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Combat Sports

De-Ashi-Harai Entry Drill

The De-Ashi-Harai Entry Drill practices the timing, balance control, and foot placement of a judo foot sweep without completing the throw. It trains hip control and coordination with a moving partner.

  • Intermediate
  • Compound
  • Moderate injury risk
  • Rest 45 sec

How to do it

  1. Stand facing your partner at a comfortable gripping distance.
  2. Take their left lapel in your right hand and their right sleeve near the elbow in your left hand.
  3. Step backward with your right foot to invite your partner's right foot forward.
  4. Guide their upper body gently along the direction of their step using your grips.
  5. Place your left sole lightly against the outside of their advancing right ankle just before that foot takes weight.
  6. Pause at light contact with your partner still standing.
  7. Return your left foot to the mat.
  8. Step back into your starting stance.

Form cues

  • Keep your supporting knee soft
  • Stay tall through your torso
  • Keep your elbows relaxed

Common mistakes

  • Arriving after the foot is plantedAsk your partner for slower, predictable steps so you can recognize the contact window.
  • Reaching from too far awayShorten the gap between you rather than leaning sideways to reach the ankle.
  • Jerking with the armsUse a smooth guiding pressure instead of a sudden pull that disrupts your partner's posture.

Safety

Forceful contact or sweeping a planted foot can strain your partner's ankle or knee. Excessive pulling can also cause an unintended loss of balance during this entry-only drill.

  • Practice on a clear combat-training mat with a cooperative partner offering no resistance.
  • Agree on the contact-only endpoint and a stop signal before starting.
  • Learn the entry under qualified judo instruction before practicing independently.
  • End the set when fatigue makes foot placement or grip control inconsistent.

If either partner has current ankle, knee, or balance problems, choose a no-contact stepping drill or seek advice from a physiotherapist before practicing.

Muscles worked

Front
Back

Primary muscles

  • Glutes
  • Hip Abductors

Secondary muscles

  • Abs
  • Adductors
  • Calves
  • Lats

Equipment

  • Combat Training Mat

Sets and reps

Sets
2–3
Target
6–10 reps per side
Rest
45 sec

The steps describe one side; reverse the grips and footwork for the other side.

Variations

Easier

Harder