A hook sweep is a great technique you can use in karate kumite. Although it s not a traditional leg sweep, it works well because it s unorthodox. People aren t as used to it as the regular version and once you learn how to do it, you ll score more points than you ever imagined.
Think of your leg as a fishing hook where you tilt your foot up at the ankle and bend your toes back towards your shin to form the hook. Now use this hook to snag your opponent s front leg and pull up and away from them by lifting your knee high to your chest.
Here s how:
Picture yourself with your LEFT leg forward and your opponent with their RIGHT leg forward. Now slide forward to the outside of their front foot, pivot your body and slip your front foot behind their ankle so your instep is making contact with the back of their heel. You ve got the hook in place. Now lift your knee to your chest as you pull their leg away from them.
When to use the hook sweep
The hook sweep works well against defensive fighters and counter attackers as setting up the technique most often involves you being the INITIATOR. It is possible however to use it against a strong attacker immediately after your counter punch, which should take them by surprise!
How to set up the hook sweep...
The hook sweep can be done as a single technique when you're facing a weak opponent who simply doesn't move (perfect!). As weak opponents don't "pick you off", there is no danger in fully committing to the sweep. Simply move across the gap and scoop your opponent's front leg as described above. Once they fall follow up with a well placed punch or fumikomi geri (stomp kick).
For this sweep to work you want your opponent with the majority of their weight FORWARD on their front foot. Of course if your opponent likes to lift their front leg every time you attempt the hook sweep, take their rear leg instead!
Against advanced fighters you ll have to use your hook sweep as part of an attacking combination where you distract with something else and then finish with the hook sweep. Here s a simple example
Reverse Punch / Hook Sweep
Imagine standing with your left leg forward and your opponent with their right leg forward. Now slide in as if you're making a regular reverse punch ensuring to place your foot on the outside line of your opponent s front foot. Then simply pivot on the balls of your feet, hook your opponent and sweep away being sure to control their arm as you execute the technique. Finish with your counter.
In closing...
Think of different scenarios where you can use your hook sweep. An easy way to come up with combinations is to substitute it for a kick in your favorite combos. Before you know it you ll have 3 or 4 good ones to use in your next karate kumite session.
Karate Kumite (sparring) - How To Perform A Hook Sweep
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