentum - When: When you recognize the circular movement pattern and feel the kuzushi attempt beginning but still have your base intact
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Strip the collar grip using a two-on-one grip break and immediately establish your own dominant grips - When: At the earliest stage of the setup, when you feel the attacker securing the high collar grip that enables the upward lift
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 standing 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.