Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Ashi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Belt Level
- 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu
O-Soto-Guruma is a large outer wheel throw that extends the principle of Osoto-Gari to sweep both of uke's legs simultaneously from behind. Where Osoto-Gari reaps one leg, O-Soto-Guruma's sweeping leg reaches across both of uke's legs — wheeling them both — creating a larger, more powerful rotational throw. It is effective against opponents who defend Osoto-Gari by shifting weight to the far leg.
O-Soto-Guruma — Step by Step
Drive uke's upper body backward and to their right rear corner. The lapel grip pushes uke's collar backward while the sleeve grip pulls upward and away. Uke must be tipped backward with weight distributing to both legs — this is the setup for the double-leg sweep.
Step your left foot in close to the outside of uke's right foot, positioning yourself at uke's right side. Your chest is against uke's right shoulder and chest. The sweeping leg — your right leg — is loaded back and ready to sweep through both of uke's legs from behind and outside.
Drive your right leg in a large sweeping arc from behind and through both of uke's legs — sweeping both legs simultaneously in a wheel-like motion. Your upper body continues driving forward and downward to project uke backward. The combination of the double-leg sweep and the upper body push dumps uke straight onto their back.
- 1
Create backward kuzushi
Push uke's upper body backward with the collar grip. Sleeve grip assists. Uke's weight shifts backward across both legs.
- 2
Step in close to the outside
Step your left foot in beside uke's right foot, positioning your body at uke's right side. Keep your chest pressing against uke.
- 3
Load the sweeping leg
Bring your right leg back and coil it for the sweeping action. The leg must swing from far behind to sweep both of uke's legs.
- 4
Sweep both legs simultaneously
Drive your right leg in a large sweeping arc from behind, through both of uke's legs simultaneously. The sweep must contact both legs.
- 5
Drive forward and project uke backward
As the sweep occurs, press your upper body forward and downward. Uke falls straight backward to the mat.
What Makes It Work
- The sweep must catch both of uke's legs simultaneously — catching only one is Osoto-Gari mechanics.
- The sweeping arc is large — from far behind and sweeping fully through both legs. A short sweep cannot reach the far leg.
- Upper body pressure must be continuous during the sweep. If you lean back, uke's forward defense blocks the throw.
- O-Soto-Guruma counters the Osoto-Gari defense of shifting weight to the far leg — by sweeping both legs you cover both options.
What to Avoid
Sweeping only one leg — becoming Osoto-Gari
The sweeping leg must reach far enough to catch both legs. Swing through a larger arc, starting the sweep from further behind.
Insufficient backward kuzushi
Uke's weight must be backward before the sweep. If uke is upright, they resist the double sweep easily.
Body position too far from uke
Stay close — chest to shoulder contact with uke. Distance reduces the effectiveness of both the sweep and the upper body drive.
Sweeping with the shin instead of the thigh
The contact should be your thigh sweeping through uke's legs. Shin contact is weaker and less precise.
Best Moments to Apply O-Soto-Guruma
O-Soto-Guruma is used when uke defends Osoto-Gari by shifting their weight to their far leg — because O-Soto-Guruma's sweep reaches both legs, it covers this defense. It is also effective against opponents with a wide stance. Use it in combination after a failed Osoto-Gari when uke has spread their base.
Combination Sequences
Attack these first
Follow up with