Kata-Guruma Meaning in Judo

Kata-Guruma is a shoulder wheel throw that involves lifting the opponent across. The attacker drops low and places the head under the arm. One hand grabs the leg while the other pulls the sleeve. This lift carries the opponent over the shoulders of the player. The attacker then rolls the defender onto the mat with force. A player executes this throw when the opponent leans forward too much. This move requires strong legs to lift the weight of the person. Modern variations allow for execution without grabbing the legs of the defender. Success depends on getting the center of gravity below the opponent. The player must rotate the torso to complete the circular throwing motion. This spectacular technique demonstrates the effective use of leverage over lifting power.