If you’re looking for a throw that’s equal parts simple, powerful, and straight-up fun to hit, the Hip Wheel (Koshi Guruma) is it. This move is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classic that shows off just how versatile hip throws can be. With the right timing, you can take your opponent for a ride and slam them straight into the mats, setting yourself up for control or even a submission finish.
It’s a staple throw every grappler should have in their arsenal — effective in Gi, No-Gi, and competition settings alike. Master the Hip Wheel, and you’ll not only add a big takedown threat to your game, but you’ll also sharpen your ability to control balance, leverage, and momentum, which we all know are core parts of BJJ.
Understanding The Hip Wheel BJJ Technique
Koshi Guruma (literally “hip wheel”) is one of the original 40 throws of Kodokan Judo, created by Jigoro Kano back in the late 1800s. The idea is simple: wrap your opponent’s head, load them onto your hip, and spin them through the air like a wheel. It’s been around for over a century, and it’s still one of the most powerful ways to put someone on their back.
Because BJJ grew out of Judo, Koshi Guruma made its way into the art as a natural fit. Judo’s emphasis on hip throws gave early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners a library of takedowns to adapt. Over time, the hip wheel stuck around because it’s really effective (and maybe because it also looks awesome when you hit it clean).
In Gi, the throw feels like it was built for the grips. You’ve got the collar, the sleeve, and plenty of leverage to yank your opponent forward and whip them over your hips. It became a go-to move for BJJ athletes who wanted a high-amplitude throw without needing Olympic-level explosiveness. Even at beginner levels, it’s one of the first throws people learn because it teaches balance, control, and how to connect your hips to your technique.
How the hip wheel differs from other hip throws
At first glance, the hip wheel looks a lot like O Goshi (Major Hip Throw). The difference is that in O Goshi, you grip around the waist or belt line, while in Koshi Guruma you wrap up high around the head and neck. That head control changes the whole feel of the throw, giving you more torque and rotation, but also making it riskier if you don’t execute cleanly.
How Does Hip Wheel Work?
Like most BJJ techniques, the hip wheel is more about clena mechanics thant it is about brute strength. Break your opponent’s balance forward, wrap their head, and slide your hips in deep. From there, your body becomes the axle, and they roll right over.
Balance and timing are everything. Get your hips lower than theirs, stay toe-to-toe, and keep that head wrap tight. In Gi, the collar-and-sleeve grip does the job; in No-Gi, wrist or tricep control works just as well.
The throw comes a smooth hip turn, straightening the legs at the right moment, and driving them through the wheel. Nail those details, and the throw feels effortless.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Execute the Hip Wheel in BJJ
Step 1: Secure a firm grip on the opponent’s head and neck with one arm.
Step 2: Use the other hand to control the sleeve (gi) or the other arm and wrist (no gi).
Step 3: Align your hips as you step in close to your opponent.
Step 4: Disrupt the balance by turning your opponent with your torso and pulling using the sleeve grip
Step 5: Execute the throw with a continuous rotation motion, lifting them off the ground.
Step 6: Maintain control post-throw, position to a dominant position.
Benefits of Mastering of Hip Wheel Koshi Guruma
- Versatility in your attacks – Works in Gi, No-Gi, self-defense, and competition.
- Core skills builder – Sharpens balance, timing, hip movement, and grip control.
- Blends Judo into BJJ – Adds powerful stand-up options while staying true to BJJ’s flow.
When to Use Hip Wheel
The Hip Wheel works best when you catch your opponent in just the right spot — upright, defensive, and giving you the space to step in deep. Think of it less like a single move and more like a gateway throw that can chain into all kinds of attacks.
Advanced setups in Judo and BJJ – You’ll often see Koshi Guruma launched off a split-hip entry. Sliding one hip across at an angle makes the throw tighter and harder to stop.
Grip variations – Don’t be afraid to switch grips mid-throw. In Gi, that might mean shifting from a collar-and-sleeve to a high wrap. In No-Gi, you can combine a headlock with an underhook to lock things down.
Eliciting reactions – Fake a shoulder throw (Seoi Nage) and when your opponent braces forward, wheel them over. Same idea with foot sweeps — a quick De Ashi Barai attempt gets them moving just enough to open the door.
No-Gi setups – The classic headlock + underhook combo makes this throw very effective without fabric grips. Once you cinch that head-and-arm control, it’s all hips and rotation.
Transitions and follow-ups – The beauty of the Hip Wheel is what comes after. Land clean and flow straight into Kesa Gatame scarf hold. Miss the throw? Switch to an arm lock. Opponent tries to step around? Hit them with Uchi Mata or Ouchi Gari.
In short, Koshi Guruma is a throw that creates opportunities. Nail it clean, and you’ve got a highlight-reel takedown. Miss it, and you’re still right where you want to be — attacking in combos and keeping your opponent on the defensive.
Tips for Mastery
The hip wheel looks simple, but like most great BJJ techniques, it’s all about the details. Focus on these essentials to sharpen your timing, power, and control:
- Avoid overreliance on strength and, instead, emphasize gaining leverage.
- Keep knee and hip alignment with your opponent to make your rotation clean and prevent getting stuffed.
- Avoid overcommitting to the throw without control. Lock grips and balance first.
- Practice drills for grip and hip movement to build muscle memory and smoother execution.
- Roll with a partner to improve your balance and timing.
- Practice deep entries because the deeper your hips slide under theirs, the more powerful and efficient the throw becomes.
Add More Weapons to Your Toolkit
The hip wheel is one of those throws that shows how Judo’s roots have made BJJ such a sharp, diverse grappling art. Looking for more ways to level up your takedowns and submissions? Check out our other technique breakdowns, including the reverse triangle choke and kneebar.