Hiza Guruma – Knee Wheel

Hiza guruma  is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Kano Jigoro.It belongs to the first group of the traditional throwing list in the Gokyo no waza of the Kodokan Judo.

Hiza Guruma in Action

KUZUSHI

From the right natural posture advance your left foot, causing Uke to retreat on his right foot. Then lightly draw him out and break his balance towards his right front corner (migi mae sumi) by applying tsurikomi, the lift-pull. With your right hand holding his left lapel and your left hand holding his right sleeve outside his elbow continue a steady lift-pull motion throughout the throw.

TSUKURI

At the moment when his posture has been broken toward his right front corner, place the sole of your left foot gently against the outside front of his knee-cap. (The position of your right foot on the mat is important. Too close or too far will decrease your effectiveness, so you should find your own correct distance while practicing.) At the same time, swing your body to your right, pulling Uke strongly with your left hand holding his right sleeve.

Note that the knee of the tripping foot is bent and is not held straight. Kodokan texts like the ‘Canon of Judo’ by Mifune (10th dan), ‘Illustrated Kodokan Judo‘ published by Kodansha, and ‘Kodokan Judo’ by Jigoro Kano all demonstrate a bent attacking leg in this technique.

KAKE

Pull him in a circle with both hands (turning counter clock-wise), with his right knee being the hub of the circle and your hands on the outside rim. Uke’s body pivots over his right knee which serves as an axis, and falls away.

At the moment of his fall pull his right sleeve up a little with your left hand, making his fall easier and causing him to turn in air landing on his back. Uke will land in front of you approximately where you started your technique or a little behind.

Hiza Guruma Instructional Video