For years, I have always thought that Ashi-guruma was some arcane super complicated throw I could never get correctly. Now, thanks to Riki-sensei and you kind folks at the Riki Dojo, I finally understand the proper body mechanics of the technique. Ashi-guruma is actually deceptively elegant in its simplicity (note: simple, not simplistic). I was always confused by its classification as an ashi-waza and frustrated by my failure to generate sufficient sweeping power with my leg. I finally realize that the leg doesn't do the work, the arms and hands do. The leg acts as a fulcrum. It makes more sense to think of it as a te-waza. Key points are your hikite pulling down to your own hip and keeping the elbow of your tsurite down. Another critical point emphasized by Riki-sensei is that the focal point of the fulcrum is the lower calf or back of the heel and the target of the leg being blocked is between knee and ankle is also a revelation. I always thought the leg was supposed to block the knee, which is how I see it demonstrated in a lot of my older judo books and in many videos. In fact, most demonstrations I have seen look more like a Harai-goshi that relies more on a thigh-against-thigh sweep of the leg. Riki-sensei has unpacked so many vital details that have made Ashi-guruma a much more viable throw for me. And as always his closing lesson regarding its jujutsu origins validates its practicality. As Riki-sensei said, "Everything comes from the battlefield." Domo arigato! 🥋 🙏 P.S. I wonder how many copies of Chubby Checker's records Riki-sensei has worn out in his decades of Judo training? 😁
Sensei Riki describes the details of Judo simply and logically. The details make it possible for me to perform Uchi Komi and build my personal technique. I regularly get ‘aha’ moments in class where the waza just makes physical sense and I’m not forcing a throw. This is another excellent lesson - thank you Sensei.
Thanks Risto, we appreciate the support! We'll be hitting 2,000 subscribers here shortly, it feels great to know that Riki sensei's teachings are reaching a much wider audience nowadays.
"Tsurite is the following one". I loved that line because sometimes I forget it and nowadays I have been working in ashi guruma when the opponent has a lower stance but guess I was punching not so good. When people put the foot down it looks like tai otoshi. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching and commenting Nico! I had similar thoughts when in this class...I actually cut out a part about Riki sensei explaining how it was like a standing tai-otoshi. When condensing a 90 minute class in a several minute video, sometimes I cut the wrong stuff!
Thanks Sonny! Please help us spread the word so Riki sensei's teachings can reach more people. We're never going to monetize or anything, spreading quality old-school judo is our sole purpose.
So its a Tai otoshi, lifting the leg up, and pulling the sleeve down ? Its possible aply using a under hook close to the uke sholders blade ? in a no gi situation.
Hello from a beginner at AZ Judo Academy. I hit Ashi Guruma by accident without ever learning it, as I was actually going for Tai Otoshi. It was sloppy but it worked. It felt very natural to me, so I appreciate you putting this up to help me understand more about it so I can keep working on it!
