Quick Facts
- Category
- Nage-Waza
- Subcategory
- Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Belt Level
- 2nd kyu, 1st kyu, 1st dan
Yoko-Guruma is an advanced side sacrifice throw where tori dives under uke's arm or across uke's body, falling to the side and creating a wheel-like rotational throw. Tori's body acts as the axle around which uke is wheeled over in a large arc. It is one of the more spectacular throws in judo and requires significant practice to time correctly.
Yoko-Guruma — Step by Step
Kuzushi for Yoko-Guruma involves driving uke upward and to the side, opening space for tori to enter below uke's center of gravity. A high pulling action on the sleeve drives uke's arm upward while tori dives under it. The upward pull and the diving entry create the kuzushi by disturbing uke's upright equilibrium.
Tori dives or steps rapidly under uke's elevated arm, sliding their body across and below uke. One arm may wrap around uke's waist or thigh as tori slides through. The entry is low and across uke's body, setting up the side sacrifice position with uke above tori.
Fall to the side while pulling uke over with the grips and body contact. Tori's body rolling to the side creates the wheel motion that carries uke over in a large arc. Uke is wheeled sideways over tori's body and lands on the mat.
- 1
Elevate uke's arm with sleeve grip
Pull the sleeve arm high, elevating uke's arm to create space below it for tori's entry.
- 2
Drive under uke's arm
Rapidly dive under or across uke's elevated arm, sliding your body below uke's center of gravity.
- 3
Wrap uke's waist or thigh
As you slide under, wrap one arm around uke's waist or thigh to establish the contact point for the wheel.
- 4
Fall to the side — the sacrifice
Fall to the side decisively. Your body becomes the axle of the wheel.
- 5
Wheel uke over
Pull uke with grips and body as you fall, wheeling them over in a large arc. Uke lands on the mat beside or beyond tori.
What Makes It Work
- The entry under uke's arm must be fast and committed. Hesitating in the entry exposes tori to counters.
- Body wrap at the waist or thigh creates the wheel axle. Without this contact point, tori falls away without the wheel mechanics.
- The "wheel" effect comes from tori's side fall creating rotational force on uke. The fall direction must be perpendicular to uke's standing axis.
- Yoko-Guruma is an advanced technique best drilled from specific setups or counters rather than as an arbitrary attack.
What to Avoid
Not diving deep enough — staying above uke's hip
The entry must get tori's body below uke's center of gravity. Staying at hip height or above gives uke leverage to counter.
Falling backward instead of directly sideways
The sacrifice should be directly to the side to create the wheel motion. Falling backward creates a different (less effective) vector.
No body wrap — losing contact with uke
Establish a wrap on uke's waist or thigh during the entry. Without contact, tori's fall is disconnected from uke and no throw occurs.
Entry without elevated sleeve grip opening
Create the space under uke's arm first by elevating the sleeve. Diving into a closed arm position leaves no room for the entry.
Best Moments to Apply Yoko-Guruma
Yoko-Guruma is used as an advanced counter when uke is pushing or pressing forward, or as a high-level attack from a grip fight. It is particularly striking when used as a counter to uke's forward throw attempts. The diving entry under the arm is a hallmark of advanced judo.