Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Yoko-guruma (Side wheel)

Summary

This Yoko sutemi waza (Side sacrifice techniques) is used as a counter Waza.

Features of this Waza

The Yoko-guruma (Side wheel) Waza is used to counter the opponent's Waza by moving around to the front and using one's legs to throw the opponent with a wheel-like rotation motion.

Waza details

The opponent pulls Tori (Player executing technique) to destabilize him toward the front corner, and advances with hips and back facing Tori (Player executing technique) while pulling Tori (Player executing technique) snugly against his back in preparation for a Waza. Tori (Player executing technique) then counters with this Yoko-guruma (Side wheel) Waza.
Because Tori (Player executing technique) is being pulled toward the opponent , Tori (Player executing technique) Center of gravity shifts to his Tsurite (Lifting hand) side leg. Tori (Player executing technique) allows his body to deviate slightly to that side, and releases his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) and wraps it around Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) back. Tori (Player executing technique) also bends his knees so that they are against the hollows behind Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) knees, lowers his body, and feigns an Ushiro-goshi (Back hip throw), etc.
Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) attempts to defend himself by tilting his body forward, and Tori (Player executing technique) then wraps his leg around the front of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) body, destabilizing him toward the front corner.
Then, while inserting his Tsurite (Lifting hand) side leg between Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) legs, Tori (Player executing technique) moves even further around to the front to grasp Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) while falling backward.
Tori (Player executing technique) then adopts a bridge-type posture and rotates Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) to the side with Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) feet waving free in the air.
When executing the throw, Tori (Player executing technique) releases his Hiki-te (Pulling hand) from Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) waist, grasps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) just behind his shoulder, and pulls him while using his Tsurite (Lifting hand) to push Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) abdominal area upward, thereby producing the rotational motion of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) body.