This page examines the Krav Maga technique known as a Front Kick Sweep, Front Kick Heel Sweep or Sweep with Forward Kick. This takedown involves a front kick that does not hit the target. Rather it moves the foot behind the opponent and then reverses into a rear sweep attacking the opponent’s lower leg. For other Krav Maga techniques (i.e. kicks, punches and grappling), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Krav Maga Techniques section.
The sweep portion of the technique involves using a person’s heel or calf to strike the rear ankle, heel or calf of an opponent’s single leg and knock the opponent’s foot off the ground. The opponent will lose their balance and should be pushed simultaneously backwards by the student’s hands & body. This causes the opponent to fall backwards to the ground.
In Krav Maga, when an opponent falls to the ground. this can be followed up with kicks, grappling techniques, etc. However, if possible, Krav Maga instructors recommend escaping from the attack. Leg sweeps are also used by many other martial arts styles such as Judo, Karate and Jujutsu.
This information is meant to supplement what is taught at Krav Maga schools. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a certified Krav Maga instructor who can give an in-depth explanation of the technique, correct your mistakes and detail how the technique should be utilized. All martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.
Krav Maga Front Kick Sweep