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Sweep (martial arts)
Encyclopedia
A sweep is the name used for two categories of martial arts techniques. From standing, sweeps are throws or takedowns
that primarily use the legs to attack an opponent's legs. On the ground
, sweeps are techniques for reversing grappling position.
Here a sweep is technique used to transition
from a neutral or inferior position
to a dominant position, such as moving from under guard to full mount
, hence the alternative term 'reversal' as the dominance of positions have been reversed.
Takedown (grappling)
A takedown is a martial arts and combat sports term for a technique that involves off-balancing an opponent and bringing him or her to the ground, typically with the combatant performing the takedown landing on top. The process of quickly advancing on an opponent and attempting a takedown is known...
that primarily use the legs to attack an opponent's legs. On the ground
Ground fighting
Ground fighting is hand-to-hand combat which takes place while the combatants are on the ground, generally involving grappling...
, sweeps are techniques for reversing grappling position.
Standing
When standing it is a technique used to take an opponent to the ground by knocking their legs out from under them, so is classed as a throw or takedown The force of the sweep either runs perpendicular to the opponent's leg or rises as it strikes the leg, lifting the foot from the ground. A sweep can be used to take the opponent to the ground or it can simply disrupt the opponent's balance long enough to make an opening for a punch or kick. In Japanese it is known as ashi-barai.Ground work
Transition (grappling)
A transition in grappling is a move from one grappling hold or grappling position to another. The process is called transitioning and is one of the most important aspects of ground grappling, as it allows the combatant performing the transition to advance in positioning, for instance by using a...
from a neutral or inferior position
Grappling position
A grappling position refers to the positioning and holds of combatants engaged in grappling. Combatants are said to be in a neutral position if neither is in a more favourable position. If one party has a clear advantage such as in the mount they are said to be in a "dominant position"...
to a dominant position, such as moving from under guard to full mount
Mount (grappling)
The mount, or mounted position, is a dominant ground grappling position, where one combatant sits on the other combatants torso with the face pointing towards the opponent's head. This is very favourable for the top combatant in several ways...
, hence the alternative term 'reversal' as the dominance of positions have been reversed.