ashiharai

Ashiharai, 足払い, meaning “foot sweep,” is a basic throwing technique used in several Japanese martial arts, most notably Judo. It belongs to the ashi-waza, or foot techniques, and is designed to unbalance uke by sweeping or intercepting their stepping foot with tori’s leg, causing uke to fall. In Kodokan Judo it is one of the core foot throws and is commonly taught early in training.

In Judo, ashi-harai is typically practiced after establishing kuzushi (off-balance). The tori steps in a direction that brings their sweeping leg into contact with uke’s maintaining foot, using the sweep to redirect uke’s base and throw them to the mat. Effective execution relies on timing, proper body alignment, and control of uke’s posture rather than a forceful pull with the arms. Common grips involve holding uke’s sleeve and lapel or belt to control balance while preparing the sweep. The direction of the throw depends on the angle of the sweep.

Variants and related techniques include de-ashi-harai and okuri-ashi-harai. De-ashi-harai is performed as the tori advances, sweeping uke’s foot with the leading leg in a forward entry. Okuri-ashi-harai uses the trailing leg to sweep as both participants move, often in a pivoting or turning action. In other martial arts such as Aikido, ashi-harai is used with similar mechanics and sometimes referred to as ashiharai, though technique details and emphasis can differ.

Ashiharai remains a foundational tool in competition and self-defense, valued for its efficiency, timing, and ability to interrupt an opponent’s rhythm.