39 Mawashi uke undō¶
Name¶
Romaji:
Mawashi uke undō
Japanese:
回し受け運動
English:
Circular blocking (mawashi uke)
Romaji instructions¶
Hai, shisei o tadashite.
(Correct posture.)
Hai, mawashi uke.
Shōmen ni.
(Forward.)
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Hai, yoko ni.
(Side.)
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Hai, ushiro ni.
(Backward.)
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Hai, shita ni.
(Downward.)
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Counting¶
Ichi – Ni – San – Shi
(Repeated in each direction)
Description¶
The starting position is shizen tai or hachiji dachi.
The exercise trains mawashi uke, a circular blocking movement where the arms move in coordinated, opposite circular paths.
The movement is performed as follows:
- one arm moves outward and upward in a circular motion
- the other arm moves inward and downward in the opposite direction
- the motion meets in a controlled open-hand position (teishō)
The arms move continuously in a flowing rhythm without stopping between repetitions.
The exercise is performed in four directions:
- Shōmen (forward)
- Yoko (side)
- Ushiro (backward)
- Shita (downward)
The body follows the direction with a slight rotation of the hips and torso (koshi) while maintaining a stable center.
Purpose¶
- activate shoulders, elbows, and wrists
- develop coordination between both arms
- improve understanding of circular uke techniques
- train the transition between receiving and controlling force
- prepare the body for techniques in kihon and kata
The exercise functions as a bridge between warm-up and technical training, where movements begin to resemble actual techniques.
Technical key points¶
- continuous circular movement
- opposite arm coordination
- relaxed shoulders
- stable body through koshi
- clear open-hand position (teishō)
Comment¶
1. Terminology
Mawashi uke (回し受け) means “circular block” and appears in both kihon and kata.
2. Function
The movement develops not only mobility but also timing, direction, and force reception.
3. Structure
This exercise marks the transition from general warm-up to technique-oriented movement in Jumbi Undō.