ashi-bari

[Shotokan-kez]

No matter how many times my sensei shows me this sweeping techniue i just can't get it right. I always end up really hurting the other persons leg rather than taking their foot away, or damaging my own foot in the process. So my questions are how long did it take you guys to master it and do you find in affective in a sparring situation?

I really don't like this kick [is it classed as a kick?], maybe i don't like it because i can't do it Also would it be allowed to be used in a fight, would it score you a point if you took them down or would you also need to strike them while they were down to get the point?

[ff100]

I use the Ashi-bari mostly to put them off balance and if im lucky they will go straight down either way it sets them up for fast counters. Generally I use tai-sabaki then sweep the back of the heel with my instep but I know others prefer to use the sole of the foot.

In self defense I probably wouldnt use this technique as I prefer to get in close using hand techniques and execute a body drop, hoc throw or hip throw depending on the leg position of the attacker.

[Jiffy]

Ashi-Berai is "Leg Sweep", so no, it doesn't really count as a kick, that would be "Ashi Geri"

As for the application, think of the name. The idea is to sweep. To sweep, ensure you are not wacking the leg, but guiding it. Turn your foot so the outer edge is on the floor and you are contacting with the sole of the foot. When sweeping, glide the foot along the floor, not 3 inches off the ground where you will damage their ankle.

When sweeping, it's more effective if you sweep the back of their foot towards you, rather than the side of their foot, across.

This works by sliding the foot in the direction of which it has least friction (long story). Also, there is less chance of damage to the other person.

[ps1]

In what manner are you using the technique. The timing of it, I find, is best as the opponent advances with his front foot. Then you can sweep it with no difficulties.

[cathal]

Timing is a major factor in any sparring situation but I agree with ps1. The timing for the sweep can be critical but I tend not to bother using it against karateka who are heavier.

[kstinson]

I only learnt this move a year ago officially, meaning that's when I was high enough rank to actually use it, and I can't get it right either. I would never use it in tournament sparring, even if the tournament does allow it(Depends on the tournament where I live). I just use it in my Brown/Black belt class just to have fun, but still suck at doing it.

[bushido_man96]

Ashi-Berai is "Leg Sweep", so no, it doesn't really count as a kick, that would be "Ashi Geri"

As for the application, think of the name. The idea is to sweep. To sweep, ensure you are not wacking the leg, but guiding it. Turn your foot so the outer edge is on the floor and you are contacting with the sole of the foot. When sweeping, glide the foot along the floor, not 3 inches off the ground where you will damage their ankle.

When sweeping, it's more effective if you sweep the back of their foot towards you, rather than the side of their foot, across.

This works by sliding the foot in the direction of which it has least friction (long story). Also, there is less chance of damage to the other person.

This is a nice explanation. When I was younger, my dad taught me and my brothers some foot sweeps, because that stuff was legal when he sparred competitively. We don't ever do them in the styles I work with now, so I like to hear about how to do them. They can be very useful.

[Shotokan-kez]

Cool ta for the replies guys. I haven't actually attempted the sweep yet during a sparring fight but i know i need to practise it more because i was thinking of using it for my black belt grading during the kumite section.

I do realise it can be ver effective and useful, if only i can get it right. The only time we have really used it is slowly against an oppenent, then graduall getting faster but without the opponent moving.

I will keep at it

kez

[sonofkanga]

For special things,go to a specialist.

 

On a regular basis we have seminars with a 7th dan in Judo .He was the national coach and placed fourth in the 1972 Olympics.

 

He tailors the lessons to Karate specifications,and guess what?

 

everyone benefits from this.

 

Cross training is great.

[RichardHangHong]

To echo everyone elses's comments, timing is the key. It's easy to use ashi barai on a compliant partner and especially on someone who weighs much less than you do, but to get an effective ashi barai to work in all situations you have to get the timing right, just as their weight is about to be fully committed to that leg.