Okuri Ashi Barai

I’m not sure what it is, but I’ve been an ashiwaza fiend recently. Take a look at the past few blog posts and you’ll see what I mean.

My ashiwaza was never the best, but I have recently grown to appreciate stellar foot techniques, especially when it’s executed in high level competition. Ashiwaza techniques require hours of repetition, perfect timing, and a certain type of sneakiness to execute. If you have a limited knowledge of ashiwaza techniques, check out your local judo dojo to learn more about them.

The video below features Japanese legend Isao Okano, who I have blogged about before, executing okuri ashi barai, or roughly translated, sliding foot sweep. It’s a very brief video, but the beauty of Okano’s technique means you’ll be replaying the video over and over again.

Isao Okano: Remember the Name

If you don’t know the name Isao Okano, you should be ashamed of yourself. He’s only one of Japan’s most distinguished and most well respected judoka EVER. If you name the tournament, Isao has won it. Ranging from the Summer Olympics (Gold in 1964) to the World Championships (Gold in 1965) to the coveted All-Japan Championships (Two-time Gold in 1967 and 1969), Isao cemented his legacy in the sport of Judo and planted his name in the minds of judoka’s world wide.

I had the honor to actually sit down with Isao Okano, in his living room, and share a glass of wine with him. No joke. During one of my many training trips to Japan I had the privilege to train at Ryutsu Keizai University, where Sensei Okano teaches. He invited my brother and I to his house, as his guests, for dinner. It was a moment that I’ll never forget. We sat in his house, sipping on cold, crisp Chardonnay. Together, we watched the very same footage shown below, but on the ORIGINAL tapes. #legendary

Enjoy.