How to Do the Sambo Front Reaping Throw

In the Russian martial arts discipline of sambo, grappling and leg locks are often used to throw an opponent off balance and knock him to the mat. The front reaping throw can send your opponent to the ground while you remain standing. In competition, this move can earn you 3 points.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sparring partner
• Mat

1. Face your opponent and grab his collar with your right hand. Pull your opponent toward you with a slight lifting motion.
2. Swing your opponent toward you in a circular motion by grabbing his collar with your left hand while releasing the tension of your right. Speed is the key to this step, so be forceful and slightly jerky with your motions to throw your opponent off balance.
3. Place your right foot close to the toes of your opponent's left foot. Ensure that your toes are facing straight ahead and that your footing and balance on your left leg is secure.
4. Pull your opponent toward you so that your body, from your armpit to your hip, comes in contact with him. Perform the reaping move by hooking your right knee around the back of his left knee. Use your hands to lift your opponent upward as your knee slides into place.
5. Jerk your knee back toward you as you push your opponent forward by the shoulders. Push one shoulder of your opponent harder than the other, so that she will spin as she falls over backward.
6. Avoid tangling with your opponent as he falls. Extend and unlock your knee quickly before his fall gains momentum. If your opponent can reap your knee, you will go down with him and land on your knee, possibly causing a severe injury.
7. Practice the front reaping throw in sambo with a sparring partner until you can do it quickly and fluidly. Remember, if you remain standing at the conclusion of this technique, you will score more points in competition.

Tips & Warnings

• Push equally with both hands when you do the front reaping throw, moving your body and hips forward, along with the body of your opponent. This will help you to maintain your balance as you execute a swift, surprising move.
• Always practice on a padded mat to avoid injuries, especially during leg and ankle locks.