When Uke starts to move, Dragin makes sure he keeps his lapel hand relaxed, while gripping tightly with his sleeve hand

He also needs to continue to apply his bodyweight down onto Uke’s arm.

It’s crucial however that he doesn't put too much pressure down onto the arm, as this could break their grip or stop them from moving.

It needs to be just enough to slow their movement down.

Uke will attempt to escape the danger, and pull away. This is when Dragin can execute his De Ashi Barai.

As Uke brings his feet together, Dragin releases the pressure on his opponent’s sleeve, al-lowing Uke to have control of their arm back.

This release causes Uke’s side step to speed up, and results in them rising up onto their toes.

Uke goes from pulling against resistance to pulling against nothing

It’s at this point Dragin attacks with the sweep.

As Dragin side steps with Uke he makes sure he doesn't lift his feet. Instead he slides along and keeps his posture low.

This keeps him in a strong, stable position.

It’s important for Dragin that once he’s in position, he actively looks at Uke’s feet.

He does this to assess their movement and make sure he times his attack correctly.

He aims to strike, the moment Uke’s feet move towards each other. Using their momentum to aid his attack.

If he goes to sweep and the timing is wrong, he will just touch with his foot and take it off.

If this happens he has two options: He can focus on something else, like Seoi nage; Incorrect timing for the De Ashi can open up other techniques.

Or he can wait, and keep moving around until the right moment to sweep appears.