How to Do the Fireman's Carry in BJJ
Also known as: Kata Guruma
The fireman's carry is a wrestling technique where you duck under and load your opponent across your shoulders before dumping them.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Get inside tie or two-on-one
- 2 Duck your head under their arm
- 3 Grab their leg and arm
- 4 Load them across your shoulders
- 5 Roll them off to the mat
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not getting deep enough
- ⚠️ Head position wrong
- ⚠️ Not controlling the leg
- ⚠️ Letting them guillotine
- ⚠️ Standing up too tall
🔄 Variations
- → Flying fireman
- → Kata guruma variation
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Sprawl
- → Guillotine
- → Whizzer
Track Your Fireman's Carry Progress
Log every time you practice the Fireman's Carry and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Fireman's Carry? ▼
The Fireman's Carry is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Fireman's Carry works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Fireman's Carry? ▼
The Fireman's Carry is typically executed from standing. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.