[T11.01] Advancing Foot Sweep (Naihanchi Kata)

(Deashi) Leg/Foot, (harai) sweep: 

Foot sweeps are, in my opinion, not an extraordinarily strong throw. It will however land the opponent on the tatami (mat).  It is necessary to tie-up the opponent’s hands if possible, to prevent being struck. There are judoka who are very adept at these sweeps. For that reason alone, one should have an understanding of these techniques.

Warning: Do not attempt these techniques without a qualified AOKK instructor’s supervision.

Judo Category:

• Ashi Waza

AOKK Category:

• Sweep

Opening Technique:

This can be setup by pulling uke forwards into a forward walking stance. In Judo uke is walked backwards and forwards to set-up this throw. True the technique works best if uke has not placed his/her weight on their lead foot, but in randori this seldom happens. In jujitsu we make the majority of our throws from a clinching position. If the throw can be performed in the clinch, then it can be used in a self-defense environment.  We are not Judoka, so our methodology differs. This throw can be made when uke’s foot is moving forwards or backwards. His/her lead foot must be moving. 

Counter:

We do things in karate that do not, upon first glance, make a lot of sense. Many karate systems teach stepping in a sweeping half-moon motion. The foot is never completely lifted from the ground but always makes contact with the surface. This type of stepping makes kosoto-gari more difficult. The very nature of stepping in this manner keeps the karateka in balance, and during the step, the majority of your weight is on the rear leg. Walking or normal stepping is a process of controlled falling. There is a normal forward lean to this process that makes unbalancing the opponent forwards an easy task. Controlling the motion counters the catching of the foot as it is lifted to move forwards. Fighters have learned that stepping is problematic in a conflagration, so a shuffling movement has been developed to maintain balance during sparring and randori. In Judo, boxing, or kick boxing you will seldom see a fighter purposely step forwards.

Execution:

Uke must be pushed and pulled until they commit or lift their lead foot. Push backwards until uke pushes forward and quickly pull uke forwards until he /she lifts their lead foot.

• As uke is stepping forwards, push up on the collar and pull down on the sleeve breaking his/her balance.
• As uke steps forwards with his/her right foot, sweep their lead foot with the bottom of your left foot while stepping behind your left foot with your right foot.
• Continue pulling and pushing on uke’s gi-top in a circular motion.

Note: This circular motion is sometimes referred to a “Steering the bus.”

Note: This is not as effective if uke has placed their foot on the tatami and transferred weight to that foot. Sweep uke’s leg across your body and pull uke’s arm/sleeve in the opposite direction of the sweep throwing him/her to the side.

Note: This technique is different from kosoto-gari due to the circular footwork involved in making this sweep. Kosoto-gari is more straight forwards

Grip:

1. You can grasp the back of the collar (RH) and sleeve/wrist (LH). Bend your elbow and push up on the collar while pulling down on the sleeve.

Warning: Uke must be familiar with the sideways break-fall or he/she could be injured.

Warning: Never go to the ground if there are multiple opponents.

Note: Follow this technique with an arm-bar, mount above the hips, or simply walk away. If you choose the mount, follow immediately with open hand strikes, closed hand strikes, and elbow strikes. In sport you may choose to apply a choke or lock the opponent to gain a submission.