Ashi Guruma – Foot Wheel

Ashi guruma is a throw in judo. It is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Kano Jigoro. It belongs to the third group of the traditional throwing list in the Gokyo no waza of the Kodokan Judo. It is also included in the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo and is classified as a foot technique.

Ashi Guruma In action

Ashi Guruma КUZUSHI

From a right natural posture (migi shizentai), step back with your right foot maintaining a steady pull, and make Uke follow you with his left foot. Continue pulling with your left hand to entice Uke’s right foot forward. Follow this by breaking his balance to his right front corner (migi mae sumi) by steering Uke with both of your hands toward your left.

TSUKURI

Withdraw your left foot to the rear just a little while turning your body to the left. As your right hip passes by Uke, straighten your right leg and place your calf muscle against his right knee. Stretch out your right leg so that your ankle projects a little past his right knee-cap and thereby blocks its advance.

Think of it as Hiza Guruma, but facing in the same direction and blocking Uke’s knee with the back of your right leg rather than the soul of your left foot. It can also be thought of as performing Harai Goshi but with your leg across Uke’s right knee instead of along the length of his right leg.

With both of your hands draw Uke close to you and twist your body to the left. Your right elbow should be hooked under Uke’s left armpit.

KAKE

Since the forward motion of his body has not been stopped, just blocked at the knee, Uke rotates over your extended leg in a large circle, and lands on the mat on his back. During the execution of the throw, maintain a strong steering motion while pushing back slightly with your right leg to help Uke loose contact with the mat.