Purpose

The reap entry allows the attacker to enter ashi garami from a standing position by catching a stepping opponent’s lead leg and sitting into the entanglement as they advance. This entry is used when the opponent commits forward weight — the forward pressure fills the inside space naturally if the attacker’s timing is correct.

Constraint: The partner walks forward at a controlled pace and provides no upper-body resistance. The drill isolates the sit-down timing and hip insertion sequence. The partner will not attempt to escape once the attacker has sat in — they hold the ashi garami start position for the quality check.

Setup

Both players standing, facing each other, two to three feet apart. The partner takes a slow, controlled step forward with their right foot. The attacker has their left hand reaching toward the partner’s right shin — ready to catch the step.

Execution

Step 1 — catch the shin: As the partner steps forward with the right foot, the attacker makes contact with the partner’s shin — hand behind the shin, pulling slightly toward them. This is not a hard grip — it is a guide contact that keeps the shin in range.

Step 2 — sit diagonally: The attacker sits diagonally to their left — not straight down. The diagonal sit places the attacker’s left hip into the space beside the partner’s right hip rather than in front of the leg. The direction of the sit is the key mechanical detail.

Step 3 — insert the inside leg: As the attacker reaches the mat, the inside (left) leg slides along the inside of the partner’s right thigh and hooks at the hip. The sit-down motion and the inside leg insertion happen as one continuous movement.

Step 4 — drive the hip in: Before placing the outside leg, the attacker drives their left hip toward the partner’s right hip. Hip-to-hip contact is established.

Step 5 — place the outside leg: Right leg crosses over the partner’s left shin. Ashi garami is complete.

Step 6 — hold and check: Partner holds position for three seconds. Check: hip-to-hip connection present; both hooks in; attacker is on their side (not their back).

Reset: both players stand and reset. Eight reps from the right side, then eight from the left (partner steps with left foot; attacker sits to the right).

Coaching Notes

The diagonal sit is the most important and most correctable element of this drill. Practitioners who sit straight down end up sitting between the partner’s feet — they are in front of the leg, not beside the hip. The inside space is not entered from directly in front. The diagonal sit — toward the partner’s hip line, not their foot line — is what places the attacker’s hip in the inside space.

The shin catch in step 1 is a guide, not a restraint. Practitioners who try to hold the shin tightly while sitting down create a pulling action that resists the sit. The hand on the shin maintains contact and direction; the sit does the work.

This entry works with forward pressure, not against it. The partner’s stepping motion fills the inside space for the attacker. Practitioners who try this entry against a partner who is stepping back will find the inside space closes rather than opens — the entry is specifically designed for forward pressure.

Common Errors

Sitting straight down: Attacker sits between the partner’s feet rather than diagonally to the partner’s hip side. The inside space is not entered. Sit diagonally — toward the hip, not the foot.

Losing shin contact before sitting: Attacker releases the shin contact immediately, partner’s foot lands wide, entry angle is gone. Maintain the shin contact through the sit-down.

Ending on the back: Attacker sits straight down and ends flat on their back with the partner standing over them. This is the wrong position — the ashi garami entry should place the attacker on their side with their hip beside the partner’s hip. The diagonal sit produces the correct lateral position.