Kata Guruma – Shoulder Wheel

Kata guruma is one of the traditional forty throws of judo as developed by Kano Jigoro. Kata guruma belongs to the third group of the traditional throwing list in the Gokyo no waza of the Kodokan Judo. It is also part of the current 67 Throws of Kodokan Judo.

Kata Guruma – Shoulder Wheel In Action

Kata guruma never to be seen again in competitive judo

Kata Guruma KUZUSHI

From a right natural (migi shizentai) posture, step backwards with your left foot and draw Uke forward onto his right foot. As Uke steps forward change your left hand kumikata from outer-middle-sleeve to inner-middle-sleeve. As you make the grip adjustment break his balance towards his migi mae sumi, while simultaneously stepping forward with your right foot and putting it on the mat between his legs.

Your sleeve pull should continue to high at the level of your shoulder’s original starting position and should not be lowered until you are full committed to Tsukuri and Kake.

TSUKURI

Retain your left hand grip on his inner-sleeve as you bend your knees, lower your body and step in under Uke’s body with your right foot. (It is important that you advance your right foot as deeply as possible, so as to bring the back of your head to about the level of Uke’s belt.)

Let your left hand remain high as you step in and turn to your left. Remember that your pull should be at your shoulder’s original starting height. Let go with your right hand and encircle Uke’s right thigh from the inner thigh around to the back and touching his outer thigh.

Note: Don’t take time or concentrate on actually grabbing Uke’s pants leg. You will find you have more control if you merely place your open hand around Uke’s leg.

With the combined strength of your right arm gripping Uke’s right thigh and your head against his waist, hoist Uke onto your right shoulder. Make sure that you keep your hips below your shoulders for proper lifting technique and so as not ot provide Uke with an easy counter maneuver.

KAKE

At the moment you step under Uke and load him onto your shoulders, pull your left hand holding his sleeve against your left chest, synchronizing this with the straightening of your hips and knees. Now Uke is completely on both your shoulders. From this position throw him down to the mat at your hidari mae sumi.

Uke will fly over your head and land on his back on the mat at your left side.