Yoko Guruma

Yoko Guruma
General information
Domain	Tachi-Waza
Classification	Sutemi-Waza
Sub-Classification	Yoko-Sutemi-Waza
Kodokan	Yes
IJF Legal	Yes
Grouping	Dai-Gokyo
Related	Yoko Wakare
Complexity	Advanced
Arcs	Rotation over Oblique Axis while Pulling
Technique name
Rōmaji	Yoko guruma
Japanese	横車
English	Side wheel
Korean	모로 돌리기

Yoko Guruma (横車), or "Side Wheel," is a dynamic throwing technique in Judo that involves tori (the person executing the throw) sacrificing their position by dropping to the side while rotating uke (the person being thrown) over their body. It is part of the Sutemi-Waza (sacrifice techniques) category, and specifically classified as a Yoko-Sutemi-Waza (side sacrifice technique), where tori falls to the side to throw uke.

Classification

Yoko Guruma belongs to the Yoko-Sutemi-Waza group, meaning that tori sacrifices their standing position by falling to the side to throw uke. This technique is highly reliant on timing and using uke's momentum to rotate them through the air in a “wheel-like” motion.

Technique Breakdown

1. Tori begins by gripping uke’s sleeve and lapel, initiating kuzushi (off-balancing) by pulling uke forward and slightly to the side, breaking their balance. 2. Tori steps in with their body slightly under uke, making sure to get close while maintaining control of uke’s upper body with the grips. 3. Tori then quickly drops to the mat sideways, pulling uke’s sleeve and lapel while extending their leg outwards to help guide the throw. 4. Uke is thrown in a rotational motion over tori’s body, landing on their back while tori stays low on the ground.

Key Points for Beginners

• Kuzushi is essential. Make sure to unbalance uke by pulling them forward and slightly off-center before dropping to the ground. This helps uke lose stability.
• Keep your body close to uke. The throw works best when you get underneath uke and rotate them smoothly over your body.
• Commit to the drop. Yoko Guruma is a sacrifice technique, so you must fully commit to dropping to your side in order to execute the throw properly.
• Uke should practice safe ukemi (falling technique), as this throw involves a fast, rotational fall. Proper breakfalls are important to prevent injury and ensure safety.

Common Mistakes

• Not getting close enough to uke. If there’s too much distance between you and uke, it will be hard to control their fall, and the throw may become weak.
• Falling too soon. Be sure to off-balance uke first before dropping to the side. Rushing the throw without proper kuzushi will make it harder to complete.
• Incomplete rotation. Make sure to pull uke fully over your body in a smooth motion, using your grips to control the speed and direction of the throw.

Application in Training

Yoko Guruma is a great technique for learning how to blend timing, kuzushi, and rotation into a single motion. It is often used in Randori (free practice) and can be applied in both competitive and training settings. Yoko Guruma teaches the judoka how to effectively use body positioning and leverage rather than brute strength to execute throws.

References

• Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano
• The Canon of Judo by Kyuzo Mifune
• Judo Masterclass Techniques by Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki