Judo technique
Okuri-ashi-barai
- Pronunciation
- oh-koo-ree ah-shee bah-rai
- Meaning
- Sliding foot sweep
Recognize two feet swept together during movement.
Understand the technique
, also written Okuri-ashi-harai, is a sliding foot sweep in . While moves sideways, sweeps the trailing foot into the leading foot and takes both feet away together. Unlike , which sweeps one advancing foot, this sweep needs Uke’s feet to be closing together.
How it works
Move sideways together
In this example, Tori leads Uke sideways to Uke’s left with a few matching side steps. Each time Uke’s trailing right foot closes toward the left foot, the feet are briefly close together and Uke’s weight is still moving. That closing step is the opening.
Sweep both feet as the hands lift
Tori’s left sole sweeps Uke’s right ankle toward the left, the way it is already travelling, into the left foot so both feet go together. At the same moment, the hands lift and guide Uke’s upper body in the same direction. The opposite direction mirrors this example.
Common mistakes
Sweeping planted feet
Once Uke’s feet are planted and apart, the sweep hits two separate supports and becomes a kick. Keep moving and wait for the next closing step.
Sweeping with the foot alone
If the hands stay still, Uke’s upper body stays over the feet and Uke simply steps out. The lift from the hands has to arrive at the same moment as the sweep.
First learning focus
First watch the distance between Uke’s feet while you move sideways together. Notice the instant they come closest, before the stance settles, and time only a small, smooth sweep to that moment.