What is the most critical timing element for Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi to be effective?

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 have already established their new base.

Why is the circular movement pattern important in the setup for this technique?

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.

How should the blocking foot be positioned to create maximum effectiveness?

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 that their forward momentum drives them into.

What is the primary difference between Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi and Deashi Harai in terms of mechanics?

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.

If your opponent consistently steps over your blocking foot, what technical adjustments should you make?

First, ensure you are creating proper kuzushi before placing the foot - if they can step over, they are 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 a hip throw when they lift their leg high.

What role do the hands play during the actual execution of the throw?

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.

Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi Attacker | BJJ Technique Guide

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)

Key Attacking Principles

What are the key principles for executing Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi?

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

What do you need before attempting Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi?

Establish strong collar and sleeve grips with proper hand placement
Create initial kuzushi by breaking opponent’s upright posture forward
Generate circular movement pattern through grip manipulation and footwork
Position yourself at approximately 45 degrees to opponent’s centerline
Identify opponent’s weight distribution and forward commitment timing
Ensure adequate mat space for safe execution and landing
Maintain balanced stance throughout setup phase with weight on balls of feet

Execution Steps

How do you execute Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi step by step?

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Possible Outcomes

Result	Position	Probability
Success	Side Control	60%
Failure	Standing Position	25%
Counter	Standing Position	15%

Opponent Counters

How might your opponent counter Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi?

Opponent steps over or around the blocking foot (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately switch to Kouchi Gari or Deashi Harai using their altered stepping pattern, or transition to an upper body throw if they overcommit to avoiding the foot → Leads to Standing Position
Opponent pulls back and retracts their foot before commitment (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their backward movement to execute Osoto Gari or Ouchi Gari, attacking the leg they have loaded their weight onto when retreating → Leads to Standing Position
Opponent grips your blocking leg and sprawls defensively (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Their grip on your leg requires them to break posture and bend forward, creating opportunities for snap down to front headlock or switching to a hip throw entry → Leads to Standing Position
Opponent counters with their own throw during your entry (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain strong posture and grip control during entry; if countered mid-execution, release the foot block and reset to neutral standing with grip advantage intact → Leads to Standing Position

Common Attacking Mistakes

What mistakes should you avoid when executing Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi?

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

How do you train Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi (Attacker)?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Safety Considerations

What are the safety concerns for Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi?

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. Both partners should communicate clearly about resistance levels and gradually progress from static drilling to dynamic application over several weeks.

Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi Attacker

Outcomes