Marine Corps Martial Arts Tan Belt - Leg Sweep

This section focuses on tan belt techniques used by the Marine Corps martial arts program. This page examines the leg sweep technique used in the Marine Corps martial arts program. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

For more Marine Corps techniques, please visit the main Marine Corps Martial Arts Program section.

Leg Sweep

The leg sweep is the first type of throw taught in MCMAP. This throw is used exclusively from the standing position.

Technique

~ Stand facing aggressor in the basic warrior stance.
~ With your left hand, grasp the aggressor’s right wrist.
~ Grab the aggressor’s clothing or gear if you cannot grab his wrist.
~ Step forward with your left foot on the outside of the aggressor’s right foot. At the same time, with your right hand, grasp your aggressor’s upper right torso area either on gear or flesh. Your foot should be at least in line or behind the aggressor’s foot.
~ Your foot should be placed outside of the aggressor’s foot, far enough to provide room to bring the other leg through to execute the sweep.
~ Begin to off balance the aggressor by pulling his wrist downward close to your body and pushing his shoulder backwards.
~ When pulling the aggressor’s hand, be sure to bring the hand down and close to the trouser pocket.
~ Raise your right knee no higher than waist high and bring your foot behind the aggressor’s right leg, and stop. The leg should be bent at the knee. This action takes less movement than straightening the leg prior to the sweep. When your leg is raised you should be balanced and
in a position to easily off balance the aggressor.
~ Sweep through the aggressor’s leg, making contact with your calf on the aggressor’s calf. At the same time, continue off balancing by pulling the wrist and driving your aggressor back with your right side shoulder.
~ In a combative engagement contact will be made with the cutting edge of the heel on the aggressor’s Achilles tendon or the calf.
~ Bending at the waist, continue to drive through the aggressor’s leg as you force him down to the deck. You have to release your grip on the aggressor’s shoulder in order to maintain your balance.
~ Rapidly return to the basic warrior stance. See figure 2-38.

Actions of the Aggressor

The person being thrown should avoid placing too much weight on the right leg (one being swept). Placing all of your weight on the right leg causes you to have to use an undue amount of force to execute the technique that could cause injury to the aggressor. When practicing this technique, allow the person who is executing it to do so while gradually increasing resistance.

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References

1. Information from Public Domain Document, MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx, Added - 04/07/15