BASIC TURNOVERS 2 HIP WHEEL SERIES
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Hip Wheel·welcomematstevescott
In this second episode of our 13-part series on basic turnovers and breakdowns, we examine how to use a variety of hip t…
Hip Wheel
Family後腰(Ushiro Goshi)
TraditionalTranslation: rear hip throw
Overview
The Hip Wheel family covers koshi-waza techniques in which the thrower uses the hip as a pivot point to wheel the opponent over in a reverse direction, countering the opponent's forward attack by redirecting them over the thrower's hip from behind. [1] Hip wheel techniques differ from standard hip throws in that they often involve the thrower intercepting the opponent mid-throw and redirecting the momentum over the hip in a counter-throwing action. [1],[2] Ushiro-goshi, the primary technique in this family, is a powerful counter-throw that lifts the opponent from behind and wheels them over the hip. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Hip wheel techniques use a circular, wheeling action of the hips to rotate the opponent in a large arc, producing powerful rotational throws. [1]
Lineage
Hip wheel techniques are classified under koshi-waza in the Kodokan judo syllabus. [1]
Competition Record
Hip wheel variants are scored in IJF competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Loading the opponent onto the hip and rotating them over it — the hip acts as the fulcrum
Joints Involved — Attacker's hip (fulcrum point), knees (deep bend for loading), core (rotation), opponent's centre of gravity (elevated)
Force Vector — Rotational — pulling and turning motion loads the opponent, then hip extension and rotation drives them over
Kuzushi (Off-balancing) — Forward and upward — breaking opponent's posture forward lifts their centre of gravity onto the attacker's hip
Position & Entry
From judo grip — Break the opponent's balance forward (kuzushi), turn in with hip below their centre of gravity, and rotate to throw
From clinch (overhook or underhook) — Secure inside position, turn the hips across the opponent's body, load and throw
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Koshi-Guruma uses hip as wheel axis; high rotational force
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Hip wheel throws use a backward wheeling action to counter uke's forward throws — they are primarily counter-attacking techniques (Mifune, Canon of Judo, 1956)
✓The principle is to use uke's own forward momentum against them by wheeling them backward over your hip
✓Enter when uke attempts a forward throw — block their hip with yours and reverse the direction
✓These throws require excellent timing and the ability to read uke's attack intentions
✓Hip wheel techniques are classified as ura waza (counter techniques) in the Kodokan curriculum
✓Drill counter-timing by having uke attack with specific throws while you practise the counter
✓Ushiro goshi is the primary technique in this family — it counters nearly any forward hip or hand throw
Common Mistakes
!Attempting hip wheel throws offensively — they work best as counters to forward attacks
!Not reading uke's attack early enough — late counters become scrambles
!Blocking with the arms instead of using hip-to-hip contact for the counter
!Not maintaining your own balance while absorbing uke's attack
!Trying to lift uke without using their own momentum against them
!Countering too aggressively and slamming uke — control the fall for partner safety
!Not drilling the timing aspect — hip wheels are entirely timing-dependent
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to executeBlock the Hip — post hand on the thrower's hip to prevent loadingStep Around — circle away from the throw direction to avoid being loadedGrip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configurationStiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry
Setup Chain
1Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) — establish the controlling grips needed for the throw
2Off-Balance (Kuzushi) — break the opponent's balance in the throwing direction
3Entry (Tsukuri) — position the body for the throw by turning, stepping, or loading
4Execution (Kake) — complete the throwing action with full commitment and follow-through
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
1BookKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationKodokan Judo — Official Nage-waza Classification
Traditional Judo throwing technique terminology (Kodokan Institute)
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip rotation speed, core strength, lower back stability
Favours
strong hips and core, good flexibility for turning entry
Key muscles
hip rotators, core, quadriceps, latissimus dorsi
Sub-techniques
Ushiro Goshi
SubFamilyUshiro Goshi (rear hip throw) is a koshi-waza technique primarily used as a counter-throw, in which the defender blocks the opponent's hip throw attempt, lifts them from behind by wrapping the arms around the waist, and wheels them over the hip in the reverse direction. [1] The technique exploits the moment when an attacker turns in for a hip throw — by blocking the turn, securing a grip around the waist from behind, and using the hip as a fulcrum, the defender can lift and reverse the opponent's own throwing attempt. [1,2] Ushiro-goshi requires significant strength to lift the opponent and sufficient hip placement to create the wheeling action. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Utsuri Goshi
SubFamilyUtsuri Goshi is a judo hip technique where the attacker counters an opponent's hip throw attempt by lifting them and switching hips to throw them in the opposite direction. [1] When the opponent attempts a hip throw, the attacker blocks the attempt, lifts the opponent's body, and shifts their hips to execute a throw in the reverse direction. [1] It is one of the most advanced counter-throws in judo, requiring exceptional timing and strength. [1]
Explore
Notes
The hip wheel (koshi-guruma and related techniques) uses the hip as a fulcrum to wheel the opponent over. Distinguished from hip throws by the wheeling circular action rather than the loading-and-throwing action. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key mistake people make when setting up a hip wheel?
You must get your hip in front of your opponent rather than trying to bulldog or rope them down. Steve Scott emphasizes that many good grapplers get caught making this mistake—without proper hip positioning, the technique won't work effectively.
How is a hip wheel related to koshi guruma?
The hip wheel is essentially a koshi guruma performed on the knees—it's a hip roll executed from a ground position rather than standing. You grip the sleeve, pop their balance, come around the neck, and roll them over your hip.
What should I control after popping my opponent's balance in a hip wheel?
Control your opponent's waist and hips. Once you have control of these areas, you've likely secured the setup and can proceed with the technique.
What's the key to defending against a hip wheel counter?
As soon as you turn your opponent, park your feet and then shift your weight back. This requires a bit of skill to develop and helps prevent them from rolling you over in counter.
How does the Hip Wheel work?
The Hip Wheel family covers koshi-waza techniques in which the thrower uses the hip as a pivot point to wheel the opponent over in a reverse direction, countering the opponent's forward attack by redirecting them over the thrower's hip from behind. Hip wheel techniques differ from standard hip throws in that they often involve the thrower intercepting the opponent mid-throw and redirecting the momentum over the hip in a counter-throwing action.
Where does the Hip Wheel come from?
Hip wheel techniques were codified in the Kodokan system as counter-throwing methods, recognising the importance of using hip mechanics defensively as well as offensively. Ushiro-goshi in particular has been taught as a foundational counter-throw since the early days of Kodokan judo.
Is the Hip Wheel legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Hip Wheel?
Danger rating 6/10. High — Koshi-Guruma uses hip as wheel axis; high rotational force
How do I set up the Hip Wheel?
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake).
How do I defend against the Hip Wheel?
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Block the Hip — post hand on the thrower's hip to prevent loading / Step Around — circle away from the throw direction to avoid being loaded / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the Hip Wheel?
Common variants: Standard hip throw (full turn-in with hip below the opponent's centre of gravity); No-gi hip throw (adapted without gi grips, using overhook and collar tie); Drop hip throw (dropping to one knee to lower the fulcrum point); Combination hip throw (chaining from a failed foot technique or hand technique).
How effective is the Hip Wheel in competition?
Hip wheel variants are scored in IJF competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Hip Wheel?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting hip wheel throws offensively — they work best as counters to forward attacks / Not reading uke's attack early enough — late counters become scrambles / Blocking with the arms instead of using hip-to-hip contact for the counter / Not maintaining your own balance while absorbing uke's attack.
What are other names for the Hip Wheel?
The Hip Wheel is also known as Ushiro Goshi, Counter hip throws, Rear hip throws.