36 – Alternating elbow movement with rotation (Sayū hiji undō)
Name
Sayū hiji undō (左右肘運動)
Alternating elbow movement with rotation
Romaji instruction
Hai, hiji agete.
Elbows up.
Karada hineri.
Rotate the body.
Hiji mae.
Elbow forward.
Hantai hiki.
Pull the other side back.
Sayū.
Right and left.
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.
Counting
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū
Description
The starting position is a wide stance.
The arms are bent in front of the body in a position corresponding to preparation for empi.
From this position, alternating rotation is performed:
- the body rotates to one side
- one elbow moves forward
- the other pulls backward
The movement alternates sides in time with the count.
Rotation is initiated from the hips (koshi) while the feet remain stable.
Purpose
- mobilize rotation in the hips and trunk
- activate elbow and shoulder movement
- improve coordination between the hips and arms
- prepare for empi techniques
Technical key points
- rotate from koshi
- use a clear forward–back movement in the elbows
- maintain stable foot contact
- alternate rhythmically
- avoid twisting the knees
- work within your own mobility
Comment
The exercise connects body rotation with elbow movement and prepares for technical practice.