Sweep with Forward Kick

This is a “true” sweep that relies on positioning, balance, and leverage. For context, assume the following: The dynamics of the fight have taken you to a position at your opponent’s side, with you either facing perpendicular to him, or almost the same direction he faces.

Starting Position: Stand with the attacker on your right side, both of you facing forward.

Control the attacker’s upper body by grabbing his shirt or catching across his chest.

As you raise your right (inside) leg back, pull him so that his weight falls onto his near foot.

Sweep your right foot low so that the sole of your foot brushes the floor and the front of your ankle touches the back of his ankle. Your toes must point in the same direction as his.

Continue to sweep through, letting your foot rise off the floor after contact with his ankle. At the same time, use your right arm to drive him back and down to the floor.

Sweep with Heel Kick

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, facing the attacker. Grab your attacker with one hand on either of his shoulders. Your outside foot (left) must be at least on the same line as his. If you’re too far away, you’ll end up getting swept yourself.

Using your hands on his shoulders, pull his right shoulder while pushing his left shoulder. This will force him slightly back, while also putting weight on the closest (right) leg.

Take your right foot outside and past his right foot, and sweep backwards with a movement very similar to an offensive back kick. The sole of your foot should brush the floor; the back of your ankle should make contact with the back of his; your toes should be pointed in the opposite direction as his. Your hip should be slightly inside of his. Think about lifting your heel to the ceiling. Follow through with the motion, continuing the pull/push action with your hands and driving the attacker’s upper body down.

Defenses General Defense against Medium to High Kicks

Krav Maga has a “general” defense against medium to high attacks. This defense can be made when the hands are up or down, and especially when the defender cannot instantly determine the height of the attack. Although this defense is very basic, it is applied in defenses such as Stick (Baseball Bat Swing), Knife (Slash), Heel Kick, Spinning Heel Kick, and Round Kick, as described here.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker throws a high right round kick, angle your body inward (if necessary) so that your shoulder points at the kick. Raising your left shoulder to protect your chin, straighten your left arm down and tighten the muscles. The back of your hand should face the kick so that your elbow is not exposed. Simultaneously bring your right hand up and across to protect your face. Be sure your chin is tucked.

Continue with counters such as an elbow to the face.

Tips: If time allows, burst in to meet the kick before it develops full power. Even if time does not allow for a step, you should still lean in to brace yourself against the kick. The defense can be made with the straight arm in either a fist or with fingers extended. A fist is preferable because it tightens up the arm muscles to help them absorb the impact. However, if you are surprised, the “fingers extended” version is probably what you’ll do.

Once you’ve blocked, it is also possible to trap the leg and deliver knees, or sweep.