To execute the throw, Dragin wants to attack as Uke’s legs start to move towards each other.

He wants to use the base of his foot to make contact, keeping his leg slightly bent.

He doesn’t mind whether he connects with one leg, De Ashi, or 2, Okuri Ashi. In both sce-narios he drives his leg through, sending Uke up into the air and onto their back.

He needs to ensure he keeps hold of the sleeve throughout the entire execution of the at-tack.

If he loses the sleeve grip he will lose control of Uke when they are in the air.

Ideally Dragin will also keep hold of the lapel, enabling him to drive Uke down onto the mat. Occasionally he can lose this grip - in that scenario he continues with the throw but instead places his now freed hand onto Uke’s shoulder, guiding their upper body down from there, to finish the throw.

Now let’s see how effective it is in a more competitive scenario.

Dragin really gets the reaction from Uke, allowing him to execute the De Ashi.

See how the pressure on Uke makes them move away, Dragin allows this and then hits with the De Ashi.

You can see how Dragin applies pressure down and pulls Uke. They react and start side stepping away. Dragin follows staying low. As Uke’s feet start to come together, Dragin strikes, sweeping their leg and then driving them down to the mat.