[T10.02] Koshi-guruma: (Head-lock Hip Wheel Throw)

Translation: (Koshi) neck, (guruma) wheel

This throw is applicable if, while grappling, you can place the opponent in a headlock. A headlock by itself is not a particularly good technique even though it is very common. From the headlock position an adversary can strike you with either hand while yours are occupied by maintaining the hold. It becomes effective when you pull the opponent on your back and throw them to the tatami (mat). You have the option to let them drop or follow them to the tatami.

Note: This is one of the first techniques every schoolboy learns on the playground when he is wrestling with his friends. It comes very naturally. The blessing in disguise is that the schoolboys don’t know what to do after obtaining the headlock.  They must wait until they’re instructed in jujitsu. In one of my personal fracases I was placed in a headlock, and since my hands were free, I began punching my attacker in the face eventually breaking his nose. Had he known the fray would this way, he certainly would have attacked differently. I glad he did not know how to throw me from this position.

Warning: Do not attempt these techniques without a qualified AOKK instructor’s supervision.

Judo Category:

• Hip Technique (Koshi-waza)

AOKK Category:

• Hip Throws

Traditional Throwing Method:

Grasp the opponent’s sleeve and warp your arm around their collar. Break their balance to the right front corner. Drive your hip backwards into uke breaking his/her balance. Pull with your left hand to load uke on your hip. Throw uke over your hip.

Karate Throwing Method:

If the opponent punches or grabs trap their wrist. Hook punch or palm-heel strike the opponent in the jaw with your right-hand.  Wrap your right arm around the attacker’s neck and drive your hips backwards into the attacker breaking their balance. Pull with your left hand to load uke on your hip. Throw uke over your hip.

Warning: Do not wrap your arm around the adversary’s neck and tie-off to your clothing.  Trapping the opponent’s neck can cause severe injury when the throw is executed.

Opening Technique:

If you get inside of an opponent’s punch, while blocking and trapping the blow, drive the elbow, of your free arm, into his/her head and wrap your arm around his/her neck.

Execution:

• If uke throws a jab or lead hand punch trap and control uke’s wrist or sleeve.
• Drive your forearm into uke’s neck and wrap your arm around the neck placing him/her in a head lock.
• Step in front of the opponent.

Note: You will be in what is best described as a horse-riding stance.

• Pull uke’s arm across your body while pulling uke up on your back by his/her neck.
• To complete the throw, rotate your shoulders.
• Throw uke over your back and down to the tatami (mat).

Grips:

1. Trap uke’s wrist with the other to prevent his/her countering the throw or executing a Supplex. Reach around uke’s head with one arm and tie-off to your clothing (Headlock).

Warning: Relax your hold on uke’s neck while practicing this throw.  Note the relaxed grip I have placed on uke in the pictures.

Warning: Never go to the ground if there are multiple opponents.

Note: Follow this technique with a heel stomp or walk away. If you choose the mount, follow immediately with open hand strikes, closed hand strikes, and elbow strikes. In sport you may choose to apply a choke or lock the opponent to gain a submission.