How to Do The Front Foot Sweep in Samba Martial Arts

Samba, an acronym for "self-defense without weapons," was developed in the early twentieth century in the former Soviet Union. Samba incorporates strikes, joint locks, chokes, throws, ground fighting and more. The front foot sweep is one of the basic Samba throws. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise mat
• Partner

1. Practice on a padded surface. An exercise mat provides cushion when learning the front foot sweep.
2. Stand facing your partner. Be close enough that you can reach his body. Place your right hand firmly on your partner's left shoulder and your left hand at your partner's right elbow.
3. Step your right foot to the outside of your partner's left foot.
4. Place the sole of your left foot on your partner's right ankle.
5. Pull your partner's left shoulder and right elbow while you twist your torso down and to the left to pull him over your left foot. Twist and pull to flip your partner over onto his back.
6. Practice the move until you can grab, step and flip your partner over in one fluid motion.
7. Watch a video of the front foot sweep online at websites such as Expert Village, and study the moves so you can fine-tune your technique. (See link in Resources.)

Tips & Warnings

• Go slow when learning how to do the front foot sweep. You don't want to throw your partner on the ground so hard that he gets hurt.