Hiza-guruma: Understanding The Judo Practice

Understanding Hiza Guruma(膝車)in Judo Practice

Hiza Guruma, often searched online as hiza garuma, is a classical Judo throw highlighting timing, posture, and refined movement rather than force.

This technique appears early in Judo education because it teaches essential throwing principles that apply across many Ashi-waza techniques. Although beginners practise it often, experienced judoka continue refining it throughout their training careers.

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Classification and Technical Family

Hiza Guruma belongs to the foot and leg technique group known as Ashi-waza within the Kodokan classification system. According to the Kodokan, Ashi-waza throws rely on precise placement, balance disruption, and coordinated upper-body control.

You can explore the official classification through the Kodokan Judo Institute at kodokanjudoinstitute.org > en/waza/list.

The name Hiza Guruma translates as “knee wheel,” which accurately describes the throwing action involved. Rather than sweeping the leg, the throw blocks the opponent’s knee and rotates them forward.

This rotational effect distinguishes Hiza Guruma from techniques like De Ashi Harai or Okuri Ashi Harai.

Grip and Initial Movement

Execution begins with a standard sleeve and lapel grip, although grip variations exist depending on stance and strategy. From this position, you encourage your opponent to step forward naturally, maintaining upright posture and relaxed movement.

As the opponent advances, you initiate kuzushi by pulling forward and slightly upward with coordinated arm action. Grip tension should remain firm yet responsive, allowing adjustment as the opponent’s balance changes.

Active posture ensures your hips, shoulders, and feet remain aligned throughout the entry. This alignment prepares the body for effective rotation rather than pushing strength.

Kuzushi and Balance Direction

Balance breaking remains central to effective Hiza Guruma and must occur before any attempt to block the knee. Specifically, you direct the opponent’s balance toward the front corner on the sleeve side. The knee being blocked is critical to making the throw work. From observation (see the video below) alone, it is often thought that Tori's foot is placed on the side of the leg, avoiding the knee altogether. This can work if there is enough momentum whilst spinning, tornado-like (Garuma - wheeling), your Uke around. However, execution will always be poor, or even non-existent, if Tori tries to use the foot placement as sweeping the leg. It must be a block.

This direction aligns their weight onto the stepping leg, creating the ideal moment for the block. Without proper kuzushi, the knee block becomes ineffective and easy to step around.

Therefore, experienced judoka prioritise off-balancing before foot placement. This sequence reflects fundamental Judo principles taught across throwing techniques.

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Knee Block and Upper-Body Rotation

At the precise instant their weight settles, you place the sole of your foot against the opponent’s knee. The foot contacts just above the kneecap, acting as a firm post rather than a striking motion.

Importantly, the blocking foot remains stable and controlled throughout the throw. Next, you rotate your upper body smoothly while continuing the pulling action with both hands.

Your torso leads the movement, ensuring the opponent turns over the blocked knee in a circular path. Because the knee cannot continue forward, the opponent’s body rotates and collapses naturally.

Timing and Sensitivity

Timing separates effective Hiza Guruma from failed attempts. If the block arrives too early, the opponent adjusts their step and regains balance.

If the block arrives too late, the opponent’s weight has already passed the knee. Therefore, skilled judoka focus on rhythm, observation, and sensitivity rather than speed alone.

This emphasis aligns with Jigoro Kano’s principles of maximum efficiency and mutual welfare. Further background on these principles appears at the International Judo Federation website, ijf.org - history.

Tactical Use and Combinations

Hiza Guruma pairs well with other forward-moving techniques sharing similar balance directions. For example, judoka often combine it with Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi or Tai Otoshi.

These combinations exploit repeated forward steps and opponent reactions. Defensively, Hiza Guruma works best against opponents who step assertively or push forward aggressively.

Rather than resisting force, the throw redirects momentum into controlled rotation. This quality makes it especially effective against taller or physically stronger opponents.

Teaching Value and Skill Development

From a teaching perspective, Hiza Guruma reinforces posture, grip discipline, and coordinated movement. Coaches frequently use it to correct excessive sweeping motions or poor kuzushi habits.

As a result, the technique serves both technical and educational purposes within Judo training. Hiza Guruma demonstrates how small, well-timed actions produce decisive outcomes on the mat.

Its reliance on balance, rotation, and precision reflects the deeper logic behind effective Judo throwing.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard

You may also find these articles helpful:

• Judo and Life: Hiza - Guruma: The Knee Wheel Where Everybody Ignores The Knee — Article exploring foot placement and mechanics of the throw.
• Judo and Life: Judo Hiza Guruma (Knee Wheel) Throw: Mechanics and History — Covers history, mechanics, and tactical context of Hiza Guruma.