Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Ashi-guruma (Leg wheel)

Summary

This Waza features an instantaneous twisting motion.

Features of this Waza

The Ashi-guruma (Leg wheel) Waza consists of placing one's leg against the opponent's leg between his knee and shin, and then using the rotation of arms and body to throw the opponent down in a swinging motion.

Waza details

Tori (Player executing technique) grasps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) sleeve with his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) and the collar with his Tsurite (Lifting hand), and steps forward toward Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack).
At the moment when Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) responds by pushing back, Tori (Player executing technique) uses his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) to pull Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) toward him while at the same time twisting his body around so that his back is facing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) in a sideways posture.
Tori (Player executing technique) then extends his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) side leg between Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) legs while spinning on his foot to turn his back toward Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack).
From this posture, Tori (Player executing technique) extends his other leg diagonally to place it against both of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) legs, destabilizing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) in the Hiki-te (Pulling hand) direction. Finally, Tori (Player executing technique) spins on his leg to execute the throw.