Legrand’s moving Koshi Guruma begins the same as his direct variation – he starts with an inside left lapel grip, before bringing his right hand onto the opposite lapel.

With both hands on lapels, Legrand looks to feed his left hand up and around Uke’s head. Taking hold of a high collar grip, right behind their head. Legrand brings his elbow down, placing his forearm onto their chest. This gives him more control of Uke’s head and upper body. Now Legrand can take control of the situation and circle around in front of his opponent.

By dropping his weight down onto Uke, Legrand forces his opponent down. The left arm really applies pressure onto Ukes collarbone and upper chest, while the right hand pulls down on the lapel.

It’s a full body movement to pressure his opponent. Legrand bends at the knees and leans his weight forward a little, placing it slightly over Uke. This movement loads his opponent up like a spring. When Legrand releases this pressure Uke goes to stand back up. This is the perfect time for him to enter with his Koshi Guruma.

Legrand brings his right leg in towards his left. As it comes in, he fires the left leg deep between Uke’s.

While moving the legs in, Legrand turns his feet so they end up facing forwards - in the same direction as his opponent. He keeps his back leg slightly bent, staying on his toes.

See how Legrand pulls up hard on their lapel, and brings his left arm up around their head, wrapping it tight - whilst maintaining his collar grip. This, combined with the legs, pulls Uke up onto Legrand, allowing him to make contact with his whole body, ready to execute the throw.

To finish, Legrand steps his right leg back between Uke’s. Pushing his hips backwards, lifting them off their feet. He drives off his toes and rotates.

As with his other variation Legrand has to fully commit his weight, with Uke being effectively attached to him. The entry and execution is very similar to his direct variation; the difference is all in the preparation before the execution.

So, once Legrand has the lapel and collar grip he takes control; moving and bending Uke over. When they react by trying to stand back up, Legrand fires in for the Koshi Guruma. Starting from a weak and dangerous situation, Legrand gets the dominant grip, controls Uke’s movement, and executes the throw.

A great example of turning the tide on your opponent.