Kata Guruma: Firemans Grip Judo Throw

Competition Version of Kata Guruma

At first glance, you could be forgiven for not being sure if this was a version of Kata Guruma or drop Seoi Nagi. But it is Kata Guruma because of how Uke(the person being thrown) falls across both shoulders once he is taken off balance.

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This is a great competition version. In contrast to that which is practised in class or in Kata which is very difficult to pull off in a Judo Competition.

The thing that you have to watch out for is that in a competition you are not allowed to grip on the same side for more than 5 seconds or you will cop a penalty. A more than adequate period of time as long as you are making progress. But a very short time frame if you are not. Particularly as referees have to count this time in their heads and it will therefore tend to vary significantly from referee to referee.

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You will note from the video(below) that this throw is credited as being from Sambo/Wrestling, not Judo. The debate will go on forever as to who took the throw from who. Just keep in mind that, it doesn't really matter as long as it works and is inside the rules. After all Professor Kano developed Judo form a number of Jujitsu forms. In fact, it is rumoured that Kata Guruma was inspired by a wrestling move in the first place.

Enjoy
Sensai
Richard