Fireman's Carry!
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Modified Fireman Carry·Andrew Pickett (North Salem Grappler)
This video covers the basics of the fireman's carry. We believe this is important to learn because it gives wrestlers a…
Modified Fireman Carry
SubFamily変形ファイヤーマンズキャリー(Henkei Faiyāmanzu Kyarī)
HybridTranslation: modified fireman's carry
Overview
Modified Fireman's Carry encompasses variations of the standard fireman's carry throw that alter the entry, grip, or finishing mechanics to adapt to different competitive rulesets or tactical situations. [1],[2] Common modifications include entering from a single-leg position, executing without dropping to the knees, or finishing with a lateral roll rather than a shoulder wheel. [2],[3] In modern freestyle wrestling and MMA, modified entries are especially important due to rule changes and the need to avoid exposing the back during the throw. [3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The modified fireman's carry adapts the technique for situations where the standard entry is defended, using alternative grips or body positions. [1]
Lineage
Modified fireman's carry techniques developed in competitive wrestling to address defensive improvements. [1]
Competition Record
Modified fireman's carry variants are used in freestyle competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Sweeping, reaping, or blocking the opponent's foot or leg to remove their base of support
Joints Involved — Attacker's sweeping leg (ankle or shin contact), opponent's supporting ankle or knee (swept)
Force Vector — Two opposing forces — the upper body is directed one way while the sweeping leg removes the support in the opposite direction
Timing Principle — Maximum effectiveness when the opponent's weight is committed to the targeted foot — timing supersedes strength
Position & Entry
From collar and sleeve grip — Pull the opponent forward and up, turn in while dropping below their centre of gravity, load them onto the back/shoulder and rotate forward to throw
From sleeve grip (ippon seoi) — Secure the sleeve, step across, load the arm over the shoulder while turning, pull and throw
From underhook — Turn in with the underhook side, load the opponent over the shoulder and drive forward
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Kata-Guruma; shoulder carry to throw; moderate landing impact
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— 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
✓Modified fireman's carries adapt the entry for no-gi, MMA, or situations where the standard entry is blocked
✓Common modifications: outside step entry, slide-by entry, or two-on-one arm drag to fireman's carry
✓In no-gi, grip the wrist instead of the gi sleeve and hook the leg with your arm or hand
✓The modified version often uses a lower entry — both knees down — for additional stability against sprawls
✓In MMA, the modified fireman's carry is set up from the clinch or from a level change in the open (Couture, Wrestling for Fighting, 2006)
✓Practise the transition from failed single leg to fireman's carry — when the single leg stalls, pivot to the carry
✓The key modification principle: adjust the grips and entry angle, but the loading-and-rolling mechanics stay the same
Common Mistakes
!Losing the arm control during the modified entry — without gi grips, the arm is harder to secure
!Not adapting the level change for the specific modification — each variant requires a different depth
!Over-modifying and losing the core mechanics — the load-and-roll must be preserved regardless of entry variation
!Not drilling the specific grip alternatives for no-gi (wrist control, two-on-one, overhook)
!Attempting the standard entry in no-gi — without sleeve grips, you need wrist or tricep control
!Not protecting against the guillotine in MMA applications — the modified entry can expose the neck
!Failing to chain the modified fireman's carry with other attacks when it's blocked
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
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
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive turning speed, arm pulling power, deep level change
Favours
shorter stature for getting under the opponent, strong back
Key muscles
deltoids, trapezius, quadriceps, core
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What grip should I use for the Modified Fireman Carry from an inside tie?
From inside tie, pull your finger right on the bicep and reach around to create a nice solid grip for the technique.
What's a good setup to get my opponent in position for the Fireman Carry?
Andrew Pickett's favorite setup involves using the poles to get your opponent to step as you fall in, which creates the opportunity to execute the technique.
What should I do if my opponent doesn't go over the first time?
Pop your opponent's hip and use hip pressure the same way as before; if they sprawl out, push their hip off to complete the technique.
Can I set up the Fireman Carry from a fake single leg attack?
Yes—fake like you're shooting a single leg, and when your opponent pulls their leg back, you can shoot the fireman's carry to the other side.
How does the Modified Fireman Carry work?
Modified Fireman's Carry encompasses variations of the standard fireman's carry throw that alter the entry, grip, or finishing mechanics to adapt to different competitive rulesets or tactical situations. Common modifications include entering from a single-leg position, executing without dropping to the knees, or finishing with a lateral roll rather than a shoulder wheel.
Where does the Modified Fireman Carry come from?
Modified fireman's carry techniques evolved as wrestlers adapted the classical shoulder wheel to changing competitive rules, particularly the 2010 judo ban on below-the-waist grabs, which forced judoka to develop no-leg-grab variations.
Is the Modified Fireman Carry legal in competition?
IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make; 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 Modified Fireman Carry?
Danger rating 5/10. High — Kata-Guruma; shoulder carry to throw; moderate landing impact
How do I set up the Modified Fireman Carry?
The standard setup chain: Grip Setup (Kumi-kata) → Off-Balance (Kuzushi) → Entry (Tsukuri) → Execution (Kake).
How do I defend against the Modified Fireman Carry?
Standard counters include: Lower Centre of Gravity — bend knees and drop hips to make the throw harder to execute / Grip Break — deny the thrower their preferred gripping configuration / Stiff-Arm — maintain distance with straight arms to prevent the entry.
What are the variants of the Modified Fireman Carry?
Common variants: Morote seoi nage (two-handed shoulder throw with both hands gripping); Ippon seoi nage (one-arm shoulder throw loading the arm over the shoulder); Drop seoi nage (dropping to the knees for a lower entry point); Korean-style shoulder throw (modified entry with deeper level change).
How effective is the Modified Fireman Carry in competition?
Modified fireman's carry variants are used in freestyle competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Modified Fireman Carry?
Top errors to watch for: Losing the arm control during the modified entry — without gi grips, the arm is harder to secure / Not adapting the level change for the specific modification — each variant requires a different depth / Over-modifying and losing the core mechanics — the load-and-roll must be preserved regardless of entry variation / Not drilling the specific grip alternatives for no-gi (wrist control, two-on-one, overhook).
What are other names for the Modified Fireman Carry?
The Modified Fireman Carry is also known as Henkei Faiyāmanzu Kyarī, Modified Fireman's, Kneeling Fireman's Carry, Short Fireman's Carry.