Kata-guruma / Shoulder Wheel
肩車
Classic Judo and wrestling throw where the opponent is hoisted horizontally across the attacker's shoulders.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[kah-tah goo-roo-mah]/
Alternative NamesShoulder wheel throw, Fireman's carry
Definition
Kata-guruma ('shoulder wheel') corresponds to Western wrestling's Fireman's Carry. Dropping beneath the opponent's center of gravity, the thrower scoops an arm through the thighs, loading the opponent across both shoulders before hurling them down.
Related Terms
Kuzushi / Off-balancing崩し
First and essential phase of any throw in Judo or Aikido: breaking the opponent's balance.
Nage-waza / Throwing Techniques投げ技Category encompassing all throwing and takedown techniques in Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu.
Takedown / Leg AttackTakedownWrestling technique of driving the opponent off balance to the mat by attacking their legs.
Te-waza / Hand Throws手技Subcategory of standing throws (Nage-waza) where the arms and shoulders execute the primary force.