出足払 De-ashi-harai advancing foot sweep

De-ashi-harai in detail

Reference video

Classification

De-ashi-harai (出足払, "advancing foot sweep") is the first throw of the first group (Dai Ikkyo) of the Kodokan Gokyo. It belongs to the foot techniques (ashi-waza). It needs almost no strength – what makes it work is timing. That is why it opens the Gokyo: it teaches beginners to feel when a partner's balance is weakest. At the highest level it remains a dangerous attack, often scored straight from gripping exchanges.

Principle

Every step has a moment when the moving foot is already forward but not yet carrying weight. If Tori sweeps it exactly then, in the direction it is moving, it slides on with no resistance and Uke's body is left behind with nothing underneath. Tori sweeps along the step and inwards, towards Uke's left, and the hands turn Uke counter-clockwise at the same time: the feet go out in front and Uke lands on the left side and back.

Grips (kumikata)

The animation shows two right-handed judoka in ai-yotsu: both stand in migi shizentai (right foot forward) and grip the same way – right hand on the partner's left lapel, left hand on the partner's right sleeve.

• Left hand (hikite): the outside of Uke's right sleeve at the elbow. It draws Uke forward and then pulls the sleeve down.
• Right hand (tsurite): Uke's left lapel. It helps draw Uke forward and then pulls up, so that both hands turn Uke counter-clockwise like a steering wheel.

Step-by-step

1. Move: step back with small sliding steps and draw Uke forward with both hands.
2. Read the step: Uke slides the right foot forward. Shift your weight onto your right foot.
3. Bring the foot in: swing your left foot round to the outside of Uke's right heel, sole turned inwards, leg nearly straight.
4. Sweep: just before Uke's foot touches down, sweep it on in the direction it is moving and inwards, towards Uke's left.
5. Turn: at the same moment pull the sleeve down with the left hand and the lapel up with the right, turning Uke counter-clockwise like a steering wheel.
6. Finish: stay upright on your supporting leg and keep the sleeve so that Uke lands under control on the left side and back, slapping the mat with the left arm.

Key points to get right

These points are also shown as callouts in the animation at the moment they matter.

• Draw Uke forward. Your own movement creates Uke's step – the throw starts with your feet and hands, not with the sweep.
• Sweep just before the foot takes weight. A moment too late, the foot is planted and the sweep turns into a kick.
• Sole of the foot, in the direction of the step. The sole gives a wide, soft contact; sweeping along the step and inwards uses Uke's own movement.
• Turn Uke counter-clockwise with both hands. Pull down with the sleeve and up with the lapel at the same moment as the sweep.
• Stay upright and keep the sleeve. A tall supporting leg gives a strong sweep and a safe landing.

Variations and related techniques

• Okuri-ashi-harai: both feet are swept together while Uke moves sideways.
• Kosoto-gari / Kosoto-gake: the same foot is reaped or hooked from behind instead of swept forward, usually when Uke is already putting weight on it.
• Harai-tsurikomi-ashi: the sweep hits Uke's lower leg and blocks it while Tori lifts and pulls.
• Sweep to the retreating foot: De-ashi-harai also works when Uke steps back – sweep the foot that is leaving last, in the direction it moves.

Combinations and counters

Set-ups: a threat with O-uchi-gari or a push that makes Uke step forward creates the moment for De-ashi-harai; when Uke steps away from the sweep, O-soto-gari or Uchi-mata can follow. Counters (kaeshi-waza): Uke can lift the foot and counter with their own De-ashi-harai (tsubame-gaeshi), or sweep Tori's supporting foot when Tori sweeps too early or with a bent leg.

Safety for teaching

Uke falls fast and low, so a reliable side breakfall to the left (hidari yoko ukemi) is needed first. Practise the timing as uchi-komi while moving together, with Tori only touching the foot. When throwing, Tori keeps the sleeve and lifts slightly at the end; sweep with the sole, never with the toes or the shin, so Uke's ankle is not kicked.